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List of informally named dinosaurs
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This list of informally named dinosaurs is a listing of dinosaurs (excluding birds) that have never been given formally published scientific names. This list only includes names that were not properly published ("unavailable names") and have not since been published under a valid name (see list of dinosaur genera for valid names). The following types of names are present on this list:
- Nomen nudum, Latin for "naked name": A name that has appeared in print but has not yet been formally published by the standards of the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature. Nomina nuda (the plural form) are invalid, and are therefore not italicized as a proper generic name would be.
- Nomen manuscriptum, Latin for "manuscript name": A name that appears in manuscript but was not formally published. A nomen manuscriptum is equivalent to a nomen nudum for everything except the method of publication, and description.
- Nomen ex dissertationae, Latin for "dissertation name": A name that appears in a dissertation but was not formally published.
- Nicknames or descriptive names given to specimens or taxa by researchers or the press.
A
[edit]Alamotyrannus
[edit]
"Alamotyrannus" ("Ojo Alamo tyrant") is the informal placeholder[1] name given to an as yet undescribed genus or species of tyrannosaurid from the Late Cretaceous period of North America. The fossils of this animal originate from the Ojo Alamo Formation in New Mexico and they were discovered during the early 2000s. The suggested binomial "Alamotyrannus brinkmani", was created when the paper describing the genus was written in 2013.[2] "Alamotyrannus" lived during the early Maastrichtian.
Specimen ACM 7975, a jaw discovered in the Ojo Alamo Formation, New Mexico in 1924, has been tentatively identified as Gorgosaurus libratus but may instead belong to "Alamotyrannus" as per Dalman & Lucas (2013)[2] and McDavid (2022).[3] This specimen has been mentioned in a 2016 publication by Dalman and Lucas as an indeterminate tyrannosaurid without generic attribution, and it's noted that the specimen is under study by the senior author.[4] Photograph taken by McDavid (2022) shows the specimen on display in the Beneski Museum of Natural History.[3]
Alan the Dinosaur
[edit]
"Alan the Dinosaur" is the name given to a sauropod caudal vertebra (YORYM:2001.9337) found in 1995 in the Saltwick Formation (Middle Jurassic, Aalenian) of Whitby, England. It is the oldest sauropod found in the United Kingdom, dating back 176-172 million years ago. Its name references that of its discoverer, Alan Gurr, and the fact that it is not identifiable to species level. An analysis done in 2015 found that it was a member of Eusauropoda, could be excluded from Diplodocoidea, and was most similar to Cetiosaurus.[5]
The fossil of "Alan" is housed in the Yorkshire Museum, where it forms part of the Yorkshire's Jurassic World exhibit, featuring a VR recreation.[6]
Allosaurus robustus
[edit]
"Allosaurus robustus" is an informal name used for specimen "NMV P150070", a theropod astragalus known from the Wonthaggi Formation (Early Cretaceous) of Victoria, Australia.[7] When first studied, it was thought to have belonged to a species of Allosaurus. Samuel Welles challenged this identification as he thought that the astragalus belonged to an ornithomimid, but the original authors defended their classification. Sometime in the early 2000s, Daniel Chure examined the bone and found that it did not represent a new species of Allosaurus, but could still represent an allosauroid.[8] At the same time, Yoichi Azuma and Phil Currie noted that the astragalus resembled that of their new genus Fukuiraptor.[9] It may well represent a theropod related to Australovenator, though some argue that it could represent an abelisauroid.[10] A 2019 study strongly supported a megaraptoran affinity for the astragalus.[11]
The name "Allosaurus robustus", first confined as a museum label, was first published by Chure in 2000.[12]
Amargastegos
[edit]"Amargastegos" is an informal genus of extinct stegosaurid ornithischian dinosaur known from the La Amarga Formation of Argentina, named by Roman Ulansky in 2014 on the basis of MACN N-43 (some dorsal osteoderms, the cervical and caudal vertebrae, and one skull bone), and the type species is "A. brevicollum".[13] In 2016, Peter Malcolm Galton and Kenneth Carpenter declared it a nomen nudum, establishing it as an indeterminate stegosaur.[14]
Amphicoelias brontodiplodocus/Barackosaurus
[edit]
"Barackosaurus" is the informal name created in 2010 which is used for a sauropod found in Kimmeridgian-aged sediments pertaining to the Morrison Formation, Wyoming. It was found in the Dana Quarry and "Barackosaurus" was supposedly 20 meters long and weighed 20 tons.[15] In 2010, an article was made available, but not formally published, by Henry Galiano and Raimund Albersdorfer in which they dubbed the Dana Quarry specimens which had already been referred to as "Barackosaurus" as "Amphicoelias brontodiplodocus". The specific name referred to their hypothesis based on these specimens that nearly all Morrison diplodocid species are either growth stages or represent sexual dimorphism among members of the genus Amphicoelias,[16] but this analysis was met with skepticism and the publication itself has been disclaimed by its lead author, explaining that it is "obviously a drafted manuscript complete with typos, etc., and not a final paper. In fact, no printing or distribution has been attempted".[17] As of 2015, they are now on display at the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum in Singapore.[18][19]
Andhrasaurus
