Scientists have uncovered a new species of dinosaur, Enigmacursor mollyborthwickae, which lived around 150 million years ago in what is now the United States. The dog-sized dinosaur, about the size of a Labrador retriever, had a unique tail and thigh bone that set it apart from other known species.
The fossil, discovered in Colorado, was missing its skull and some vertebral column bones, but researchers were able to study its skeletal remains. According to Professor Paul Barrett, who led the study, Enigmacursor mollyborthwickae was “lightly built” and weighed around the same as a collie.
The dinosaur was a herbivore and had long hind legs, suggesting it was a speedy runner that could make quick escapes from predators. Its unique characteristics include distinct muscle attachments on its thigh bone, which is most closely related to another known species found in China.
The Enigmacursor mollyborthwickae’s discovery provides valuable insights into what ancient ecosystems were like, as smaller dinosaurs are often overlooked by fossil hunters. The skeleton will be displayed at the Natural History Museum from June 26.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/06/25/science/new-dog-sized-dinosaur-species-discovered-intl-scli