Discovery of the largest theropod dinosaur track known from the Middle Jurassic of Yorkshire

Abstract

SUMMARY A tridactyl dinosaur track from the Long Nab Member of the Scalby Formation, Burniston Bay, Yorkshire is described and figured. The specimen is the largest known theropod track from the Middle Jurassic (Bathonian) of the Cleveland Basin. It is at least 55 cm long, and has a total divarication of c. 70°, a sub-triangular heel and distinctly clawed digits with digital nodes. The track is used to characterize and redefine morphotype Bxviii of the Cleveland region. The large carnivore that made the print is estimated to have been at least 2.2 m high at the hip. Distinctive underprinted and transmitted preservational features allow the surface on which the track was made to be identified.