Jian

Jian changmaensis

Jian ate meat and walked on two legs. It lived in the Early Cretaceous. Bones have been found in China.

Quiz me on Jian

When: Early Cretaceous (Aptian) · roughly 121.4 to 113.2 million years ago
Named in: 2026 · Zhou, L. Q.; Lamanna, M. C.; Poust, A. W.; Li, D. Q.; You, H. L.; O'Connor, J. K.
Hip height: Not established
Length: Not established
Weight: Not established
Found in: China · Xiagou
Food and walking: Carnivore · Two legs
Kind: sharp-clawed runner · Theropod
Family branch: Microraptorinae

The story in short

Jian was formally named in 2026 by L. Q. Zhou and colleagues.

Fossils referred to Jian date to the Early Cretaceous (Aptian), roughly 121.4 to 113.2 million years ago. Finds come from China, including the Xiagou Formation. It was a carnivore and walked on two legs.

The fossils of Jian are too incomplete for a responsible length, hip height, or weight, so those fields are left blank on purpose.

On the family tree it sits in Microraptorinae, among the theropod dinosaurs.

Close relatives

Changyuraptor

Changyuraptor yangi

Early Cretaceous (Barremian) · roughly 125.8 to 121.4 million years ago

Graciliraptor

Graciliraptor lujiatunensis

Early Cretaceous (Barremian) · roughly 125.8 to 121.4 million years ago

Hesperonychus

Hesperonychus elizabethae

Late Cretaceous (Campanian) · roughly 83.6 to 72.2 million years ago