[edit]"Andhrasaurus" is an informal genus of extinct armored ornithischian dinosaur from the Kota Formation of India. The proposed species is "A. indicus". Ulansky (2014) coined the name for skull elements, about 30 osteoderms, and the extremities of vertebrae and limbs, all preserved in the collections of the GSI and assigned to Ankylosauria by Nath et al. (2002).[20] In 2016, Peter Malcolm Galton and Kenneth Carpenter noted that "Andhrasaurus" did not meet ICZN requirements and therefore declared it a nomen nudum, listing it as Thyreophora indet., while noting that the jawbones described by Nath et al. (2002) belonging to crocodylomorphs.[14] The dermal armor informally named "Andhrasaurus" was redescribed by Galton (2019), referring the material to Ankylosauria.[21]
Angeac ornithomimosaur
[edit]The "Angeac ornithomimosaur" is an informal name given to an unnamed theropod taxon known from the Early Cretaceous (Berriasian age[22][23]) Angeac-Charente bonebed (part of the stratigraphy of the Aquitaine Basin) near Angeac-Charente in western France. The taxon is toothless and is known from numerous disarticulated remains representing at least 70 individuals covering almost all of the skeleton.[22] Some remains were described by Allain et al. (2014).[24] While it was originally regarded as an ornithomimosaur, Cau and Paterna (2025) suggested ceratosaurian affinities instead, closely allied with Bahariasaurus, Berthasaura, Ligabueino, and Limusaurus.[25]
Angloposeidon
[edit]
"Angloposeidon" is the informal name given to a sauropod dinosaur from the Early Cretaceous (Barremian) Wessex Formation of the Isle of Wight in southern England.[26] It was a possible brachiosaurid but has not been formally named. Darren Naish, a notable vertebrate palaeontologist, has worked with the specimen and has recommended that this name only be used informally and that it not be published.[27] However, he published it himself in his book Tetrapod Zoology Book One from 2010.[28] The remains consist of a single cervical vertebra (MIWG.7306), which indicate it was a very large animal, 20 metres or greater in length.[29]
Angustungui
[edit]"Angustungui" is an informal genus of stegosaur from the Late Jurassic Qigu Formation in China. The intended type species is "A. qiketaiensis" and the holotype is specimen SS V16001 consisting of axial, pectoral girdle, pelvic girdle, limb and armor elements, while the paratype is specimen SS V16002, consisting of a right coracoid and a right scapula. Both specimens were discovered in 2016 by Li Daqing at Qiketai, Shanshan County, and the name was first announced in a bioRxiv pre-print article in October 2024, where it was recovered as sister taxon of Loricatosaurus.[30]
Archaeoraptor
[edit]
"Archaeoraptor" is the informal generic name for a fossil from China, initially hailed as an important transitional fossil, that was later discovered to have been fabricated from multiple unrelated fossils. The name was created in an article published in National Geographic magazine in 1999, where the magazine claimed that the fossil was a "missing link" between birds and terrestrial theropod dinosaurs. Even prior to this publication there had been severe doubts about the fossil's authenticity. Further scientific study showed it to be a forgery constructed from rearranged pieces of real fossils from different species. Zhou et al. found that the head and upper body actually belong to a specimen of the primitive fossil bird Yanornis, and another 2002 study found that the tail belongs to a small winged dromaeosaur, Microraptor, named in 2000.[31][32] The legs and feet belong to an as yet unknown animal.[33][34]
Archbishop
[edit]
"The Archbishop" is a giant brachiosaurid sauropod dinosaur similar to Brachiosaurus and Giraffatitan. It was long considered a specimen of Brachiosaurus (now Giraffatitan) brancai due to being found in the same formation in Tendaguru, Tanzania. However, the "Archbishop" shows significant differences including a unique vertebral morphology and a proportionally longer neck, that indicates it is a different, previously unknown genus and species.[35] It was discovered by Frederick Migeod in 1930. "The Archbishop" is a nickname that functions as a placeholder – the specimen currently has no scientific name. The specimen is currently housed in the Natural History Museum in London, and will eventually be re-described by Dr. Michael P. Taylor of Bristol University.[36] In May 2018, Taylor started to work on describing the Archbishop.[37]
Atlantohadros
[edit]"Atlantohadros", more commonly known as the "Merchantville hadrosaur", is an informally named hadosaurid dinosaur that lived in the Merchantville Formation in the northeastern United States. Brownstein (2021) found "Atlantohadros" to be more derived than Tethyshadros but less derived than Saurolophinae and Lambeosaurinae. The name was intended to be used in that publication, but was cut for unknown reasons; initial versions of Brownstein (2021) contained the word "Atlantohadros" superimposed over "Merchantville Taxon" in a cladogram; subsequent corrections have erased the genus name entirely.[38]
Three specimens were discovered 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) northwest of Freehold near Manalapan–Marlboro township line in Monmouth County during the 1970s. These are: YPM VPPU.021813, YPM VPPU.021813, and AMNH 13704, with YPM VPPU.021813 possibly belonging to the same individual as YPM VPPU.021813 due similar weathering, size and the same horizon. These specimens consist of both coracoids, both scapulae, a femur, a fragmentary proximal tibia, and a dentary from a cast of the specimen (the original likely lost in YPM's catalogue) in the adult specimen, as well as a rib, a femur and long bone portions in the juvenile. AMNH 13704, id a partial dentary of a probable perinate. Scattered bones associated with these include a quadrate, several partial maxilla portions, a partial jugal, skull roof fragments and several rib fragments.[38]
B
[edit]Baguasaurus
