Microraptor
ExploreAncient
Microraptor
Microraptor gui
Microraptor was a prehistoric dinosaur known for its distinctive features. Scientists study its bones to learn about how dinosaurs lived.
Habitat: Mesozoic forests and floodplains
Appearance
The Microraptor is a small, four-winged dinosaur with iridescent black feathers, similar to a modern raven. It has long, feathered legs and arms that act as additional wings, giving it a unique biplane-like appearance. Its sleek body and long tail feathers enhance its aerial design.
KingdomAnimalia
Category
AncientRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Wow! It had four wings, like a prehistoric biplane, for gliding between trees!
Wow! Its feathers likely gleamed with an iridescent, rainbow-like sheen!
Wow! Microraptor was the size of a modern crow, but had tiny, sharp teeth!
Wow! Scientists found its last meal: a tiny lizard or a small fish!
Special abilities
Ability
Quadrupedal Glide
Microraptor can glide through ancient forests because of its unique four feathered limbs, including hind legs that acted like extra wings.
Ability
Aerial Steering
Microraptor has a long, stiffened tail with a diamond-shaped fan of feathers that helps it steer and balance during glides.
Ability
Low-Light Vision
Microraptor might have hunted at dusk or night because of large eye sockets suggesting excellent low-light vision for prey.
Measurements & details
- Estimated Length
- 0.5-0.8 m
- Estimated Weight
- 0.5-1.5 kg
- Era
- Cretaceous Period
- Extinct Millions Years Ago
- 120
Diet & Feeding
A tiny, feathered hunter that snapped up small animals like lizards and fish.
Primary Foods
- lizards
- small birds
- fish
- small mammals
Foraging Method
- Ambush
Ecological connections
eats
Lycoptera fish
Lycoptera davidi
A small freshwater fish found in Microraptor stomach contents.
eats
Gliding lizard
Xianglong zhaoi
A tree-dwelling, gliding lizard, likely caught by Microraptor.
eaten by
Dilong
Dilong paradoxus
A small tyrannosauroid that may have hunted Microraptor.
Traits
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Ancient
Ancient refers to organisms, objects, or geological formations that have existed for an extremely long period.
Artifact
An artifact is an object made or modified by human culture, typically of historical or archaeological interest.
Fossil
A fossil is the preserved remains or traces of an ancient organism embedded in rock or other geological deposits.
Also known as
Microraptor gui
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
While extremely dangerous in their time, this creature is now extinct.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Microraptor?
0.5-0.8 m
How much does Microraptor weigh?
0.5-1.5 kg
What does Microraptor eat?
A tiny, feathered hunter that snapped up small animals like lizards and fish.
Where is Microraptor usually found?
Mesozoic forests and floodplains
How does Microraptor hunt?
Ambush
What geologic era did Microraptor live in?
Cretaceous Period
When did Microraptor go extinct?
120
Snap Map
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