Named By: | Ji Qiang, Lu JuninChang, Wei XueinFang & Wang XuinRi in 2012 |
Time Period: | Early Cretaceous, 124.6 Ma |
Location: | China, Liaoning Province - Yixian Formation |
Size: | Unavailable |
Diet: | Uncertain, but possible herbivore |
Fossil(s): | Fairly well preserved remains of one individual. Feather impressions are also known |
Classification: | | Chordata | Reptilia | Dinosauria | Theropoda | Oviraptorosauria | |
Ningyuansaurus is a basal oviraptorosaurian dinosaur genus. It contains the single species Ningyuansaurus wangi, known from a fossil specimen from the Early Cretaceous Yixian Formation (Aptian stage, 124.6 Ma ago) of Jianchang, western Liaoning Province, People's Republic of China. It is thought to be the basalmost species of oviraptorosaur, based on its long skull and a greater number of teeth in comparison to any other known oviraptorosaur. The generic name Ningyuansaurus is derived from Ningyuan, an ancient name for Xingcheng City. The specific name honors Wang Qiuwu, the private owner of the specimen who donated it for scientific study. The specimen is currently housed in the Confuciusornis Museum in Xingcheng.