Paleontologists have recently uncovered a new genus of small, bird-like dinosaur that thrived in present-day New Mexico approximately 73 million years ago.
The newly identified genus, Dinevenator, is part of the bird-like predatory dinosaur family known as Troodontidae.
This genus is monospecific, containing just one recognized species: Dinevenator robustus.
Dinevenator robustus was approximately 2.4 to 3 meters (8 to 10 feet) in length and weighed between 70 to 140 kilograms (150 to 300 pounds), making it one of the larger known troodontids.
“This discovery highlights the ever-evolving nature of dinosaur research as we continue to refine our understanding of these incredible creatures,” stated Dr. Anthony Fiorillo, executive director of the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science.
“It also emphasizes New Mexico’s significant role in global paleontological discussions.”
According to Dr. Steven Jasinski, paleontology curator at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science and a researcher at Harrisburg University, “This discovery enhances our understanding of the diversity within this dinosaur family during the Late Cretaceous period in North America and enriches our knowledge of the dinosaurs that once inhabited New Mexico.”
The fossil of Dinevenator robustus is known from a nearly complete left frontal bone, part of the skull, cataloged as SMP VP-1955.
This specimen was excavated in the summer of 2005 from the De-na-zin Member of the Kirtland Formation in the San Juan Basin of northwestern New Mexico.
Since its initial description in 2006, the fossil’s classification has undergone several revisions; it was first identified as a new species of the raptor-like dromaeosaurid Saurornitholestes.
However, this classification was contested, and by 2014, the specimen was reassigned to Troodontidae.
Despite the reassignment, some paleontologists doubted its validity, and a 2026 study suggested including it within the genus Xenovenator from Mexico.
After thorough analysis, Dr. Jasinski and his colleague Robert Sullivan determined that the fossil is sufficiently distinct from Xenovenator and other troodontids to justify its own genus.
Phylogenetic analysis positioned Dinevenator robustus among large-bodied, thick-skulled troodontids, alongside Xenovenator espinosai and the Canadian species Albertavenator curriei.
Contrary to previous hypotheses, the new species has been identified as the earliest-diverging member of the robust-skulled lineage.
This discovery further enriches the growing inventory of dinosaur species unique to the ecosystems of the San Juan Basin, underscoring the region’s significance for comprehending dinosaur diversity in the southern United States during the Late Cretaceous period.
“The identification of a distinct, large, robust, thick-skulled troodontid underscores the uniqueness of the ancient ecosystems within the San Juan Basin,” the researchers concluded.
“Various dinosaur groups reflect closer affinities with species from different geographic regions, indicating a complex interplay among species during the Late Cretaceous in North America.”
The findings are detailed in a study published on August 3 in the journal Fossil Studies.
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Steven E. Jasinski & Robert M. Sullivan. 2026. Dinevenator, a New Genus of Troodontid Dinosaur from the Late Cretaceous of New Mexico. Foss. Stud 4 (3): 21; doi: 10.3390/fossils4030021
Source: www.sci.news