[edit]"Baguasaurus" (meaning "Bagua lizard") is the informal name given to an as yet undescribed genus of lithostrotian sauropod dinosaur from the Late Cretaceous (Campanian – Maastrichtian-aged) Chota Formation of Peru. The proposed holotype, consisting of caudal vertebrae, was first mentioned in a review of the Chota Formation by Mourier et al. (1988),[39] and the name "Baguasaurus" was coined by Larramendi & Molina Pérez (2020). "Baguasaurus" was estimated to be 12 metres (39 ft) long and weighed 4 tonnes (8,800 lb).[40]
Balochisaurus
[edit]"Balochisaurus" (meaning "Balochi lizard", for the Baloch tribes of Pakistan) is an informal taxon of titanosaurian sauropod dinosaur from the Late Cretaceous of Pakistan. The proposed species is "B. malkani". The discovery was made (along with other dinosaur specimens) in 2001 near Vitariki by a team of paleontologists from the Geological Survey of Pakistan.[41] Described in 2006 by M.S. Malkani, the genus is based on seven tail vertebrae found in the Maastrichtian-age Vitakri Member of the Pab Formation, with additional vertebrae and a partial skull assigned to it. Balochisaurus was assigned to the family "Balochisauridae" along with "Marisaurus". It was considered invalid by Wilson, Barrett and Carrano (2011).[42]
Barnes High Sauropod
[edit]The "Barnes High sauropod" is the informal name given to MIWG-BP001, an undescribed sauropod dinosaur specimen from the Wessex Formation on the Isle of Wight. It was discovered in the cliffs around Barnes High in 1992 and is currently owned by the privately run unaccredited Dinosaur Farm Museum near Brighstone,[43] the ownership situation was described as "complex" and the specimen is currently inaccessible to researchers.[44] It is roughly 40% complete and consists of a "Partial postcranial skeleton, including presacral vertebrae, anterior caudal vertebrae, girdle and limb elements" including a largely complete forelimb. It has been suggested to be a brachiosaurid and is possibly synonymous with the earlier named Eucamerotus due to similarities with the vertebrae.[45]
Bayosaurus
[edit]"Bayosaurus" is the informal name given to an as yet undescribed genus of theropod dinosaur. The name was coined by paleontologists Rodolfo Coria, Philip J. Currie, and Paulina Carabajal in 2006. It apparently was an abelisauroid from the Turonian Cerro Lisandro Formation of Neuquén, Argentina, around 4 m (13 ft) long. The specimen is MCF-PVPH-237, including dorsal and sacral vertebrae, a fragmentary pelvis, and other partial bones, which were discovered in 2000. The name was used in a phylogenetic analysis to indicate the position of MCF-PVPH-237.[46]
Beelemodon
[edit]"Beelemodon" is the informal name given to an undescribed theropod genus from the Late Jurassic, possibly belonging to a coelurosaur. The fossils include two teeth found in Wyoming, United States. The name appeared in print in 1997, when paleontologist Robert T. Bakker mentioned it in a symposium for the Academy of Natural Sciences.[47] The teeth are most similar to Compsognathus, but have no unique features and also share similarities with Protarchaeopteryx and dromaeosaurids.[48]
Biconcavoposeidon
[edit]
"Biconcavoposeidon" is the placeholder name for AMNH FARB 291, five consecutive posterior dorsal vertebrae of a brachiosaurid sauropod, from the Late Jurassic Morrison Formation, Wyoming.[49] Not much else is currently known about "Biconcaveoposeidon", except that it was discovered in the Bone Cabin quarry in 1898.[50]
Bihariosaurus
[edit]"Bihariosaurus" (meaning "Bihor lizard") is an invalid genus of iguanodontian dinosaur from Early Cretaceous Bauxite of Cornet, Romania. The type species, "Bihariosaurus bauxiticus", was named but not described by Marinescu in 1989. It was similar to Camptosaurus, and was an iguanodont. The original publication of the taxon did not include sufficient description, and the illustrations cannot distinguish it from any other ornithopod.[51][52]
Biscoveosaurus
[edit]"Biscoveosaurus" is the informal name of an ornithopod dinosaur specimen from the Early Maastrichtian age Snow Hill Island Formation of James Ross Island, Antarctica. It comes from the Cape Lamb Member of the formation, the same member as Morrosaurus, another basal ornithopod. As such, it's been suggested it may be a secondary specimen of that species, but as the holotype of Morrosaurus is fragmentary and doesn't overlap with the material of "Biscoveosaurus", this can't as yet be tested. The specimen consists of dentaries, teeth, a braincase, parts of the maxillae, forelimb elements, assorted vertebrae, and the pectoral girdle; this makes it unique compared to the other James Ross Island ornithopods, which do not have both cranial and postcranial remains. It has been estimated the animal would have been about 4–5 metres (13–16 ft) in length.[53]
C
[edit]Capitalsaurus
[edit]
"Capitalsaurus" is the informal genus name given to a tailbone belonging to a large theropod dinosaur that lived during the Early Cretaceous. It was discovered on 28 January 1898, by construction workers excavating a sewer at the intersection of Washington, D.C.'s First and F Streets SE. The only known specimen, it was assigned two different species designations – Creosaurus potens and Dryptosaurus potens – and eventually overturned each time. In the 1990s, the paleontologist Peter Kranz asserted that it represented a unique type of dinosaur and assigned it the name "Capitalsaurus". He successfully campaigned through local schools to make "Capitalsaurus" the official dinosaur of Washington, D.C., which became law in 1998.[54] A year later, the district further recognized F Street at the discovery site as Capitalsaurus Court. It designated 28 January 2001, as Capitalsaurus Day.[55][56]
Changdusaurus
[edit]"Changdusaurus" (also known as "Changtusaurus") is the informal name given to a genus of dinosaur from the Late Jurassic Period. It lived in what is now China. "Changdusaurus" is classified as a stegosaurid. The type species was named "Changdusaurus laminoplacodus" by Zhao in 1983,[57] but it has never been formally described, and remains a nomen nudum. One source indicates the fossils have been lost.[58]
