Pectinodon Facts
| Diet | Carnivore |
| Height | 0.6m |
| Length | 1.5m |
| Weight | 8 kg |
| Environment | Land |
| Era | Cretaceous |
| Period | Late Cretaceous |
| Type | Theropod |
| Location | North America |

| Diet | Carnivore |
| Height | 0.6m |
| Length | 1.5m |
| Weight | 8 kg |
| Environment | Land |
| Era | Cretaceous |
| Period | Late Cretaceous |
| Type | Theropod |
| Location | North America |
Pectinodon was a small theropod dinosaur that lived during the final stages of the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 72 to 66 million years ago. This diminutive predator inhabited the ancient landscapes of North America, alongside famous dinosaurs like Tyrannosaurus rex and Triceratops. However, our understanding of Pectinodon remains frustratingly limited, as it is known exclusively from isolated teeth found in the Hell Creek Formation.
The teeth of Pectinodon reveal it was a member of the Troodontidae family, a group of bird-like theropods known for their intelligence and agility. These teeth are distinctively serrated and curved, perfectly adapted for slicing through flesh. The comb-like appearance of these dental remains gave Pectinodon its name, which means 'comb tooth'. Based on comparisons with related troodontids, scientists estimate this theropod was roughly the size of a large dog.
As a carnivorous theropod, Pectinodon would have been an active hunter, likely preying on small mammals, lizards, and possibly young dinosaurs. Like other troodontids, it probably possessed keen eyesight, quick reflexes, and a relatively large brain for its body size. The dinosaur would have been bipedal, running swiftly on its hind legs whilst using its clawed hands to grasp prey.
Unfortunately, without more complete skeletal remains, many aspects of Pectinodon's biology and appearance remain speculative, making it one of the more enigmatic dinosaurs from the end of the Mesozoic Era.
Pectinodon is distinguished primarily by its distinctive serrated, curved teeth that have a comb-like appearance when viewed from certain angles. These teeth are relatively small but show clear adaptations for cutting meat, with fine serrations along the edges.
Based on its troodontid classification, Pectinodon likely exhibited intelligent hunting behaviour and may have been active during twilight hours when its large eyes would have provided an advantage. It probably used stealth and speed to ambush smaller prey rather than confronting larger animals directly.
Pectinodon was first described by Kenneth Carpenter in 1982. The original fossils were discovered at Hell Creek Formation, Montana, USA.