Genus: Microraptor XU, ZHOU & WANG, 2000
Etymology: the generic name refers to the small size of this new dromaeosaurid
dinosaur.
Species: zhaoianus XU, ZHOU & WANG, 2000
Etymology: In honor of Zhao Zijin, a distinguished dinosaurologist who introduced
the first author to the field of vertebrate paleontology.
Holotype: IVPP V 12330
Locality: Xiasanjiazi, Chaoyang County, western Liaoning Provicne, China.
Horizon: Horizon IV, Jiufotang Formation, Upper Jehol Group.
Biostratigraphy: Pistacosaurus fauna, Cathayornis-Chaoyanga Avifauna.
Age: Barremian Stage, Lower Gallic Subepoch, Lower Early Cretaceous Epoch, Early Cretaceous.
Referred material:
HWANG, NORELL, QIANG & KEQIN, 2002
Locality: Qianyang, a small village approximately 10 km southwest of the city of Yixian, Liaoning Province, China.
Horizon:
Biostratigraphy:
Age: Early Cretaceous.
Material:
CAGS 20-8-001: 7 slabs, dorsal surfaces of the pectoral girdle, forelimbs, trunk, pelvic girdle, proximal femora, and proximal caudals are exposed, on the ventral surface the distal femora, tibiae, fibulae , pes, and distal caudals are exposed. The counterslab is available only for the midsection of the body.
Note: Has furcula.
CAGS 20-7-004: A single slab on a plaster block with a few counterpart pieces preserved. The specimen is semi-articulated: however, some elements like the lower jaws, lay near the edge of the slab.
Note: Has furcula.