Cinizasaurus
[edit]"Cinizasaurus" is a nomen ex dissertationae for fossilized remains from the Late Triassic of New Mexico that were initially interpreted as belonging to a theropod dinosaur. The intended type species "Cinizasaurus hunti" was named in an unpublished 1997 thesis based on NMMNH P-18400, which consists of a tibia, vertebrae, and other fragments.[59] In 2007, Nesbitt, Irmis and Parker classified both NMMNH P-18400 and NMMNH P-18401 as specimens of an indeterminate archosauriform.[60]
Comanchesaurus
[edit]"Comanchesaurus" is a nomen ex dissertationae for fossilized remains from the Late Triassic of New Mexico that were initially interpreted as belonging to a theropod dinosaur. The remains, NMMNH P-4569, consist of a partial skeleton including vertebral centra and hindlimb bones, and came from the Norian-age Upper Triassic Bull Canyon Formation of Guadalupe County. Adrian Hunt, in his unpublished dissertation, proposed the name "Comanchesaurus kuesi" for the specimen, but the name was never adopted, and was first referred to in the scientific literature in a 2007 redescription of Late Triassic North American material thought to belong to dinosaurs (Nesbitt, Irmis, and Parker, 2007). In the redescription, the authors found the material to belong to a "possible indeterminate saurischian".[61]
Cryptoraptor
[edit]"Cryptoraptor" is a nomen ex dissertationae for fossilized remains from the Late Triassic of New Mexico that were initially interpreted as belonging to a theropod dinosaur. The remains, NMMNH P-17375, consist of a partial skeleton including partial hindlimb and pelvic bones, and came from the Norian-age Upper Triassic Bull Canyon Formation of Quay County. Adrian Hunt, in his unpublished dissertation, proposed the name "Cryptoraptor lockleyi" for the specimen, but the name was never adopted, and was first referred to in the scientific literature in a 2007 redescription of Late Triassic North American material thought to belong to dinosaurs. In the redescription, the authors found the material to belong to an intermediate archosaur, as no features exclusive to dinosaurs could be identified.[61]
Cryptotyrannus
[edit]"Cryptotyrannus" (meaning "secret/hidden tyrant"), more commonly known as the "Merchantville tyrannosauroid", is an informally named tyrannosauroid dinosaur that lived in the Merchantville Formation. It was informally named by Brownstein (2021), who found it to be the sister taxon of Dryptosaurus, reinstating Dryptosauridae.[38] The name appeared in the initial version of Brown's paper, superimposed over "Merchantville Taxon" in a cladogram; a subsequent correction has erased the name entirely.
"Cryptotyrannus" is known from two specimens discovered during the 1970s, the holotype YPM VPPU.021795 and the paratype YPM VPPU.022416. Similar coloration and weathering indicate that these are probably the same individual. These are a partial foot bone and one caudal vertebrae. However, a skeletal produced for the paper depicts a hand claw. The foot morphology is consistent with tyrannosaurs, being extremely similar to the Dryptosaurus aquilunguis. Autapomorphies include a metatarsal IV that is far more gracile and IV in proximal view also has a triangular, rather than subrectangular in outline. The holotype was once tentatively assigned to "Coelosaurus" antiquus. Shark bites present on the holotype suggest that the specimen's fragmentary nature is due to predation or scavenging by marine predators.[38]
D
[edit]Dachongosaurus
[edit]"Dachongosaurus" is the informal name given to an undescribed genus of sauropod dinosaur from the Early Jurassic of China. It is known from fossils including at least a partial articulated skeleton from the Dark Red Beds of the Lower Lufeng Series (Sinemurian stage) in Yunnan.[62] Possibly a cetiosaur, the "type species" is "Dachongosaurus yunnanensis", coined by Zhao in 1985. An alternate spelling is "Dachungosaurus". As with other informal names coined by Zhao in 1985 and 1983, nothing has since been published, and the remains may have been redescribed under another name.[63]
Damalasaurus
[edit]"Damalasaurus" (meaning "Damala lizard") is the informal name given to a genus of herbivorous dinosaur from the Early Jurassic. It was a sauropod, though its exact classification within the clade is unknown. Fossils of "Damalasaurus", including a rib, have been found in the Middle Daye Group of Tibet. Species attributed to this genus include "Damalasaurus laticostalis" and "D. magnus", although it is possible that both names refer to the same species.[64][62]
Dongshengosaurus
[edit]"Dongshengosaurus" is the informal name given to an undescribed genus of iguanodontian dinosaur from the Early Cretaceous of Liaoning, China. the "type species", "D. sinensis", was named by Pan Rui in his 2009 thesis. It is known from a partial juvenile skeleton discovered from the Yixian Formation.[65]
Dubeynarainsaurus
[edit]
"Dubeynarainsaurus" is an informal genus of purported theropod dinosaurs from the Late Cretaceous Lameta Formation of India described by Malkani (2025) in Scientific Research Publishing, a known predatory publisher. The proposed holotype is allegedly a partial dentary with associated teeth, collected in January 1944 by V. S. Dubey and Kedar Narain (who are referenced in the proposed genus name). The intended type species is "Dubeynarainsaurus sahni." The specimen was initially identified as a pterosaur mandible in 1946.[66]
Duranteceratops
[edit]"Duranteceratops" is a purported new taxon of chasmosaurine ceratopsid from the Hell Creek Formation.[67] In 2012, a ceratopsid skull supposedly distinguishable from Triceratops was unearthed in South Dakota by a fossil poacher named John Carter.[68][69][67] Though it has yet to be published, according to the Prehistoric Times issue no. 121 from Spring 2017, the specimen is to be named "Duranteceratops".
