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Description

Another work. A troodontid Hesperornithoides miessleri from the late Jurassic of Wyoming, one of many new theropods of this year. Well, not quite "new" - fossils were found in 2001. In the past few years, the animal has been known by the nickname "Lori," after a volunteer who participated in the excavation. And only this year came a full publication, after the announcement in 2003 and phylogenetic analysis in 2005.

Hesperornithoides is one of the whole galaxy of Morrison formation theropods, complementing their impressive variety. The dinosaur's skeleton is incomplete, but there is cranial material including jaws and teeth, and legs, among other things. Anatomical characteristics allow to define "Lori" as a basal troodontid. Very long legs talking about agile runner, and fang-like tooth protrude from the maxilla. The chemical composition of rocks and flora remains indicate a seasonal, semi-arid climate and the dominance of stunted plants. Hesperornithoides pursued small game among the cycads and ferns flanked puddles of standing water. The finding of "Lori" significantly increases the biodiversity of theropod species in Morrison.

This Hesperornithoides individual is pictured dozing on one leg. After drawing, I thought that the feathering is even too thin in some places, but I think it looks good enough. I don't often draw paravians, unfortunately.

2B technical pencil, 2019.

Description

Another work. A troodontid Hesperornithoides miessleri from the late Jurassic of Wyoming, one of many new theropods of this year. Well, not quite "new" - fossils were found in 2001. In the past few years, the animal has been known by the nickname "Lori," after a volunteer who participated in the excavation. And only this year came a full publication, after the announcement in 2003 and phylogenetic analysis in 2005.

Hesperornithoides is one of the whole galaxy of Morrison formation theropods, complementing their impressive variety. The dinosaur's skeleton is incomplete, but there is cranial material including jaws and teeth, and legs, among other things. Anatomical characteristics allow to define "Lori" as a basal troodontid. Very long legs talking about agile runner, and fang-like tooth protrude from the maxilla. The chemical composition of rocks and flora remains indicate a seasonal, semi-arid climate and the dominance of stunted plants. Hesperornithoides pursued small game among the cycads and ferns flanked puddles of standing water. The finding of "Lori" significantly increases the biodiversity of theropod species in Morrison.

This Hesperornithoides individual is pictured dozing on one leg. After drawing, I thought that the feathering is even too thin in some places, but I think it looks good enough. I don't often draw paravians, unfortunately.

2B technical pencil, 2019.