An international research team discovered a new ceratopsian dinosaur in September of 2024 – a dinosaur that, according to one source, “possesses unique characteristics distinct from any known ceratopsian.”
Perhaps the most famous ceratopsian that comes to mind is the triceratops, a large herbivorous dinosaur defined by the stunning frill and three horns atop its skull. However, other examples of ceratopsians include the pachyrhinosaurus, chasmosaurus, and the styracosaurus.
Unlike other ceratopsians, though, this dinosaur lacks a distinctive crest or horns. However, it still displays the ceratopsians’ trademark beak. One article states that this new species “represents the earlier evolutionary stages of the ceratopsians in Asia, and is closely related to primitive members of the group from North America.”
The specimen was unearthed in Tamba-Sasayama in the Japanese prefecture of Hyogo. This new ceratopsian was donned Sasayamagnomus saegusai, the genus meaning “a small humanoid spirit guarding hidden treasures under the ground of Sasayama.” The species is named after Haruo Saegusa, a deceased Japanese paleontologist. The research team stated that the specimen includes “seventeen bones, most of which belong to a single individual.” The fossil’s internal bone structure, however, indicates that it was still in its youth and growing when it died. Additionally, the dinosaur measured about 2.6 feet and weighed around 22 pounds.
The Sasayamagnomus saegusai marks an important discovery in ceratopsian history. The tiny species is an important link in the evolutionary history of larger, more iconic ceratopsians such as the triceratops.