Pyroraptor

“Olympic Fire” and “Fire Thief”: The Dramatic Origin of the Name

One of the most striking features of this dinosaur lies in the dramatic story behind its name.

Meaning of the Name

The “Pyro” in its scientific name “Pyroraptor” comes from the Greek word for “fire.”
Translated literally, the name means “Fire Robber” (or “Fire Thief”).

Discovery Background

Why was it given such a name?
It is because the fossils were discovered at the site of a forest fire that occurred at Mont Olympe (Mount Olympus).

Due to this memorable location and circumstance, it was named “Pyroraptor olympius,” meaning “Olympic Fire Thief.”

Deciphering Features from Only 10% of Fossils: Sharp Claws and Physical Ability

The detailed appearance of Pyroraptor remains shrouded in mystery.
Extremely few fossils have been excavated to date, with only about 10% of the entire skeleton having been uncovered.

Discovered Parts

Specifically, only the following few parts have been found:

• Arm and leg bones
• Two fractured teeth
• Several vertebrae
• Sharp claws measuring about 6 cm in length
• Tips of the upper and lower jaws

Estimated Ecology and Physical Capabilities

Despite the scarcity of the remaining fossils, several physical characteristics and behaviors have been inferred.

Size

Based on data from closely related species, its total length is estimated to have been approximately 2.4 meters.

Running and Climbing

Given the discovered 6-cm sharp claws and the robust structure of its leg bones, Pyroraptor is believed to have been an adept runner.
Furthermore, it is speculated that it may have used these physical abilities to excel at tree climbing, suggesting it was a hunter that could move freely through the environment of its time.

Complex Classification: Connections to the Southern Hemisphere and the Variraptor Synonym Theory

There is an academically interesting debate regarding the classification of Pyroraptor.

Connection to Gondwana

Anatomically, it shares similarities with the “Unenlagiinae” subfamily that lived in southern Gondwana.
For this reason, in the description paper for Hesperornithoides published in 2019, Pyroraptor was placed within the Unenlagiinae.
This indicates a possible evolutionary or geographical connection between the dinosaurs of Europe and Gondwana.

Relationship with Variraptor (Synonym Theory)

On the other hand, another dromaeosaurid dinosaur called “Variraptor” has been found in the same geological formation.
Since their habitat era and location overlap, it has been pointed out that Pyroraptor might actually be a synonym for Variraptor—meaning they could be the same species with different names.

Named the “Fire Robber” based on scarce fossils, Pyroraptor remains a subject of various studies and speculations regarding its true identity.
Although the discovery rate is low, it is certain that it roamed Late Cretaceous France with its sharp claws and powerful legs.