Urumacodon

Urumacodon is an extinct genus of dromaeosaurid dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period in what is now Japan. The genus is known from a single species, Urumacodon rarus. Fossils of Urumacodon have been found in the Izumi Group of Awaji Island, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. This discovery is significant as it represents one of the few dromaeosaurid fossils found in Japan, contributing to our understanding of dinosaur distribution in East Asia during the Cretaceous.

The remains of Urumacodon rarus are fragmentary, consisting primarily of isolated teeth and bone fragments. These fossils indicate that Urumacodon was a relatively small theropod dinosaur, likely belonging to the dromaeosaurid family, commonly known as "raptors." Dromaeosaurids are characterized by their sickle-shaped claws on the second toe and their predatory nature. While specific details about Urumacodon's appearance and behavior are limited due to the scarcity of its fossil record, it is presumed to have shared general traits with other members of its group, such as being a fast-moving carnivore. The discovery of Urumacodon adds to the diverse fauna of the Late Cretaceous of Japan, suggesting a more complex ecosystem than previously understood. Further fossil discoveries are needed to provide a more complete picture of this intriguing dinosaur.