Overview

• Researchers named the species Joaquinraptor casali from a partially articulated skeleton excavated in the Lago Colhué Huapi Formation of central Patagonia.
• A crocodyliform humerus was found lodged between the predator’s lower jaws in direct tooth contact with possible bite marks, suggesting—but not proving—a feeding event.
• The individual measured about 7 meters long, weighed roughly a tonne, and was at least 19 years old at death based on bone microstructure.
• The specimen preserves much of the skull along with forelimbs, hindlimbs, ribs and vertebrae, making it one of the most complete and geologically youngest megaraptorans known.
• Phylogenetic analysis supports Megaraptora within Coelurosauria as sister to Tyrannosauroidea, and the animal likely served as an apex predator in warm, humid floodplains; further CT and taphonomic work will test how the croc bone came to rest in the jaws.