Qiupalong Facts
Pronunciation: CHEW-pah-long
Name meaning: Qiupa dragon (named after the Qiupa Formation)
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Height | 2m |
| Length | 4m |
| Weight | 150 kg |
| Speed | 40 km/h |
| Environment | Land |
| Era | Cretaceous |
| Period | Late Cretaceous |
| Type | Theropod |
| Location | China And Canada |
Qiupalong was a swift-running theropod dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 72 million years ago. This remarkable dinosaur belonged to a group known as ornithomimosaurs, often called 'ostrich dinosaurs' due to their long legs and bird-like appearance. Qiupalong measured about 4 metres in length and stood roughly 2 metres tall at the hip, making it a medium-sized member of its group.
Originally discovered in the Qiupa Formation of Henan Province, China, Qiupalong is particularly significant because it represents one of the few Late Cretaceous non-avian dinosaurs known from both Asia and North America. Specimens have been found not only in China but also in Alberta, Canada, suggesting this theropod had a remarkably wide geographical distribution during the Late Cretaceous.
Like other ornithomimosaurs, Qiupalong was built for speed, with long, powerful legs that could propel it at speeds of up to 40 kilometres per hour. Its diet likely consisted of a varied mix of plants, small animals, insects, and possibly eggs, making it an opportunistic omnivore. The dinosaur had a long neck, small head, and large eyes that would have given it excellent vision for spotting both food and potential predators across the Late Cretaceous landscapes of ancient Asia and North America.
What made Qiupalong distinctive?
Qiupalong had the typical ornithomimosaur build with long, slender legs built for speed, a lengthy neck, and a small head with large eyes. Its arms were relatively short with clawed hands, and it possessed a long tail that helped with balance whilst running.
Behaviour
Qiupalong was likely a fast-running dinosaur that used its speed to escape from predators and cover large distances whilst foraging. Its wide geographical distribution suggests it was highly adaptable and possibly migrated across different regions, taking advantage of seasonal food sources.
Discovery
Qiupalong was first described by Xu Xing and colleagues in 2011. The original fossils were discovered at Qiupa Formation, Henan Province, China.
Qiupalong FAQ
What did Qiupalong eat?
Qiupalong was an omnivore that likely ate a varied diet including plants, small animals, insects, and possibly eggs. Like modern ostriches, it would have been an opportunistic feeder, adapting its diet based on what was available in its environment.
How big was Qiupalong?
Qiupalong was about 4 metres long and stood roughly 2 metres tall at the hip. It weighed approximately 150 kilograms, making it a medium-sized ornithomimosaur, smaller than some of its relatives but still a substantial dinosaur.
When did Qiupalong live?
Qiupalong lived during the
Late Cretaceous period, approximately 72.2 million years ago. This places it in the later stages of the age of dinosaurs, not long before the mass extinction event that ended the Mesozoic Era.
Where was Qiupalong found?
Qiupalong fossils have been discovered in both China and Canada. The original specimen was found in the Qiupa Formation of Henan Province, China, whilst another specimen was discovered in Alberta, Canada, showing this dinosaur had a remarkably wide geographical range.
How do you pronounce Qiupalong?
Qiupalong is pronounced 'CHEW-pah-long'. The name comes from the Qiupa Formation where it was first discovered, combined with the Chinese word 'long' meaning dragon.
What does Qiupalong mean?
Qiupalong means 'Qiupa dragon'. The name combines 'Qiupa', referring to the rock formation in China where it was discovered, with 'long', the Chinese word for dragon, a common element in Chinese dinosaur names.
How fast could Qiupalong run?
Qiupalong could likely reach speeds of up to 40 kilometres per hour. Its long, powerful legs were perfectly adapted for running, much like modern ostriches, allowing it to escape predators and cover large distances whilst foraging.
What type of dinosaur was Qiupalong?
Qiupalong was a theropod dinosaur, specifically an ornithomimosaur from the family Ornithomimidae. These dinosaurs are often called 'ostrich dinosaurs' because of their similar body shape and running ability to modern ostriches.
Was Qiupalong related to birds?
Yes, as a theropod dinosaur, Qiupalong was part of the same group that gave rise to modern birds. Ornithomimosaurs like Qiupalong were particularly bird-like in their appearance and behaviour, with long legs, necks, and swift running abilities.
How many Qiupalong fossils have been found?
Only a few Qiupalong specimens have been discovered so far - the original from China and at least one from Canada. Additional similar fossils from Russia may also belong to this genus, but more research is needed to confirm their exact identification.
