Velocisaurus

swift lizard

• velox / veloci- · Latin · swift, fast
• sauros · Greek · lizard

The name combines the Latin "velox" (swift) with the Greek "sauros" (lizard). It was chosen because the known remains, mainly the hind limb, show a slender, short-footed build that suggested a fast-running animal. The only named species is Velocisaurus unicus.

Named by

Bonaparte

Year named

1991

Period

Late Cretaceous

Stage

Santonian

Found in

Bajo de la Carpa Formation, Neuquén Province, Argentina

A small abelisauroid (noasaurid) theropod known from fragmentary remains, chiefly a partial hind limb and foot.