A dinosaur fossil that puzzled scientists for more than 20 years has finally revealed a new species. Researchers have identified Dinevenator robustus, a bird-like, two-legged dinosaur that lived about 73 million years ago in what is now New Mexico, USA, during the Late Cretaceous.
Scientists identify a new dinosaur from an old fossil
The fossil was discovered in 2005 by palaeontologist Robert Sullivan. It was a nearly complete left frontal bone, part of the dinosaur’s skull. At first, scientists thought it belonged to a dromaeosaurid, the dinosaur family that includes Velociraptor. Later research showed that it actually belonged to a different group called troodontids.
A new study has now shown that the fossil is different enough from other known troodontids to represent its own genus and species, Dinevenator robustus. The dinosaur was a relatively large, robust member of its group, with an estimated length of around 2.5 to 3 metres.
Troodontids were small to medium-sized, bird-like dinosaurs known for their relatively large brains. The discovery of Dinevenator adds another species to the Late Cretaceous dinosaur communities of New Mexico and shows that these ancient predators were more diverse than previously thought. The researchers published their findings in the journal Fossils in August 2026.
Why was the fossil difficult to identify?
Only part of the dinosaur has been found, so scientists had to rely heavily on the shape and structure of its skull bone. Detailed comparisons with other dinosaurs showed several unusual features, including its thick and robust frontal bones. These helped researchers recognise it as a distinct species.
What does Dinevenator mean?
The name Dinevenator combines Diné, the name used by the Navajo people for themselves, with the Latin word venator, meaning hunter. The name therefore refers to a hunter associated with the Diné people.
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