Yutyrannus was a large, feathered tyrannosauroid dinosaur that lived during the Early Cretaceous period, about 125 million years ago. It was a close relative of Tyrannosaurus rex and is the largest known dinosaur with direct evidence of feathers.

Where was Yutyrannus discovered?

Yutyrannus fossils were discovered in the Yixian Formation of Liaoning Province, northeastern China. This region is famous for its exceptionally preserved fossils, including many feathered dinosaurs.

What does the name Yutyrannus mean?

The name Yutyrannus means 'feathered tyrant,' combining the Chinese word 'Yu' (feathered) and the Latin 'tyrannus' (tyrant), referring to its large size and feathered body.

When did Yutyrannus live?

Yutyrannus lived during the Early Cretaceous period, around 125 million years ago, long before Tyrannosaurus rex appeared in the Late Cretaceous.

Why is Yutyrannus important?

Yutyrannus is important because it provides clear evidence that even large theropods could have feathers. Its discovery helps scientists understand the evolution of feathers and their role in early tyrannosauroids.

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

All

Late Triassic

Early Jurassic

Mid Jurassic

Late Jurassic

Early Cretaceous

Late Cretaceous

Africa

Asia

Australia

Europe

USA

Armoured dinosaur

Ceratopsian

Early dinosaur

Small ornithischian

Small ornithopod

Large ornithopod

Pachycephalosaur

Prosauropod

Sauropod

Small theropod

Large theropod

Dinosaurs A:Z | Y

You may also be intrested in: Free Dinosaur games

Dinosaurs: Yutyrannus (Feathered Tyrant)

Q: How big was Yutyrannus?

Yutyrannus measured around 9 meters (30 feet) long and weighed about 1.5 metric tons. It was roughly one-third the size of Tyrannosaurus rex but still among the largest known feathered animals.

Q: Did Yutyrannus have feathers?

Yes, Yutyrannus had a coat of long, filamentous feathers covering much of its body. These feathers likely helped with insulation and may have been used for display or temperature regulation.

Q: What did Yutyrannus eat?

Yutyrannus was a carnivore that preyed on other dinosaurs. Its sharp teeth and strong jaws suggest it was an active predator capable of taking down large prey.

What is Yutyrannus?

Yutyrannus was a remarkable dinosaur that roamed the Earth during the Early Cretaceous Period, around 125 million years ago in what is now northeastern China. Its name means "feathered tyrant," and it is famous for being one of the largest known dinosaurs covered in feathers! Yutyrannus was a distant relative of the mighty Tyrannosaurus rex, but it lived much earlier and had a shaggier, more bird-like appearance.

How big was Yutyrannus?

Yutyrannus was a giant predator for its time. It could grow up to 9 metres (30 feet) long and stood about 3 metres (10 feet) tall at the hip. Weighing around 1.5 tonnes (1,500 kilograms), about as much as a small car, it was much lighter than T. rex but still an impressive hunter!

Appearance

Yutyrannus had a large head with powerful jaws full of sharp, serrated teeth. Its body was muscular and balanced by a long, thick tail. The most striking feature was its coat of long, filamentous feathers, covering much of its body, making it look a little like a giant, scary bird! Yutyrannus walked on two strong legs and had small arms with three clawed fingers on each hand.

A realistic rendering of an Yutyrannus dinosaur in a prehistoric snowy tundra surrounded by trees. Yutyrannus

Generative AI Notiﬁcation: Some elements of this image have been created or enhanced using AI technology. To find out how we create all our dinosaurs, click here.

Did Yutyrannus have feathers?

Yes! Fossil evidence clearly shows that Yutyrannus was covered in long, simple feathers. These feathers probably helped keep it warm, as the climate in its home region could be quite chilly. Yutyrannus is the largest dinosaur yet discovered with direct evidence of feathers.

What did Yutyrannus eat?

Yutyrannus was a carnivore, which means it ate meat. Its sharp teeth and strong jaws were perfect for catching and eating other dinosaurs and prehistoric animals. Scientists believe it may have hunted in packs or scavenged for food when necessary.

