Utahlas

Utahlas is a genus of theropod dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period in what is now Utah. The only known species, Utahlas annexe, was described in 2008. It is known from a partial skeleton, including parts of the skull, vertebrae, and limb bones. Utahlas is classified as a dromaeosaurid, a group of feathered, bird-like theropods that includes famous dinosaurs like Velociraptor.

Key characteristics of Utahlas include its relatively small size, estimated to be around 2 meters in length, and its slender build. It possessed sharp claws on its feet, typical of dromaeosaurids, which were likely used for hunting or climbing. The skull fragments suggest a relatively long snout and sharp teeth. The discovery of Utahlas in the Kaiparowits Formation adds to the understanding of the diversity of small predatory dinosaurs in North America during the Late Cretaceous. Its specific ecological role is not fully understood, but it likely preyed on small vertebrates like lizards and early mammals. Further discoveries may provide more insights into the life and behavior of this Utah-based dinosaur.