Description and Classification

Wulatelong was a medium-sized oviraptorid, estimated to be around 1.5 to 2 meters (approximately 5 to 6.5 feet) in length. Like other members of the Oviraptorosauria group, it was a bipedal dinosaur, meaning it walked on two legs. It would have been covered in feathers, a feature now widely accepted for many theropod dinosaurs, especially maniraptorans like Wulatelong. Its jaws were toothless and likely formed a strong, bird-like beak, which scientists call a rhamphotheca.

The skull of Wulatelong was relatively short and tall, a common trait among oviraptorids, and featured large openings which helped to reduce its weight. While some oviraptorids like Oviraptor or Citipati are famous for large, elaborate crests on their heads, the crest of Wulatelong was probably less prominent or of a different shape, though more fossil evidence might clarify this. Its forelimbs were well-developed, ending in three-fingered hands with sharp claws, which could have been used for gathering food or manipulating objects. It had long, slender legs suited for running, and a fairly long tail that would have helped with balance.

Wulatelong is classified as a theropod dinosaur within the group Maniraptora, which includes birds and their closest dinosaur relatives. More specifically, it belongs to the family Oviraptoridae. Within this family, its exact relationships are still being studied, but it is considered closely related to other Asian oviraptorids. Some studies place it within the subfamily Oviraptorinae, alongside dinosaurs like Oviraptor and Rinchenia, while others suggest affinities with the Ingeniinae (now often called Heyuanniinae).

Distinguishing Features

Wulatelong can be distinguished from other oviraptorid dinosaurs by a unique combination of anatomical features, primarily found in its skull and vertebral column. Some of these include:

• A relatively long snout compared to some other oviraptorids, particularly in the region in front of the nasal opening (the prenarial process of the premaxilla).
• The specific angle and structure of the quadrate bone, which connects the lower jaw to the skull at the back.
• Unique characteristics in the vertebrae (bones of the neck, back, and tail), including the shape and orientation of various processes.
• Differences in the proportions of its limb bones compared to closely related genera such as Heyuannia (formerly Ingenia).

Paleoenvironment and Diet

Wulatelong lived in what is now Inner Mongolia, China, during the Campanian stage of the Late Cretaceous period. The fossils were found in the Wulansuhai Formation, which is known for preserving a diverse ancient ecosystem. The environment at that time is interpreted as being semi-arid with seasonal rivers and lakes. This landscape would have supported a variety of plant life, offering food and shelter for many types of animals.

Wulatelong shared its habitat with other dinosaurs, including hadrosaurs (duck-billed dinosaurs) like Bactrosaurus, armored ankylosaurs such as Gobisaurus, and predatory tyrannosauroids. The presence of multiple oviraptorosaur species in the region suggests they were a successful group. Like other oviraptorids, Wulatelong is thought to have been an omnivore. Its strong, toothless beak could have been used to eat a variety of foods, such as seeds, nuts, fruits, eggs, and small animals like lizards or early mammals. While the name “oviraptor” means “egg thief” due to an early misunderstanding, most scientists now believe these dinosaurs were also dedicated parents that guarded their nests, rather than primarily raiding those of others.

Significance and Ongoing Research

The discovery of Wulatelong is significant because it adds to our understanding of the diversity and evolution of oviraptorid dinosaurs, particularly in Asia, which was a hotspot for this group during the Cretaceous. The nearly complete skeleton of Wulatelong provides valuable anatomical information that helps paleontologists clarify the relationships between different oviraptorid species and trace their evolutionary paths.

Ongoing research on Wulatelong and its relatives focuses on several areas. Scientists continue to conduct detailed anatomical comparisons to refine its position within the oviraptorid family tree. Further fossil discoveries in the Wulansuhai Formation could reveal more specimens of Wulatelong or other contemporary species, providing a clearer picture of its appearance, behavior, and the ecosystem it inhabited. Studies into the bone tissue (histology) of oviraptorids can also shed light on their growth rates and life history. Understanding dinosaurs like Wulatelong helps us piece together the complex tapestry of life in the Late Cretaceous world.