Where did Yutyrannus live?

Yutyrannus fossils have been found in Liaoning Province, China. During the Early Cretaceous, this area was made up of forests, lakes, and volcanic landscapes, providing plenty of opportunities for hunting and hiding.

Interesting facts

Feathery giant: Yutyrannus is the largest known dinosaur with clear evidence of feathers.
Family ties: It was an early relative of Tyrannosaurus rex.
Fossil find: The first fossils were discovered in 2012 in China.
Pack hunter? Several fossils found together suggest it may have lived in groups.

A realistic rendering of an Yutyrannus dinosaur on a white background

Image showing a size comparison between an adult Yutyrannus dinosaur (left) versus a human adult (right).

Yutyrannus Facts

Pronounced: yoo-tie-RAN-us

Name Means: "Feathered Tyrant"

Length: up to 9 m (30 feet)

Height: about 3 m (10 feet) at the hip

Weight: around 1,500 kilograms (1.5 tonnes)

Diet: Carnivore (meat)

Time: Early Cretaceous (about 125 million years ago)

Fossils Found: Asia (northeastern China)

Which family of Dinosaurs did Yutyrannus belong to?

Yutyrannus was a member of the tyrannosauroid family. This group includes the famous Tyrannosaurus rex, but Yutyrannus lived millions of years earlier and had a much more feathery appearance!

How fast was Yutyrannus?

Yutyrannus had strong legs and was likely a quick runner, able to chase down prey or escape danger. Its body was built for balance and agility, but it wasn’t as fast as some of the smaller dinosaurs.

Was Yutyrannus intelligent?

Like other large theropods, Yutyrannus had a fairly large brain for its size, which may have made it clever compared to most dinosaurs. This could have helped it hunt in groups or solve problems in its environment.

Did Yutyrannus hunt in packs?

Scientists have discovered fossils of several Yutyrannus individuals together, which suggests they may have lived or hunted in groups. This is still being studied, but it’s possible that Yutyrannus was a social dinosaur.

What other dinosaurs lived at the same time as Yutyrannus?

During the Early Cretaceous Period, Yutyrannus shared its world with many fascinating creatures, including:

Psittacosaurus: A small, beaked, plant-eating dinosaur.
Beipiaosaurus: Another feathered dinosaur, but smaller and likely a plant-eater.
Liaoningosaurus: A small, armoured dinosaur found in the same region.
Sinosauropteryx: A tiny, feathered dinosaur known for its striped tail.
Sinornithosaurus: A small, feathered, carnivorous dinosaur that may have hunted in trees.

Yutyrannus FAQ

Q1: What is a Yutyrannus?

A1: Yutyrannus was a remarkable dinosaur that roamed the Earth during the Early Cretaceous Period, around 125 million years ago in what is now northeastern China.

Q2: What does Yutyrannus mean?

A2: Yutyrannus means "Feathered tyrant," named for its impressive feathers and powerful build.

Q3: Was Yutyrannus a carnivore?

A3: Yes, Yutyrannus ate meat and was a top predator of its time.

Q4: How big was Yutyrannus?

A4: Yutyrannus gre up to 9 metres (30 feet) long and about 1.5 tonnes in weight.

Q5: Did Yutyrannus have feathers?

A5: Yes, Yutyrannus is the largest dinosaur known with direct evidence of feathers.

Q6: Where did Yutyrannus live?

A6: Yutyrannus lived in what is now northeastern China.

Q7: Did Yutyrannus live in groups?

A7: Fossils suggest Yutyrannus might have lived or hunted in groups, but this is still being studied.

Q8: Was Yutyrannus related to T. rex?

A8: Yes, Yutyrannus was a distant relative and an early member of the tyrannosauroid family.

You may also be intrested in:

How we create our dinosaurs
How big were dinosaurs
Dinosaurs: A-Z

Tags: How big was Yutyrannus, Yutyrannus size, where does Yutyrannus rex live, how tall are Yutyrannus, what does Yutyrannus mean, Yutyrannus, Yutyrannus facts

Tweet