Jian

Jian is a microraptorine dromaeosaur, and the only non-avian dinosaur so far discovered from the Xiagou Formation of what is now China. Typical of microraptorinae, Jian had long pennaceous feathers growing from its arms as well as its legs, and was small in size, growing to approximately 1 m in total body length.

Life reconstruction of Jian changmaensis

Holotype of Jian changmaensis (GSGM-D050), an articulated partial left pectoral girdle (scapulocoracoid) and forelimb (humerus, radius, and ulna). A, silhouette of generalized microraptorine dromaeosaurid theropod (courtesy Scott Hartman) showing skeletal elements preserved; B, photograph of specimen as preserved, exposed primarily in dorsomedial (scapulocoracoid), caudodorsal (humerus), and dorsal (radius and ulna) views; C, interpretive line drawing of B; D, detail photograph of scapulocoracoid and proximal end of humerus in caudodorsal view, showing supracoracoid fenestra and other structures; E, interpretive line drawing of D. Abbreviations: ac, acromion; bc, bicipital crest; C, coracoid; cr, caudal ridge; dep, dorsal epicondyle; dpc, deltopectoral crest; dr, dorsal ridge; ed, epicondylar depression; fs?, fossa for M. supinator?; H, humerus; hh, humeral head; lp, lateral process; ‘mb’, ‘medial bar’; op, olecranon process; R, radius; S, scapula; scb, scapular blade; scf, supracoracoid fenestra; sta, sternal articulation; U, ulna.

Life reconstruction of Jian changmaensis

Jian Xianfo