E
[edit]Echizensaurus
[edit]"Echizensaurus" is an informal genus of ornithischian dinosaur from Echizen, Japan which lived during the Late Cretaceous.[70] It has been assigned to Ceratopsia incertae sedis in paleontologist Lida Xing's homepage.[71]
EK troodontid
[edit]
The "EK troodontid" (specimen SPS 100/44) is an unnamed genus of troodontid dinosaur discovered in Mongolia. In the scientific literature it is referred to as the "EK troodontid", after the Early Cretaceous sediments in which it was found. SPS 100/44 was discovered by Sergei Mikhailovich Kurzanov during the 1979 Soviet-Mongolian Paleontological Expedition. It was found in deposits of the Barunbayaskaya Svita at the Khamareen Us locality, Dornogov (southeastern Gobi Desert), in the Mongolian People's Republic. SPS 100/44 was described by Rinchen Barsbold and colleagues in 1987.[72]
Its fossil remains include an incomplete skeleton consisting of the braincase, posterior parts of the lower mandibles, a maxillary fragment with teeth, parts of five cervical vertebrae (cervicals ?2-?6), an articulated right manus with partial semilunate, left manus phalanx I-1, distal end of the left femur, and fragmentary left and right pedes. Barsbold pointed out that the specimen was smaller and from older sediments than other known troodontids, but it had some features of the skull that could have made it a juvenile. Barsbold also indicated the high degree of fusion of the bones of the skull and the unusual foot morphology to indicate that it might be an adult of an unknown taxon. Barsbold took the conservative position and did not name this specimen because it was not complete enough to rule out the possibility that it was a juvenile of a known genus of troodontid. Barsbold also noted that the naturally articulated manus of SPS 100/44 showed no signs of an opposable third digit, as was suggested for Troodon by Russell and Seguin in 1982. Turner and colleagues, in 2007, found the EK troodontid to be a distinct basal genus of troodontid, in a polytomy with Jinfengopteryx and a clade of more derived troodontids.[73]
Eoplophysis
[edit]"Eoplophysis" is a genus of stegosaur known from the Middle Jurassic Cornbrash Formation, Sharp's Hill Formation, and Chipping Norton Formation of England.[74] It was originally named Omosaurus vetustus by the renowned German paleontologist Friedrich von Huene.[75] The holotype, OUM J.14000, is a 60-centimetre-long (2 ft) right femur of a juvenile individual from the Middle Jurassic (upper Bathonian) Cornbrash Formation of Oxfordshire, England, although it was probably reworked from the slightly older Forest Marble Formation in view of its eroded nature. Because of the renaming of Omosaurus, an occupied name, as Dacentrurus, O. vetustus was renamed into a Dacentrurus vetustus in 1964.[76] In the 1980s, researcher Peter Malcolm Galton reviewed all known stegosaur material from the Bathonian of England and concluded that Omosaurus vetustus was valid and should be tentatively referred to Lexovisaurus.[77][78] However, the species was later considered a nomen dubium in both reviews of Stegosauria.[79][80] In their alpha-taxonomic review of stegosaurs, Susannah Maidment and her colleagues noted that OUM J.14000 shares characters present in both sauropods and stegosaurs, but that it lacks synapomorphies exclusive to Stegosauria and assigned it as a Dinosauria indet.[81] Nevertheless, the amateur paleontologist Roman Ulansky coined the new genus "Eoplophysis" ("Dawn Armed Form") for O. vetustus, noting differences with the femora of other stegosaurs.[13]
Eugongbusaurus
[edit]
"Eugongbusaurus" is the informal name (nomen nudum) proposed for a neornithischian found in the Oxfordian-age Shishugou Formation of Xinjiang, China. The intended type species, "Gongbusaurus" wucaiwanensis, was described by Dong Zhiming in 1989 for two partial skeletons as a second species of the poorly known tooth taxon Gongbusaurus. Fragmentary skeleton IVPP 8302, the type specimen for the new species, included a partial lower jaw, three tail vertebrae, and a partial forelimb. Second specimen IVPP 8303 consisted of two hip vertebrae, eight tail vertebrae, and two complete hind limbs. Dong estimated it as around 1.3 to 1.5 meters (4.3 to 4.9 ft) long, and considered it to be a strong runner. He assigned the genus Gongbusaurus to the Hypsilophodontidae, a paraphyletic grade of small herbivorous bipedal dinosaurs.[82] Because dinosaur teeth are generally not distinctive enough to hold a name, it is unsurprising that other paleontologists have suggested removing "G." wucaiwanensis from Gongbusaurus and giving it its own genus.[83] The possible replacement name "Eugongbusaurus"[84] leaked out accidentally and remains informal.
