His remains were found back in 2021-2022 in Colorado, but only recently it was possible to confirm that this is a separate species, which was given the name Enigmacursor mollyborthwickae. This is reported by CNN with reference to a study published in the journal Open Science.
The new species was extremely small for dinosaurs: about half a meter in height and about a meter in length – it resembled a Labrador in size. The dinosaur was herbivorous and walked on two long hind legs. Scientists suggest that he was fast enough to escape from predators.
"These very small plant-eating dinosaurs have been found extremely rarely. In fact, it is rare to find an almost complete skeleton, rather than several fragments of bones. Therefore, these dinosaurs are rather little known," explained co–author of the study, paleontologist Paul Barrett.
The name of the dinosaur is also symbolic: the "enigma" part means a riddle, because for a long time scientist could not determine which species the found skeleton belongs to.
In the near future, Enigmacursor mollyborthwickae will become part of the exhibition at the Natural History Museum in London. korrespondent.net.
