One possible explanation is that von Huene, having been influenced by Latin raptare, "to plunder", mistakenly thought such a word actually existed with the meaning of "plunderer". It has also been considered a simple misspelling of, or confusion with, raptor, "seizer" or "thief". The specific name means "resembling Ornitholestes".
One possible explanation for the name is that von Huene, influenced by the Latin word "raptare," which means "to plunder," mistakenly thought a word existed meaning "plunderer." It has also been proposed as a simple misspelling of "raptor," "seizer" or "thief", and the specific name refers to "Ornitholestes".