Lophialetes

Lophialetes is a genus of extinct dromaeosaurid dinosaurs that lived during the Early Cretaceous period. Fossil evidence suggests these dinosaurs were native to what is now China. The genus currently contains one recognized species, Lophialetes liudianensis.

The classification of Lophialetes within the dromaeosauridae family places it among the raptors, a group of feathered, bird-like theropod dinosaurs known for their agility and sickle-shaped claws. However, Lophialetes is considered a more primitive or basal member of this group compared to more well-known dromaeosaurs like Velociraptor or Deinonychus.

Fossils of Lophialetes have been found in the Huajiahe Formation. The remains indicate a relatively small-bodied dinosaur. Like other dromaeosaurs, it is presumed to have been bipedal and carnivorous. While direct evidence of feathers is not always preserved, the phylogenetic position of Lophialetes strongly suggests it possessed them. The exact appearance and behavior of Lophialetes are subject to ongoing research and interpretation based on the available fossil material and comparisons with related species.