Pronunciation: MIH-nee-mo-KUHR-suh
Meaning: The smallest runner
Author/s: Manitkoon et al. (2023)
Synonyms: None known
First Discovery: Kalasin, Thailand
Discovery Chart Position: #1096
Minimocursor phunoiensis
(The smallest runner from Phu Noi)Etymology
Minimocursor is derived from the Latin "minimus" (the smallest) and "cursor" (runner). The species epithet, phunoiensis, means "from Phu Noi" in Latin. ZooBank registry: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:6B1DF01F-0D3E-4837-99B2-3D358CA2F928
Discovery
The remains of Minimocursor were discovered in the Phu Kradung Formation (Khorat Group) at Phu Noi (a small hill), Ban Din Chi sub-district, Kham Muang district, Kalasin province, Thailand, by a team from the Palaeontological Research and Education Centre of Mahasarakham University, in 2012.
The holotype (PRC 150) is a partially articulated skeleton consisting of a series of vertebrae (from the last three neck to the 10th tail) with a few ossified tendons, a left shoulder blade and hand, a complete pelvic girdle, both thighs, shins, and calves, left foot bones, right toe bones and a claw, a few skull fragments, and a partial tooth (now lost).
Referred material includes a lower jaw (PRC 149, but initially numbered PN 13-09 when described by Buffetaut et al. back in 2014) and a left foot with shin attached (SM2021-1-132), all from the type locality.
Further fossils have been discovered but are still under preparation.
