Xixianykus belongs to the family of alvarezsauroid theropod dinosaur that has been found existed during the Santonian/Coniacian age of the late Cretaceous period. The fossil remains of the species were first discovered in China, Henan Province, Xixia County - Majiacun Formation. This insectivore species comes under the classification of Choradata, Reptilia, Dinosauria, Saurischia, Alvarezsauridae, ‬Parvicursorinae, Ceratonykini.

The species was first named by X. Xu, D.-Y. Wang, C. Sullivan, D. W. E. ‬Hone, F.-L. Han, R.-H. Yan & F.-M. Du and described by Xixianykus zhangi in 2010. The preserved holotype, XMDFEC V0011 is the known part of collection of this species that consist of partial skeleton, parts of the hind legs, pelvis and spine. The found fossil representation include articulated post cranial skeleton. From the found fossil remains it has been estimated that the size of the dinosaur would range about 50cm long and 20 cm high.

Xixianykus facts:

Name:	Xixianykus (Xixian claw).
Phonetic:	Ze-ze-ahn-e-kus.
Classification:	Choradata, Reptilia, Dinosauria, Saurischia, Alvarezsauridae, Parvicursorinae, Ceratonykini.
Fossil representation:	Partial but articulated post cranial skeleton.