F
[edit]Fendusaurus
[edit]"Fendusaurus" is a nomen ex dissertatione proposed by Fedak (2006) for FGM 998GF13-II, which includes a skull. Other specimens referred to "Fendusaurus" are FGM998GF13-I, FGM998GF13-III, FGM998GF69, FGM998GF9, and FGM998GF18, all found by a crew from the Princeton University. All the specimens include femora and coracoids, and although they each share slightly different features, the differences are credited to intra-specific variation. Known specimens of "Fendusaurus" were previously classified as cf. Ammosaurus. The femora and coracoids also help identify different individuals, and Timothy J. Fedak, the describer of the specimens, found that each block represented about one individual. "Fendusaurus" is known from the Early Jurassic (Hettangian) McCoy Brook Formation of Wasson Bluff, Nova Scotia. It is the first non-avian dinosaur from Nova Scotia. As five specimens of "Fendusaurus" are from the McCoy Brook Formation, the formation is the richest prosauropod site in North America. The formation is also similar to other formations of North America and Asia, as it lacks any remains presently assigned to Anchisaurus. Fedak places "Fendusaurus" as a genus of the family Massospondylidae.[85]
The specimens of "Fendusaurus" include mostly crushed vertebrae, along with appendicular elements. They are distinguishable from Anchisaurus by the morphology of both the ilium and sacral vertebrae. However, in some specimens, the morphology of the femora and coracoids are quite different, which led Fedak to speculate that more than one species may have been present. "Fendusaurus", according to Fedak, can be distinguished from all closely related sauropodomorphs by the extreme elongation of the cervical vertebrae; a four vertebrae sacrum that includes a dorsosacral and caudosacral; the elongate postacetabular process of the ilium; and an expanded anterior distal process of the tibia.[85]
Ferganastegos
[edit]"Ferganastegos" is a dubious genus of stegosaur from the Middle Jurassic (Callovian) Balabansai Formation of Fergana Valley, Kyrgyzstan.[86] The holotype of "Ferganastegos callovicus", IGB 001, consists of four posterior dorsal vertebrae.[87] Although Averianov et al. did not consider the vertebrae diagnostic to genus, the freelance Russian dinosaur enthusiast and amateur paleontologist Roman Ulansky decided that the differences between IGB 001 and other stegosaurs were sufficient to warrant a binomial for IGB 001, "Ferganastegos callovicus" (Callovian roof from Fergana Valley), despite the fact he did not examine the material himself.[13] Other researchers still contend that the material is not diagnostic and that the genus is a nomen dubium.[88]
Ferropectis
[edit]"Ferropectis" is a nodosaurid ankylosaur from the Late Cretaceous (Cenomanian) Eagle Ford Group in Texas that was named in a 2018 dissertation by Matt Clemens. The intended type species is "Ferropectis brysorum", and in the phylogenetic analysis it was placed as the sister taxon to Borealopelta in a clade including Hungarosaurus, Europelta, and Pawpawsaurus.[89]
Francoposeidon
[edit]
"Francoposeidon" (meaning "French earthquake god") is the informal name given to an as yet undescribed genus of turiasaurian sauropod dinosaur from the Early Cretaceous (Hauterivian)-aged Angeac-Charente bonebed of France. The proposed type species is "F. charantensis",[40] and the remains consist of a braincase, some skull bones, teeth, cervical, dorsal and caudal vertebrae, chevrons, pelvic girdle and all the limb bones" alongside isolated teeth, belonging to at least 7 individuals.[90] The length of the femur was measured to be around 2.35 metres (7.7 ft), (± 0.5 metres (1.6 ft)), making "Francoposeidon" one of the largest known sauropods discovered in Europe.[91]
Futabasaurus
[edit]"Futabasaurus" is an informal name for a genus of theropod dinosaur from the Late Cretaceous of Japan, known only from a partial shin bone of ~56 millimetres (2.2 in) wide that was discovered in the Coniacian-age Ashizawa Formation of the Futaba Group;[92] it was likely around 2 metres (6.6 ft) when fully grown. It was first mentioned as "Futaba-ryu" by Hasegawa et al. (1987),[93] and the name was coined by David Lambert in 1990 as a conversion from the Japanese nickname "Futaba-ryu", for an undescribed theropod.[94] Dong Zhiming and coauthors briefly discussed the fossil shin bone it was based on that same year, publishing a photograph. They considered the bone to belong to an indeterminate tyrannosaurid.[95] If the specimen is eventually described and named, it will require a different name, because the name Futabasaurus has since been used for a genus of plesiosaur.[96]
G
[edit]Gadolosaurus
[edit]
"Gadolosaurus" is an informal name given to PIN, no. 3458/5[97] an unnamed juvenile hadrosauroid dinosaur specimen from the Bayan Shireh Formation of Baishan Tsav, Mongolia. The name "Gadolosaurus" was first used in a 1979 book by Japanese paleontologist Tsunemasa Saito, in a caption for a photo of the specimen.[98] This specimen represents an individual that was only about a meter long (39 inches). The specimen was part of a Soviet exhibition of fossils in Japan. Apparently, the name comes from a Japanese phonetic translation of the Cyrillic word gadrosavr, or hadrosaur, and was never meant by the Russians to establish a new generic name.[99]
Despite the only name ever applied to it being merely a mistranslation of gadrosavr, this specimen has appeared in many popular dinosaur books, with varying identifications. Donald F. Glut in 1982 reported it as either an iguanodont or hadrosaur, with no crest or boot on the ischium (the lack of which are both characteristics of the crested lambeosaurine duckbills), and suggested it could be the juvenile of a previously named genus like Tanius or Shantungosaurus.[100] David Lambert in 1983 classified it as an iguanodont,[101] but changed his mind by 1990, when it was listed as a synonym of Arstanosaurus without comment.[94] What may be the same animal is mentioned but not named by David B. Norman and Hans-Dieter Sues in a 2000 book on Mesozoic reptiles from Mongolia and the former USSR; this material, from the Soviet-Mongolian expeditions of the 1970s, had been listed as Arstanosaurus in the Russian Academy of Sciences, and was found in the Cenomanian-age Bayan Shireh Formation of Baishin Tsav.[102]
