Genus: Santanaraptor KELLNER, 1999
Etymology: Santana, the lithostratigraphic unit where this specimen was found and Latin, raptor, « ravisher, abductor ».

Species: placidus KELLNER, 1999
Etymology: In honor of Placido Cidade Nuvens, who idealized, constructed, and supported the Museu de Santana do Cariri, in an attempt to protect this import fossil site.

Holotype: Geology and Paleontology Department of Museu Nacional, Universidade Fedreal do Rio Janero MN/UFRJ MN 4802-V (cast at Departmento National da Producao Mineral, Rio de Janeiro, MCT 1502-R)

Locality: Possible from an outcrop near the town of Santana do Cariri, Ceara State, Araripe Basin, northeastern Brazil.

Horizon: Romualdo Member, Santana Formation, Araripe Group.

Biostratigraphy:

Age: Late Aptian or Early Albian Stage, Middle Gallic Subepoch, Upper Early Cretaceous Epoch, Early Cretaceous.

Material: Both ischia, hindlimbs, and some caudal vertebrae and still unidentified bones.
Note: Soft tissue is preserved and skin impressions.