Neuquenraptor was one of the first dromaeosaurid dinosaurs found in the southern hemisphere. It was discovered in Patagonia, Argentina early in 2005. Its name corresponds to its find location, Neuquén, Argentina and raptor meaning "thief". Neuquenraptor measures 2.5 meters in length and weighs about 30 kilograms. It lived during the Late Cretaceous. Until the discovery of Neuquenraptor, all dromaeosaurids had been found in North America, Europe or Northern China / Mongolia, and scientists believed that the dromaeosaurs only inhabited Laurasia, i.e. the Northern Hemisphere.