Athenar
Athenar is an extinct genus of dicraeosaurid sauropod dinosaur that lived during the Late Jurassic period in what is now Utah, United States. The genus is known from a single species, Athenar bermani, described in 2025 from a braincase and skull roof previously attributed to Diplodocus. This discovery provides new insights into the diversity of sauropods within the Morrison Formation.
Key Facts
- ›Athenar is a dicraeosaurid sauropod dinosaur from the Late Jurassic.
- ›It is known from a single species, Athenar bermani.
- ›The holotype specimen is a braincase and skull roof discovered in the Morrison Formation.
- ›Athenar lived alongside famous dinosaurs like Allosaurus, Stegosaurus, and Diplodocus.
- ›The genus name honors Cleveland metal artist Athenar.
- ›The specific epithet bermani honors David Berman for his foundational work on diplodocoid skulls.
- Known from a braincase and partial skull roof.
- The holotype specimen is considered 'subadult' due to unfused elements in the braincase.
- Possesses frontoparietal and postparietal fenestrae.
- Features a distinct prong on the squamosal bone.
- The frontal bone contributes to the supratemporal fenestra.
Diplodocus, Kaatedocus, Smitanosaurus, Suuwassea, Amargasaurus
North America
About Athenar
Athenar: A Newly Described Sauropod from the Late Jurassic
Athenar is an extinct genus of sauropod dinosaur that roamed the Earth during the Late Jurassic period, specifically the Tithonian age. The genus is represented by a single species, Athenar bermani, described in 2025 by John Whitlock and his colleagues. Its fossils were unearthed from the renowned Morrison Formation in Utah, United States, a geological treasure trove for dinosaur discoveries.
History and Discovery
The holotype specimen of Athenar, cataloged as CM 26552, consists of a braincase and a partial skull roof. This material was originally collected by Earl Douglass in 1913 from the Carnegie Quarry at Dinosaur National Monument. For decades, this specimen was attributed to the well-known genus Diplodocus, forming the basis for early descriptions of the Diplodocus braincase. However, a re-evaluation in 2025, utilizing advanced analytical methods, revealed distinct characteristics that warranted its classification as a new genus and species.
Naming and Classification
The genus name, Athenar, pays homage to Cleveland metal artist Athenar, whose music served as the soundtrack to much of the research on this specimen. The species name, bermani, honors David Berman, who, along with John McIntosh, conducted foundational work on diplodocoid skulls and was responsible for the initial description of the holotype. Classification of Athenar places it within the Dicraeosauridae family, a group of sauropods known for their generally smaller stature and shorter necks compared to other major sauropod lineages. While sharing some traits with Diplodocidae, the presence of numerous dicraeosaurid features, such as specific skull fenestrae and a distinct squamosal prong, led to its placement in this clade. It coexisted with other dicraeosaurid taxa like Kaatedocus, Smitanosaurus, and Suuwassea, and shares some skull anatomy with the latter two.
Paleoecology
Athenar inhabited a diverse ecosystem during the Late Jurassic. The Morrison Formation is famous for its rich dinosaur fauna, and Athenar would have lived alongside iconic species such as the large theropod Allosaurus, the armored Stegosaurus, and other sauropods like Diplodocus, Apatosaurus, Barosaurus, and Camarasaurus. The environment was likely a complex mosaic of terrestrial habitats, supporting a wide array of herbivores and carnivores.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of dinosaur was Athenar?
Athenar was a sauropod dinosaur belonging to the family Dicraeosauridae. Sauropods were large, long-necked, herbivorous dinosaurs, and dicraeosaurids were a group characterized by generally smaller size and shorter necks compared to other sauropods.
When did Athenar live?
Athenar lived during the Tithonian age of the Late Jurassic epoch. This period is estimated to be between approximately 156.3 and 146.8 million years ago.
Where were Athenar fossils found?
The fossils of Athenar were discovered in the Morrison Formation at the Carnegie Quarry, located within Dinosaur National Monument in Utah, United States.
What did Athenar eat?
As a sauropod, Athenar was a herbivore, meaning it primarily ate plants. It would have coexisted with other herbivores like Stegosaurus and Camptosaurus.
What is unique about the Athenar fossil?
The holotype specimen of Athenar is a braincase and partial skull roof. It was initially misidentified as belonging to Diplodocus before being re-evaluated and recognized as a new genus and species in 2025.
What does the name Athenar mean?
The genus name 'Athenar' is a tribute to Cleveland metal artist Athenar, whose music was influential during the study of the specimen. The species name 'bermani' honors David Berman for his significant contributions to the study of diplodocoid skulls.
What other dinosaurs lived with Athenar?
Athenar shared its environment with a variety of dinosaurs, including large carnivores like Allosaurus and Ceratosaurus, and other herbivores such as Stegosaurus, Diplodocus, Apatosaurus, Barosaurus, and Camarasaurus.
Related Dinosaur species
Brontomerus
Brontomerus is a genus of sauropod dinosaur that lived during the Early Cretaceous period, approximately 110 million years ago. It is notable for its unusually large hipbones, which would have supported the largest thigh muscles of any known sauropod, suggesting unique locomotive capabilities. The genus is known from fragmentary fossils of at least two individuals, likely an adult and a juvenile, discovered in Utah, USA.
Alcovasaurus
Alcovasaurus is an extinct genus of herbivorous stegosaurian dinosaur that lived during the Late Jurassic period. Originally described as Stegosaurus longispinus, it was later reclassified into its own genus due to unique characteristics, particularly its exceptionally long tail spines. Its exact taxonomic placement has been debated, with some researchers considering it a distinct genus and others suggesting it might be a species of Miragaia.
Amphicoelias
Amphicoelias was a genus of herbivorous sauropod dinosaur that roamed the Earth approximately 150 million years ago during the Late Jurassic period. Known from fossils found in Colorado, United States, it was moderately sized, with estimated lengths of around 18 meters and a body mass of 15 metric tons. Its anatomy, particularly its vertebrae and limb bones, shares similarities with its close relative, Diplodocus.