Something New to Consider

In 1999 Superbiola and Barrett reviewed the materials attributed to Acanthopholis and determined that the material was not distinct enough to merit being anything more than fragmentary bits of the average Nodosaur. As such, they determined the name to be a nomen dubium and to disregard its existence. However, the name is still in use and considered valid, apparently, by the majority of research that I have seen. Nestled in the family Nodosauridae, Acanthopholis is a small member of the family with small oval dermal ossifications with spikes in the shoulder and neck area and along the spine. Nomen dubium or small Nodosaur? You decide.

©Mariana Ruiz