In 2006, for the first time in Frick, Switzerland, the remains of a small theropod were unearthed. Apart from the missing hind legs and skull, the find is relatively complete and well preserved. The find was excavated and prepared by Dr. Ben Papst. The complete specimen would measure approximately 2.5 metres (8 feet).
> Reconstruction of a Liliensternus liliensterni, one of the members of the coelophysoid theropods.
The 2006 specimen is currently in the Paleontological Institute and Museum of the University of Zurich for further investigation. The scientific determination is pending. It surely belongs into the group of coelophysoid theropods; thus it could be a Coelophysis, a Liliensternus, an other known species or even a new species from that group. The specimen is later to be on display in the Frick Dinosaur Museum.
> Fotos from the 2006 coelophysoid find. Note the small 4th finger of the specimen. You can also watch the fotos as slideshow here.
This find is relatively important since it is one of only 4 or 5 finds of it's kind in Europe and the only one from Switzerland. One important feature of the 2006 find is that it has three fully formed fingers and one smaller one. It could thus mark a missing link in the evolution of theropods who reduced their fingers from 5 to 3 early in their lineage.
Learn more about the Frick, Switzerland site here
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