Changyuraptor yangi

† Changyuraptor yangi is a microraptorine dromaeosaurid from the Early Cretaceous Jiufotang Formation of Liaoning, China. At roughly 1.2 m long, it is the largest known four-winged dinosaur, with exceptionally long tail feathers up to 30 cm. Named in honour of Yang Yandong, it was a carnivore preying on small vertebrates. Its large hind wings suggest a role in aerial control during descent or gliding.

Diet & Feeding

Carnivore

Changyuraptor yangi was a meat-eating predator. Carnivorous dinosaurs were active hunters or scavengers, equipped with sharp teeth and claws for catching and consuming prey. They occupied the top of the food chain in their ecosystems.

Time Period

Cretaceous Early Mesozoic Era

Changyuraptor yangi lived during the Cretaceous Early period of the Mesozoic Era, approximately 145.0 to 100.5 million years ago.

The Cretaceous saw continued dinosaur evolution with the rise of ornithopods and early ceratopsians. Flowering plants first appeared and began to transform terrestrial ecosystems. Spinosaurus and other large theropods lived during this time.