Dryptosaurus aquilunguis

Dryptosaurus aquilunguis is a primitive tyrannosauroid theropod from the Maastricthian of East North America (the subcontinent Appalachia). Even though Dryptosaurus is one of the first named dinosaurs in USA, it's not very popular outside the paleontological circles. This is caused by the very fragmentary nature of its fossilized remains. It's estimated to be a little over 7 meters long, and as a primitive member of the clade had three fingers on each hand, unlike more derived members (as T. rex) which had two.

Here, Dryptosaurus aquilunguis is laying on one side on the ground, resting, being sick or dying (it's your choice). The resting positon of the animal is inspired by recent discussion over Hell Creek's forums.

This reconstruction is higly speculative. The long head is based after other tyrannosauroids as Eotyrannus, Appalachiosaurus, Guanlong and Dilong and the nasal ornamentation is hypothesized on the base of presences of similar structures in Guanlong, Yutyrannus and Alioramus. As the fossils evidence shows tyrannosaurids were atleast partly covered by feathers. Following the rumorms of fossilized patches of T. rex's skin showing regions covered with tiny scales and/or naked skin, I included these types of integument in this restoration. The underside of the animal is covered with large subrectangular scales, which get finer in the upper parts of the body. Legs are also scaly, as in most theropods. Naked skin is present on thighs, parts of the tail and over the ribs.

Reference: The reconstruction is loosely based on Andrey Atuchin - [link]

Medium: Pencils - 2B and 5B (+ digital editing on Photoshop)
Done: 2013.