Stenonychosaurus inequalis, also known as the "Stiff-tailed Dromaeosaur", is a species of theropod dinosaur that lived during the Cretaceous period, approximately 75 million years ago. It was discovered in the Dinosaur Park formation in Alberta, Canada, and is believed to be a close relative of the famous velociraptors.
Stenonychosaurus inequalityis was similar in appearance to other dromaeosaurids, with a slender, agile body and long, muscular hindlimbs. Its estimated length was around 2.5 meters and its weight is estimated to be around 30-40 kilograms. Although it was not very large compared to other dinosaurs, it did possess distinctive features that set it apart from other theropods.
A notable feature of Stenonychosaurus inequalityis was its stiff tail, which is believed to have given it stability and balance as it moved. Unlike the flexible tail of other dinosaurs, this species had a tail composed of fused bones, allowing it to be held straight and possibly used as a counterweight during locomotion.
Stenonychosaurus inequalis is believed to have been a swift and agile predator. Its long hindlimbs indicate that it was capable of fast running, and its hands featured sharp, sickle-shaped claws that it probably used to capture small prey. Additionally, it has been suggested that these dinosaurs might have been capable of hunting in packs, using cooperative tactics to capture larger prey.
The diet of Stenonychosaurus inequalis probably consisted of small vertebrates, such as lizards, mammals, and birds, as well as insects and other invertebrates. Its teeth were small and sharp, adapted for tearing flesh and piercing insect exoskeletons.
Approximate measurements of the Stenonychosaurus:
- 1:20 scale - 125mm long
