Rainbow dinosaur
During the Jurassic period, about 161 million years ago, a duck-size dinosaur dazzled its fellow paleo-beasts with its rainbow-colored, iridescent feathers.
This newly analyzed dinosaur, dubbed Caihong juji is the oldest dinosaur on record with iridescent feathers, according to a new study. [Read more about the iridescent dinosaur]
Amazing fossil
After analyzing the fossil (shown here), researchers named the dinosaur Caihong juji. The genus name comes from the Mandarin word "caihong," which means rainbow. The species name is made up of two Mandarin words: "ju" and "ji," which translate to "big" and crest."
In all, the dinosaur's scientific name translates to "rainbow with the big crest."
Fierce skull
The skull of C. juji looks similar to that of Velociraptor.
Melanosomes
Researchers figured out that C. juji had iridescent feathers by looking at the shape and structure of its melanosomes, the parts of cells that contain pigment.
Iridescent hunter
C. juji prepares to snatch its prey.
Sketching dinosaurs
Photos and drawings of the incredibly detailed C. juji fossil.
Back bones
These close-ups show the vertebral column of C. juji.
[Read more about the iridescent dinosaur]
Limb bones
A magnified view of the dinosaur's pectoral girdle and limbs.
Feather collage
The different feathers found on the dinosaur's body. Because C. juji couldn't fly, it likely used its feathers to keep warm and to attract mates.
Melanosome comparison
A comparison of melanosomes in modern iridescent birds.
Iridescent hummingbird
The dinosaur's melanosomes looked most like those of a modern hummingbird.
