Asfaltovenator vialidadi is a genus and extinct species of theropod dinosaur, discovered in Argentina and dating from the Middle Jurassic period, approximately 170 million years ago. Its name comes from the place of discovery, the La Buitrera asphalt quarry, in the province of Chubut, and was given in honor of the road engineer Don Luis Vialidadi, who facilitated access to the excavation sites.
Asfaltovenator vialidadi was a large carnivore, with an estimated length of about 7 to 8 meters. Its bone structure reveals primitive characteristics of tetanurans, a clade that includes most advanced theropods. This dinosaur possesses a unique mix of both primitive and derived characteristics, making it an important study subject for understanding early theropod evolution.
The skull of the Asfaltovenator is robust and elongated, with sharp, backward-curving teeth adapted to tearing flesh. The forelimbs were relatively short but powerful, equipped with sharp claws, while their hindlimbs were long and strong, suitable for running and active hunting. The tail was long and rigid, providing balance during locomotion.
The discovery of Asfaltovenator vialidadi provides valuable information about the diversity of theropods during the Middle Jurassic in Gondwana, the continental mass that would include South America. This discovery underlines the importance of Argentine Patagonia as a key region for the study of dinosaur evolution, offering new data on the fauna and ecosystems of that time.
Approximate measurements of the Asfaltovenator:
- Complete 1:60 Scale
- Length 124mm
- Height 50mm
- Snout-tail length 133 mm
- 1:35 scale Two-piece assembly kit
- Length 213mm
- Height 86mm
- Snout-tail length 228mm
