sollukattus

Sollukattus is a genus of theropod dinosaur that lived during the Early Cretaceous period, approximately 125 million years ago. It is known from a single species, Sollukattus langendorfensis, which was discovered in the Solnhofen limestone quarries in Germany. The genus name, Sollukattus, is derived from the Latin word "sollus," meaning "solitary," and "kattus," a diminutive form of "cat," referring to its small size. The specific name, langendorfensis, honors the Langendorf quarry where the fossil was found.

Sollukattus is one of the smallest known theropod dinosaurs, with an estimated length of about 1.5 meters (5 feet) and a weight of around 10 kilograms (22 pounds). It possesses several distinctive features, including a long, slender snout and a relatively short, robust body. The skull of Sollukattus is characterized by a deep, narrow snout with a large number of small teeth, suggesting a diet of small prey such as insects or other small vertebrates.

The fossil of Sollukattus langendorfensis consists of a nearly complete skull and lower jaws, as well as fragments of postcranial bones. The skull exhibits a unique combination of features, including a large antorbital fenestra (a hole in the skull above the eye socket) and a deep, narrow nasal region. These features, along with its small size and slender build, contribute to the distinctive appearance of Sollukattus.

Despite its small size, Sollukattus is an important addition to the fossil record of Early Cretaceous theropods. Its discovery provides valuable insights into the diversity and evolution of these dinosaurs during a critical period in Earth's history. Further study of Sollukattus and its relatives will continue to shed light on the origins and early evolution of theropod dinosaurs.