Re: Feathered Ornitholestes?

[dinoboygraphics@aol.com]

> > > Since _Ornitholestes_ seems to occupy a phylogenetic position close 
to
that of compsognathids, including _Sinosauropteryx prima_, feathery
integument seems most likely. _S. prima_ is the best model to use for
now. (And perhaps _Dilong paradoxus_ is the second-best model.)

So far, remiges and rectrices seem to be limited to _Maniraptora_
sensu Sereno, though.<<<

But in Dilong, at least, the dermal structures appear to be branching, 
so perhaps a greater degree of elongated tufted structures on the arms 
and/or tail are appropriate.  Certainly Ornitholestes appears to be too 
advanced to be primitively scaled, so without direct evidence I'd go 
with "dino-fuzz", possible with some elongated branching structures in 
places (but not morphologically modern feathers).


Scott Hartman
Science Director
Wyoming Dinosaur Center
110 Carter Ranch Rd.
Thermopolis, WY 82443
(408) 483-9284

www.skeletaldrawing.com