Averianov, Lopatin, and Tsogtbaatar in 2022 provided a preliminary description of this specimen and its taxonomic position, finding that the specimen may represent a juvenile of a novel taxon that was closely related to but more derived than the contemporary hadrosauroid Gobihadros.[97]
Gallimimus mongoliensis
[edit]
"Gallimimus mongoliensis" is an informal name Rinchen Barsbold used for a nearly complete skeleton (IGM 100/14) known from the Bayan Shireh Formation, but since it differs from Gallimimus in some details, Yoshitsugu Kobayashi and Barsbold proposed in 2006 that it probably belongs to a different genus.[103] It was recently included in a phylogenetic analysis, which recovered it as closely related to Tototlmimus.[104]
Gspsaurus
[edit]"Gspsaurus" (a nomen manuscriptum) is a titanosaurian sauropod dinosaur from the Late Cretaceous Vitakri Member of the Pab Formation of Sulaiman Basin of Pakistan.[105] It has been suggested to be synonymous with the also invalid taxon "Maojandino", also proposed by Malkani. The intended holotype, MSM-79-19 and MSM-80-19, consisting of parts of the skull, including a rostrum, was discovered in 2001, and parts of the holotype were initially referred to "Marisaurus jeffi".[106]
Grusimimus
[edit]"Grusimimus" (or "Tsurumimus") is an informal name for an undescribed genus of ornithomimid from the Early Cretaceous (Hauterivian–Barremian) aged Shinekhudag Formation of Mongolia. Known from a skeleton including all regions except the skull, "Grusimimus" was given an invalid name in 1997 by Rinchen Barsbold, who also suggested the species name "tsuru". The specimen (GIN 960910KD) was found in 1996 and examined by Barsbold before he suggested the informal name, a nomen nudum. An abstract and poster were presented on the taxon by Kobayashi & Barsbold in 2002, and the former published a thesis paper on the specimen (referred to as "Ornithomimosauria indet.") which found the taxon to be close to Harpymimus phylogenetically but possible more derived.[107] A recent phylogenetic analysis recovered "Grusimimus" closely related to Beishanlong and Garudimimus.[104]
H
[edit]Hanwulosaurus
[edit]"Hanwulosaurus" is the informal name given to an as-yet undescribed genus of dinosaur from the Late Cretaceous. It was an ankylosaur around 9 m (30 ft) long, which is long for an ankylosaur. Its fossils were found in Inner Mongolia, China. Much of a skeleton, including a complete skull, vertebrae, ribs, a scapula, an ulna, femora, bones from the shin, and armor, was discovered; this may be the most complete ankylosaurian skeleton yet found in Asia, according to early reports. Zhao Xijin, who has studied it, suggests that it may belong to its own subgroup within the Ankylosauria. The name first surfaced in news reports in 2001.[108]
Haute Moulouya Sauropod
[edit]The "Haute Moulouya Sauropod", also known as NHMUK PV R36834, consisted originally of two complete cervical vertebrae recovered from the Lower Jurassic sediments of the Haute Moulouya Basin, likely the Aganane Formation, on central Morocco.[109] This material was initially identified as belonging to an early member of Eusauropoda, if so, the oldest member of the group.[109] Additional material was previously recovered, SNSB-BSPG 2014 I 106 that consists of dorsal vertebrae and a pubis fragment.[110] A recent revision suggest both specimens belong to the same taxon, that likely comes from a higher stratigraphic level (Likely Late Pliensbachian) and that represents a valid more basal taxon, related with Amygdalodon.[111] Though other analysis still recovers it alternatively as an Eusauropod, in a polytomy with Barapasaurus.[112][113]
Heilongjiangosaurus
[edit]"Heilongjiangosaurus" (meaning "Heilongjiang lizard") is the informal name given to an as-yet undescribed genus of duckbilled dinosaur from the Late Cretaceous. It possibly was a lambeosaurine, and may in fact be the same animal as Charonosaurus. The fossils were found in Maastrichtian-age rocks in Heilongjiang, China. As a nomen nudum, it is unclear what material it was intended to be based on, but might be connected to the nomen nudum "Mandschurosaurus" jiainensis,[114] informally named in a 1983 publication.[115]
The "type species" is "H. jiayinensis", and it was coined in 2001 in a faunal list by Li and Jin.[116]
Hironosaurus
[edit]"Hironosaurus" (meaning "Hirono lizard") is the informal name given to an as-yet undescribed genus of dinosaur from the Late Cretaceous. Found in Hirono, Fukushima, Japan, it was probably a type of hadrosaur, although no subfamily identification has been made. The fossils are quite fragmentary, and consist of teeth and a vertebra, possibly from the tail. Since the fossils have never been fully described in a scientific paper, "Hironosaurus" is considered a nomen nudum. It was first mentioned by Hisa in an obscure 1988 publication[117] and was later (1990) brought to a wider audience by David Lambert.[94] Dong Zhiming, Y. Hasegawa, and Y. Azuma regarded the material as belonging to a hadrosaurid, but lacking any characteristics to allow more precise identification (thus indeterminate).[95]
Hisanohamasaurus
[edit]"Hisanohamasaurus" (meaning "Hisano-hama lizard") is the informal name given to an as yet undescribed genus of dinosaur from the Late Cretaceous. It is a nomen nudum known only from teeth that first appeared in a general-audience dinosaur book by David Lambert in 1990. Although initially identified a diplodocid,[118] it later re-identified as a nemegtosaurid similar to Nemegtosaurus.[119] As its name suggests, its fossils were found in Japan. The location is part of Iwaki, Fukushima.
