A New Early Coelophysoid Neotheropod from the Late Triassic of Northwestern Argentina

Researchers have identified Powellvenator podocitus, a new early coelophysoid neotheropod dinosaur from the Late Triassic of northwestern Argentina. This discovery significantly expands the South American record of predatory dinosaurs, which was previously limited to two species. The study analyzed partial hindlimbs and reclassified an earlier specimen, revealing unique anatomical features that distinguish Powellvenator podocitus from other basal dinosaurs. Phylogenetic analysis placed it within Coelophysoidea, as the sister-taxon of Procompsognathus triassicus and Coelophysinae, marking it as the first coelophysoid from South America alongside Lucianovenator bonoi.

Ezcurra, M. D. (2017). A New Early Coelophysoid Neotheropod from the Late Triassic of Northwestern Argentina. Ameghiniana, 54(5), 506. https://doi.org/10.5710/amgh.04.08.2017.3100