Researchers have identified a new horned dinosaur species named Lokiceratops rangiformis that roamed northern Montana 78 million years ago. The discovery sheds light on the evolution of horned dinosaurs in North America and their unique features for mating displays.
New Horned Dinosaur Species Discovered in Montana
On June 20, 2024, researchers announced the discovery of a new horned dinosaur species named Lokiceratops rangiformis. The findings were published in the journal PeerJ. Lokiceratops, characterized by its distinctive curved brow horns and large frill spikes, roamed the swamps of northern Montana 78 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous period.
The dinosaur’s skull was unearthed in 2019 by a commercial paleontologist on private land near the Canadian border. The specimen was later acquired by the Museum of Evolution in Maribo, Denmark. Researchers initially thought they had discovered remains of a Medusaceratops, but detailed examination revealed unique features, leading to its classification as a new species.
Lokiceratops, named after the Norse god Loki due to its helmet-like frill, is estimated to have been 27 feet long and weighed about five tons. This herbivore’s skull displays the largest frill spikes ever found on a horned dinosaur, and its brow horns were notably hollow.
The discovery contributes to understanding the evolution of horned dinosaurs in North America, particularly in the region known as Laramidia, which was divided by an inland sea during that era. The researchers suggest these dinosaurs had significant local biodiversity and used their elaborate headgear for mating displays and species recognition, similar to modern birds’ plumage.
The research team included scientists from the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and the Utah Natural History Museum. However, some experts remain cautious, suggesting further evidence is needed to confirm Lokiceratops as a distinct species.
