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A probable non-avian theropod pellet from the Xiagou Formation

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  • (1 Key Laboratory of Vertebrate Evolution and Human Origins, Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, Chinese Academy of Sciences  Beijing 100044, China 
    * Corresponding author: huhan@ivpp.ac.cn)
    (2 University of Chinese Academy of Sciences  Beijing 100049, China)
    (3 State Key Laboratory of Palaeobiology and Stratigraphy, Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology, Chinese Academy of Sciences  Nanjing 210008, China)
    (4 Negaunee Integrative Research Center, Field Museum of Natural History  Chicago IL 60605, USA)

Online published: 2026-08-25

Abstract

An unusual cluster of ornithuromorph bones preserved in an oval-shaped organic residue was recovered from the Changma locality of the Lower Cretaceous Xiagou Formation. Based on its oval outline, the presence of both broken and articulated elements, and Optical Photothermal Infrared (O‑PTIR) spectral data indicating the preservation of organic residues, we interpret this new specimen, IVPP V34827, as a probable pellet, possibly cast by a medium-sized non-avian theropod, and containing skeletal remains that belong to Gansus. To date, the only documented non-avian theropod from the Xiagou Formation is Jian changmaensis, a microraptorine dromaeosaurid. Therefore, we suggest Jian as a potential producer of the pellet described here, based on its size and the documented diets of other microraptorines, and hypothesize that at least some members of Microraptorinae cast pellets. This new pellet specimen thus provides valuable evidence for understanding the trophic relationships in the Early Cretaceous Changma ecosystem.

Cite this article

WANG Ying, HU Han, Michael SERIO, ZOU Yi, ZHAO Xiang-Dong, YOU Hai-Lu, ZHOU Zhong-He, Jingmai K O’CONNOR . A probable non-avian theropod pellet from the Xiagou Formation[J]. Vertebrata Palasiatica, 0 : 1 . DOI: 10.19615/j.cnki.2096-9899.260825

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