# New megaraptoran dinosaur discovery in England

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/new-megaraptoran-dinosaur-discovery-in-england
> Updated: 2026-10-27T14:13:23.000Z. Sources: 20. Developments: 3.

Researchers from University College London have identified a new species of megaraptoran dinosaur, named ‘Invictibellatrix amberina’, from a fossil that had remained unstudied in the Natural History Museum’s collection since 1924. The specimen, a fragment of a posterior skull, was originally excavated on the Isle of Wight in southern England by amateur collector Reginald Walter Tooley.

Living approximately 120 million years ago during the Early Cretaceous, this bipedal carnivore is described as an agile predator. While one estimate suggests a size of three to four meters, another describes it as being about 1.5 meters long. Unlike tyrannosaurs, this species utilized large, curved claws on slender arms to hunt prey such as mammals, lizards, and smaller dinosaurs. Scientists believe the creature may have been covered in feathers and occupied an ecological niche similar to a modern hyena.

The discovery was facilitated by modern technology, including CT scanning, which allowed for the examination of the century-old fossil. Researchers noted that this find marks the first time a member of the megaraptoran group has been identified in Europe. According to lead author Dr. Cassius Morrison, the discovery provides critical evidence regarding the migration of megaraptorans from Asia through Europe toward Gondwana. Morrison noted that while the species was not an apex predator, its size and agility would have made it a ‘formidable hunter of smaller prey’.

Recent analysis further specifies that the dinosaur’s large, curved claws likely measured between 10 and 20 centimeters.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-27: Paleontologists identify two new dinosaur species from fossils

Paleontologists have announced the discovery of two new dinosaur species: the fruit-eating Infernogallus jamesi in the US and the carnivorous Invictibellatrix amberina in the UK.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/paleontologists-identify-two-new-dinosaur-species-from-fossils

### 2026-10-14: New dinosaur species discovered in century-old museum fossil

A 100-year-old museum fossil has led to the discovery of ‘Invictibellatrix amberina’, a new species of small, feathered megaraptor dinosaur from the Early Cretaceous period.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-dinosaur-species-discovered-in-century-old-museum-fossil

### 2026-10-13: Isle of Wight fossil reveals new dinosaur species

Paleontologists have identified a new dinosaur species, Invictibellatrix amberina, from a century-old fossil found on the Isle of Wight, marking the first megaraptoran discovery in Europe.

16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/isle-of-wight-fossil-reveals-new-megaraptoran-dinosaur-species

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Cite as: New megaraptoran dinosaur discovery in England. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/new-megaraptoran-dinosaur-discovery-in-england