S73 - Top Rare Acheroraptor temertyorum (Dromaeosaurid Raptor Theropod) Dinosaur Tooth - Hell Creek Formation

Acheroraptor is a dromaeosaurid raptor theropod dinosaur from the Hell Creek Formation, known from jaw and teeth fossils dating to the very end of the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 67 to 66 million years ago. It lived alongside iconic dinosaurs like Tyrannosaurus rex and Triceratops, and was one of the last non-avian dinosaurs to exist before the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event. 

Identification: Like all Dromaeosaurid teeth the denticles are key and different between those on the anterior and posterior carinae. You should easily be able to see that the posterior ones are much larger. If the denticles are identical its probably a juvenile Nanotyranus tooth. Socondly there are apicobasal ridges on the crown which are diagnostic to this species. There can be several on either side and fewer on posterior located teeth. The teeth are recurved and typically under 13mm long.

Classification and lineage: Acheroraptor was a "raptor" related to Velociraptor but is considered a distinct North American genus. It belonged to the Saurornitholestidae family and is sometimes called a "bulldog raptor" due to its shorter, stockier jaw, which may have allowed it to withstand the stress of biting larger prey.

Physical characteristics: While its full size is hard to estimate due to the limited fossil material, it is thought to have been around 2 to 2.5 meters long and may have possessed feathers, long arms, and a large sickle-shaped claw on its toe, like other dromaeosaurs.

Ecosystem role: As a smaller predator in the Hell Creek ecosystem, Acheroraptor likely preyed on smaller animals. It lived at the same time as larger predators such as the massive Dakotaraptor and Tyrannosaurus rex, but likely occupied a different niche.

Fossil discovery: The first fossils were discovered in Montana in 2009. The name Acheroraptor temertyorum means "Acheron's thief," referencing the River of Pain in Greek mythology and the Hell Creek formation where it was found. 

The tooth comes stored in a display box.