Genus: Herbstosaurus CASAMIQUELA, 1974
Etymology: In honor of the Argentine paleobotanist, Rafael Herbst, who first discovered the specimen, and Greek, sauros, "lizard."

Species: pigmaeus CASAMIQUELA, 1974
Etymology: Greek, pygmaios, "dwarf."

Holotype: CTEZ-PZ 1711

Locality: Arroyo Picun Leufu, Neuquen Province, Northern Patagonia, Argentina.

Horizon: Vaca Muerta Formation (originally believed to have been from the Middle Jurassic Lotena Formation)

Biostratigraphy:

Age: Tithonian Stage, Upper Malm Epoch, Late Jurassic.

Material: Sacrum, pelvis, femora and phalange.
Note: Originally thought to belong to the family Compsognathidae.