Open Paleo

Ekrixinatosaurus

Calvo et al., 2004 a-CREEK-see-NAH-toe-SOR-us

From Greek ekrixis, 'explosion', + Greek -natos, 'born', + Greek sauros, 'lizard/reptile'; means 'explosion-born reptile', referring to the dynamiting that uncovered the holotype specimen

100.5–93.9 million years ago Cenomanian, Late Cretaceous
Late Cretaceous stages

Ekrixinatosaurus is a genus of abelisaurid theropod which lived approximately 99 to 97 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous period. Its fossils have been found in Argentina. Only one species is currently recognized, Ekrixinatosaurus novasi, from which the specific name honors Dr. Fernando Novas for contributions to the study of abelisaurid theropods, while the genus name refers to the dynamiting of the holotype specimen. It was a large abelisaurid, measuring between 6.5 and 8 m (21 and 26 ft) in length and weighing 800 kg (1,800 lb).

Diagnosis

  1. Fenestra between the postorbital and the anterior border of the frontal, absent in other Abelisauridae
  2. Protuberance directed backward on the contact between the parietals with the paraoccipital process
  3. Cervical vertebrae cranio-caudally compressed with neural spines as tall as the epipophyses
  4. Mid-posterior cervical centrum with ventral side flattened and two wide foramina
  5. Small pre-spinal lamina with pneumatic excavation connected to the neural canal in middle-posterior cervicals
  6. Tibia with a swelling at midshaft

Species

Ekrixinatosaurus novasi Calvo et al., 2004

Type species

Named for Dr. Fernando Novas, in honor of contributions to the study of abelisaurid theropods.

Holotype
MUCPv-294 , Universidad Nacional del Comahue
Material
Disarticulated skeleton including left and partial right maxillae; basicranium; both dentaries; teeth; cervical, dorsal, sacral and caudal vertebrae; haemal arches; ribs; ilia, pubis and proximal ischia; left femur; left tibia; left astragalus and calcaneum; metatarsals; phalanges; pedal ungual.
Horizon
Candeleros Formation, Cenomanian, Late Cretaceous , 100.5–93.9 million years ago
Locality
approximately 34 km northwest of Añelo, Neuquén, Argentina

References

  1. Calvo, J. O.; Rubilar-Rogers, D.; Moreno, K. (2004). A new Abelisauridae (Dinosauria: Theropoda) from northwest Patagonia. Ameghiniana 41(4): 555-563. calvo2004a