Kryptops palaios

Kryptops palaios is a basal abelisaurid from the Early Cretaceous of Niger. Described by Sereno and Brusatte in 2008, it is known by fragmentary remains that hint to a theropod with short and broad snout and tall vertebral spines. Its length is estimated to be 6-7 m. Contemporary dinosaurs include the fish eating theropod Suchomimus and the unusual ornithopod Ouranosaurus.

Name

Kryptops palaios

Authority

Sereno & Brusatte, 2008

Meaning of generic name

From Greek krypto, covered; ops, face.

Meaning of specific name

From Greek palaios, old

Size

Length: 6-7 m

Remains

Holotype (MNN GAD1): partial skeleton including a left maxilla, several partial vertebrae and ribs, and an articulated pelvic girdle and sacrum

Age and Distribution

Horizon: Elrhaz Formation. Lower Cretaceous (Aptian-Albian)

Locality: “Gadoufaoua” on the western edge of the Ténéré Desert, Niger.

Classification

Dinosauria Saurischia Theropoda Ceratosauria Abelisauroidea Abelisauridae

Further Reading

P. C. Sereno and S. L. Brusatte. 2008. Basal abelisaurid and carcharodontosaurid theropods from the Lower Cretaceous Elrhaz Formation of Niger. Acta Palaeontologica Polonica 53(1):15-46.