Here we report a new oviraptorid taxon based on a specimen collected from the Upper Cretaceous Wulansuhai Formation of Bayan Mandahu, Linhe, China. This new taxon is distinguishable from other oviraptorid species by the following unique features： the ventral extremity of the large and elongate external naris is located below the mid-height of the premaxilla, the strap-like jugal process of the maxilla extends well beyond the preorbital bar posteriorly and overlaps the jugal, and the anterodorsal process of the surangular is basally constricted in lateral view. Although diagnosable as an oviraptorid, this new taxon possesses several plesiomorphic features absent in other oviraptorids but reminiscent of more basal oviraptorosaurs, suggesting a relatively basal position within the Oviraptoridae. The infratemporal fenestra has a narrow dorsal border, the anterior and posterior processes of the lacrimal are relatively long, the ectopterygoid is located relatively posteriorly, the external mandibular fenestra is comparatively posterior in position, the scapula is relatively short and slender, the pubic peduncle of the ilium is both more ventrally extended and much wider anteroposteriorly than the ischial peduncle, the ischium is relatively short, and metatarsal III is compressed between metatarsals II and IV. This taxon, Wulatelong gobiensis gen. et sp. nov., is therefore inferred to be a basal oviraptorid. A preliminary analysis of the Bayan Mandahu dinosaur fauna supports the view that the Bayan Mandahu strata are the oldest Upper Cretaceous red beds exposed in the Gobi area of the Mongolian Plateau.
