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Description
Mini-reconstruction of the noasaurid Velocisaurus unicus from the Late Cretaceous of Argentina, who grabbed a lizard.

The holotype of Velocisaurus was found in 1985 in the Neuquén Province and consisted of a right foot. The dinosaur's metatarsals were very narrow, which resembled the feet of running animals, so José Bonaparte called the reptile a "swift lizard". The median metatarsal was the main element of the metatarsal, the other two were very narrow, which was a completely new feature. Therefore, Velocisaurus was even awarded a separate family, a Velocisauridae. Interestingly, Bonaparte considered this dinosaur to be non-raptorial. Later it was shown to belong to Noasauridae, and in 2016 a second specimen consisting of a more complete hindlimb was described. Velocisaurus was a small theropod about 1.5 meters long.

It is believed that Velocisaurus was close to Masiakasaurus knopfleri from Madagascar. My reconstruction is generally based on this view, including the unusual curved jaws. The eating habits of Maziakasaurus are still unknown for sure, it is often considered a hunter of fish or snakes. But it is possible that such dinosaurs were more generalistic predators. I portrayed the latter version of the Velocisaurus in this drawing by "feeding" it a lizard (which, it seems, has already been attacked by someone).

Black gel ink pen, 2022.

Description
Mini-reconstruction of the noasaurid Velocisaurus unicus from the Late Cretaceous of Argentina, who grabbed a lizard.

The holotype of Velocisaurus was found in 1985 in the Neuquén Province and consisted of a right foot. The dinosaur's metatarsals were very narrow, which resembled the feet of running animals, so José Bonaparte called the reptile a "swift lizard". The median metatarsal was the main element of the metatarsal, the other two were very narrow, which was a completely new feature. Therefore, Velocisaurus was even awarded a separate family, a Velocisauridae. Interestingly, Bonaparte considered this dinosaur to be non-raptorial. Later it was shown to belong to Noasauridae, and in 2016 a second specimen consisting of a more complete hindlimb was described. Velocisaurus was a small theropod about 1.5 meters long.

It is believed that Velocisaurus was close to Masiakasaurus knopfleri from Madagascar. My reconstruction is generally based on this view, including the unusual curved jaws. The eating habits of Maziakasaurus are still unknown for sure, it is often considered a hunter of fish or snakes. But it is possible that such dinosaurs were more generalistic predators. I portrayed the latter version of the Velocisaurus in this drawing by "feeding" it a lizard (which, it seems, has already been attacked by someone).

Black gel ink pen, 2022.