Spiclypeus Facts
Pronunciation: SPY-kly-PEE-us
Name meaning: Spike Shield
| Diet | Herbivore |
| Height | 2.5m |
| Length | 6m |
| Weight | 3 tonnes |
| Environment | Land |
| Era | Cretaceous |
| Period | Late Cretaceous |
| Type | Ceratopsian |
| Location | North America |
Spiclypeus was a remarkable ceratopsian dinosaur that lived approximately 83.6 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous period in what is now Montana, United States. This impressive plant-eater was distinguished by its unique skull ornamentation, which gave it its name meaning 'spike shield'. Like other ceratopsians, Spiclypeus was a quadrupedal herbivore built for processing tough vegetation.
The most striking feature of Spiclypeus was its elaborate frill decorated with distinctive spikes and ornamental projections. Its skull showed a fascinating asymmetry, suggesting this individual may have survived an injury or infection during its lifetime. The dinosaur possessed a large bony frill extending from the back of its skull, along with prominent horns that would have served both defensive and display purposes.
As a herbivore, Spiclypeus used its powerful beak and rows of grinding teeth to process ferns, cycads, and other Cretaceous plants. Its robust build and defensive features suggest it lived in environments where large predators posed a constant threat. The discovery of Spiclypeus has provided valuable insights into the diversity of ceratopsian dinosaurs in Late Cretaceous North America.
Measuring approximately 6 metres in length and standing 2.5 metres tall at the hip, Spiclypeus was a substantial dinosaur that would have weighed around 3 tonnes. Its fossils were discovered in the fossil-rich Judith River Formation, adding another fascinating chapter to our understanding of ceratopsian evolution.
What made Spiclypeus distinctive?
Spiclypeus possessed a distinctive frill adorned with prominent spikes and ornamental projections, giving it its 'spike shield' name. The skull shows notable asymmetry, with one side displaying different horn and frill development, possibly due to an injury or infection that healed during the dinosaur's lifetime.
Behaviour
Like other ceratopsians, Spiclypeus likely lived in herds for protection against predators, using its impressive horns and frill both for defence and social display. The elaborate skull ornamentation would have been used in species recognition and possibly in dominance displays between individuals.
Discovery
Spiclypeus was first described by Jordan Mallon and team in 2016. The original fossils were discovered at Judith River Formation, Montana, USA.
Spiclypeus FAQ
What did Spiclypeus eat?
Spiclypeus was a herbivore that fed on the abundant plant life of
Late Cretaceous Montana, including ferns, cycads, conifers, and early flowering plants. It used its sharp beak to slice vegetation and rows of grinding teeth to process tough plant material.
How big was Spiclypeus?
Spiclypeus measured approximately 6 metres in length and stood about 2.5 metres tall at the hip. It weighed an estimated 3 tonnes, making it a substantial but not gigantic member of the ceratopsian family.
When did Spiclypeus live?
Spiclypeus lived during the
Late Cretaceous period, approximately 83.6 million years ago. This was during the Campanian age, a time when ceratopsian dinosaurs were diversifying rapidly across North America.
Where was Spiclypeus found?
Spiclypeus was discovered in the Judith River Formation of Montana, United States. This geological formation is famous for preserving a diverse array of
Late Cretaceous dinosaurs and other prehistoric life.
How do you pronounce Spiclypeus?
Spiclypeus is pronounced 'SPY-kly-PEE-us', with emphasis on the first and third syllables. The name rolls off the tongue once you break it down into its component parts.
What does Spiclypeus mean?
Spiclypeus means 'spike shield', derived from the Latin words 'spica' (spike) and 'clypeus' (shield). This name perfectly describes the dinosaur's most distinctive feature - its elaborately spiked frill.
How fast could Spiclypeus run?
The running speed of Spiclypeus is unknown, but as a large, heavily-built quadrupedal herbivore, it likely wasn't built for speed. Like modern rhinoceros, it probably relied more on its defensive weaponry than swift escape from predators.
What type of dinosaur was Spiclypeus?
Spiclypeus was a ceratopsian dinosaur, belonging to the family Ceratopsidae. These were the horned, frilled dinosaurs that were particularly common in
Late Cretaceous North America.
Was Spiclypeus related to birds?
Spiclypeus was not closely related to birds. As an ornithischian dinosaur, it belonged to a different major group from the saurischian dinosaurs that gave rise to birds. However, like all dinosaurs, it shared a common ancestor with birds far back in evolutionary history.
How many Spiclypeus fossils have been found?
Spiclypeus is currently known from a single fossil specimen - a well-preserved skull discovered in Montana. While this might seem limited, the skull is remarkably complete and has provided scientists with detailed information about this unique ceratopsian.
