Masitisisauropus

["Patrick Norton" <ptnorton@email.msn.com>]

I recently purchased a used copy of Glut's "The Complete Dinosaur
Dictionary" (1982 edition) and came across a drawing depicting
_Masitisisauropus palmipes_ (Ellenberger, 1974) as a small theropod with
feathered forearms and webbed feet.  According to Glut's entry for
_Masitisisauropus_, Ellenberger restored the animal as a feathered theropod
based upon tracks showing feather-like impressions with the manus.  The
tracks are from the Upper Triassic or Lower Jurassic of South Africa.

What's the current thinking about _Masitisisauropus_? My search of the
archives turned up no mention of it by that name on the list, nor is there
any mention of it in the Dinosauria or the Encyclopedia of Dinosaurs.  I
assume it's now considered to be something else, since a feathered theropod
from that period would certainly be part of the discussion on the origin of
birds.  Sorry to drag up what's sure to be old news to many on the list, but
I don't recall ever hearing about this animal.

I also didn't know that George O. is such a talented artist--the book
includes quite a few of George's pen and ink drawings. Great stuff, George!

--------------------------------------
Pat Norton