Acanthopholis
Acanthopholis is a genus of herbivorous ankylosaurian dinosaur belonging to the family Nodosauridae. It lived during the Late Cretaceous Period in England and is characterized by its distinctive armor, including keeled plates and prominent spikes along its neck and shoulders. The genus name translates to "spiny scales."
Key Facts
- ›Acanthopholis lived during the Late Cretaceous Period.
- ›It was a quadrupedal and herbivorous dinosaur.
- ›Its armor consisted of oval keeled plates and long spikes.
- ›Estimated length is between 3 to 5.5 meters (9.8 to 18.0 ft).
- ›Estimated weight is approximately 380 kilograms (840 lb).
- ›Fossils were discovered in England.
- Oval keeled plates set almost horizontally into the skin
- Long spikes protruding from the neck and shoulder area, along the spine
- Estimated length: 3 to 5.5 meters
- Estimated weight: Approximately 380 kilograms
Acanthopholis Macrocercus, Acanthopholis Platypus, Acanthopholis Stereocercus, Acanthopholis Eucercus, Acanthopholis Curtonotus, Anoplosaurus Major, Syngonosaurus
England
About Acanthopholis
Acanthopholis is a genus of ankylosaurian dinosaur that roamed England during the Late Cretaceous Period. The genus name, derived from Greek, translates to "spiny scales," a fitting description for a dinosaur known for its formidable armor.
History and Discovery
The story of Acanthopholis began around 1865 when commercial fossil collector John Griffiths discovered dinosaurian remains, including osteoderms, near Folkestone in Kent. These were brought to the attention of Thomas Henry Huxley, who subsequently commissioned Griffiths to unearth more fossils from the site. Despite the challenges of collecting between the tidemarks, additional bones and body armor were recovered. In 1867, Huxley formally named the genus and the single species, Acanthopholis horridus. Arthur Smith Woodward later emended the species name to Acanthopholis horrida in 1890, as 'pholis' is feminine in Latin.
The original fossils, comprising teeth, a basicranium, a dorsal vertebra, spikes, and scutes, were found in the Chalk Group, dating to the Albian to Cenomanian stages, approximately 100 million years ago.
Over time, several other species were informally or formally named based on remains from the Cambridge Greensand. However, a review in 1999 concluded that most of these species were nomina dubia (doubtful names), with their syntype specimens being composites of non-diagnostic ankylosaur and ornithopod remains. For instance, some metatarsals attributed to Acanthopholis platypus were identified as belonging to a sauropod.
More recently, a partial nodosaurid skeleton from the Gault Formation in Kent, tentatively assigned to Acanthopholis, was excavated between 2000–01. This specimen, consisting of osteoderms, vertebrae, parts of the sacrum, and limb elements, had been scavenged by sharks after the animal's death.
Description and Classification
Acanthopholis was a quadrupedal and herbivorous dinosaur. Its most striking feature was its armor, which consisted of oval keeled plates embedded in the skin, complemented by long spikes that protruded from the neck, shoulder area, and along the spine. Size estimates place Acanthopholis in the range of 3 to 5.5 meters (9.8 to 18.0 ft) in length and approximately 380 kilograms (840 lb) in weight.
Initially classified within the Scelidosauridae, Acanthopholis was later placed in its own family, Acanthopholididae, by Franz Nopcsa. Today, it is recognized as a member of the Nodosauridae family, which falls under the broader Ankylosauria group.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Acanthopholis mean?
The name Acanthopholis means "spiny scales." It is derived from the Greek words 'akantha' (spine or thorn) and 'pholis' (scale), referring to the dinosaur's armor.
When did Acanthopholis live?
Acanthopholis lived during the Late Cretaceous Period. The type specimens were found in the Chalk Group, dating to the Albian to Cenomanian stages, approximately 100 million years ago.
What did Acanthopholis eat?
Acanthopholis was a herbivore, meaning it ate plants. Its anatomy and classification as an ankylosaurian suggest a diet of vegetation.
What were the physical characteristics of Acanthopholis?
Acanthopholis was characterized by its extensive armor, which included oval keeled plates and long spikes protruding from its neck and shoulder area, as well as along its spine. It was estimated to be between 3 to 5.5 meters long and weigh around 380 kilograms.
Where were Acanthopholis fossils found?
Fossils of Acanthopholis were discovered in England. The type specimens originated from the shoreline near Folkestone in Kent.
What is the taxonomic classification of Acanthopholis?
Acanthopholis is classified as an ankylosaurian dinosaur within the family Nodosauridae. It was originally assigned to Scelidosauridae by Thomas Henry Huxley.
Related Dinosaur species
Cetiosauriscus
Cetiosauriscus was a herbivorous sauropod dinosaur that lived in England during the Middle Jurassic period, approximately 166 to 164 million years ago. Characterized by a moderately long tail and forelimbs as long as its hindlimbs, it reached an estimated length of 15 meters and a weight of 4 to 10 tonnes. Its fossils were discovered in the Oxford Clay Formation.
Cetiosaurus
Cetiosaurus, meaning 'whale lizard', is a genus of herbivorous sauropod dinosaur that lived during the Middle Jurassic Period, approximately 171 to 165 million years ago. It is notable for being the first sauropod to have its bones described and is the most complete sauropod discovered in England. Despite its name, originally reflecting a mistaken belief it was a marine creature, Cetiosaurus was a quadrupedal, long-necked land-dweller.
Dacentrurus
Dacentrurus was a large, herbivorous dinosaur belonging to the stegosaur family, known for its distinctive tail spikes. It lived during the Late Jurassic and possibly the Early Cretaceous periods in Europe, with its fossils primarily discovered in England. Dacentrurus is notable for being one of the largest stegosaurs, estimated to be around 8-9 meters long.