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Smallest Dinosaur Discovered: Alnashetri's Unique Features Revealed

2/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

Alnashetri cerropoliciensis, a fossil alvarezsaurid dinosaur, is represented by a complete skeleton from Patagonia, Argentina, and ranks among the smallest known dinosaurs.
The 95-million-year-old fossil was discovered in 2014, weighs about 0.7 kg, and measures roughly 70 cm long.
Unlike later alvarezsaurs, Alnashetri had longer arms and larger teeth, indicating it was not insectivorous.
The Nature study, published February 25, 2026, shows multiple size reductions and coexistence with larger species.

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Story summary

Alnashetri cerropoliciensis, a fossil alvarezsaurid dinosaur, is represented by a complete skeleton from Patagonia, Argentina, and ranks among the smallest known dinosaurs.
The 95-million-year-old fossil was discovered in 2014, weighs about 0.7 kg, and measures roughly 70 cm long.
Unlike later alvarezsaurs, Alnashetri had longer arms and larger teeth, indicating it was not insectivorous.
The Nature study, published February 25, 2026, shows multiple size reductions and coexistence with larger species.