Scientists Discover New Dinosaur Species

Paleontologists have identified a new species of small dinosaur that lived around 120 million years ago. It has been named Norellraptor barsboldi.

The dinosaur was named in honor of American paleontologist Mark Allen Norell, who died in 2025, and his Mongolian colleague Rinchen Barsbold.

The well-preserved remains, measuring about 57 centimeters in length, were discovered in China in 2023. According to scientists, they likely belonged to a dinosaur around three years old that was approaching adulthood.

Norellraptor barsboldi belongs to the microraptorine subfamily of dromaeosaurids within the theropod group. These small feathered dinosaurs were distinguished by flight feathers on both their forelimbs and hind limbs, which is why they are considered “four-winged.”