Hughenden sauropod
[edit]The "Hughenden sauropod" is an informal name given to a titanosauriform sauropod specimen (QM F6142) discovered from the Early Cretaceous (Albian) Toolebuc Formation of Australia. It is uncertain whether the specimen can be referred to Austrosaurus from the Allaru Formation, which overlies the Toolebuc Formation.[120]
I
[edit]Imrankhanhero
[edit]"Imrankhanhero" is an informal genus of titanosaurian dinosaurs from the Late Cretaceous (Maastrichtian) Vitakri Formation of Pakistan described by Malkani (2023) in Scientific Research Publishing, a known predatory publisher. The assigned fossil material includes a humerus, a femur, fibulae, a tibia, and a metatarsal. Caudal vertebrae found nearby may also be referrable to "Imrankhanhero". The intended type species is "Imrankhanhero zilefatmi."[121]
J
[edit]Jeholraptor
[edit]"Jeholraptor" is the informal replacement genus name given to the microraptorine Sinornithosaurus haoiana—resulting in the new combination "Jeholraptor" haoiana—by Gregory S. Paul in the third edition of The Princeton Field Guide to Dinosaurs in 2024. The S. haoiana fossil is known from the Early Cretaceous (Barremian) upper Yixian Formation of China. The specimen, which is nearly complete, is about 1.2 metres (3.9 ft) long and was probably close to 3 kilograms (6.6 lb) in weight. Paul suggested that, due to similarities in the quadratojugal, "Jeholraptor" may have been a close relative of Wulong.[122]
Jiangjunmiaosaurus
[edit]"Jiangjunmiaosaurus" (meaning "temple of the general lizard") is an informal name created by an anonymous author in 1987 for a possible chimaera of Monolophosaurus and Sinraptor.[123] Paul (1988) tentatively placed "Jiangjunmiaosaurus" within Allosauridae and commented on the nasal ridges and orbital horn combining to form low, rugose-surfaced crests, and mentioned that "other excellent bones" may also be referable to "Jiangjunmiaosaurus".[124]
Jindipelta
[edit]"Jindipelta" (Lei et al., 2019; in press) is the currently informal name given to an ankylosaur from the Zhumapu Formation in China. It is known from a partial skeleton found in Cenomanian rocks and the intended type species is "J. zouyunensis". The name was first announced in the 2019 SVP abstract book, alongside the megalosauroid Yunyangosaurus.[125]
Julieraptor
[edit]
"Julieraptor" is the nickname of a dromaeosaurid fossil found in the Judith River Formation, Montana in 2002. Parts of the same skeleton were illegally excavated and nicknamed Sid Vicious in 2006, and the poacher responsible subsequently served jail time for the theft. Bob Bakker therefore also nicknamed the specimen "Kleptoraptor". The skeleton was arranged to be sold to Royal Ontario Museum.[126][127][128] It is known from a skeleton consisting of an almost complete skeleton missing most of its skull, most tail vertebra, part of the femur, some spinal and neck vertebra, one claw but it has a well preserved braincase.
K
[edit]Kagasaurus
[edit]"Kagasaurus" (meaning "Kaga lizard") is the informal name given to an as yet undescribed genus of theropod dinosaur from the Early Cretaceous of what is now Japan. The type species was named by Hisa in 1988, but is known from only two teeth with no formal description, so it is considered a nomen nudum. It may belong to either a non-maniraptoriform coelurosaur or a dromaeosaurid.[129]
Katsuyamasaurus
[edit]"Katsuyamasaurus" is an informal name for a genus of intermediate theropod known from the Early Cretaceous (Barremian) of the Kitadani Formation, Japan. Known from a single middle caudal vertebra and an ulna, the taxon was informally called "Katsuyama-ryu", until Lambert (1990) made it into an invalid genus name, "Katsuyamasaurus". The caudal vertebra was suggested to belong to an ornithopod by Chure (2000), and Olshevsky (2000) suggested the material was a synonym of Fukuiraptor. However, the ulna differs from Fukuiraptor, and the large olecranon suggests the taxon falls outside Maniraptoriformes.[130]
Khetranisaurus
[edit]"Khetranisaurus" (meaning "Khetran lizard", for the Khetran people of Pakistan) is an informal taxon of titanosaurian sauropod from the Late Cretaceous of Balochistan, western Pakistan (also spelled "Khateranisaurus" in some early reports).[131] The proposed species is "K. barkhani", described by M. Sadiq Malkani in 2006, and it is based on a tail vertebra, found in the Maastrichtian-age Vitakri Member of the Pab Formation. It was assigned to "Pakisauridae" (used as a synonym of Titanosauridae), along with "Pakisaurus" and "Sulaimanisaurus". It was considered invalid by Wilson, Barrett and Carrano (2011).[42]
Koreanosaurus
[edit]"Koreanosaurus" (meaning "Korean lizard") is the informal name given to an as-yet unnamed genus of dinosaur from the Early Cretaceous (Aptian-Albian). It was a possible dromaeosaur (or similar theropod) which was discovered in the Gugyedong Formation of South Korea,[132] although at times it has been referred to the Tyrannosauridae, Hypsilophodontidae and Hadrosauridae. Based solely on DGBU-78(=DGBU-1978B), a femur, the name was coined by Kim in 1979,[133] but by 1993 Kim decided that it was a species of Deinonychus, and created the informal name "D." "koreanensis".[134] Kim et al. (2005) referred the specimen to Eumaniraptora based on a proximolateral ridge, shelf-like posterior trochanter, and absence of an accessory trochanter and mediodistal crest. The presence of a large fourth trochanter was noted to be similar to Adasaurus and Velociraptor.[135]
Kunmingosaurus
[edit]"Kunmingosaurus" is an informally named primitive sauropod which lived during the Early Jurassic. Its fossils were found in Yunnan, China in 1954. The type and only species is "Kunmingosaurus wudingensis", invalidly coined by Zhao in 1985. It is known from fossils found in the Fengjiahe Formation (or the Lower Lufeng Series), including pelvic, hind limb, and vertebral material.[62][136][137][138]
L
[edit]Lancanjiangosaurus
[edit]"Lancanjiangosaurus" (alternative spelling "Lanchanjiangosaurus"; meaning "Lancangjiang lizard", named after the Lancangjiang River of China) is the informal name given to an as yet undescribed genus of sauropod dinosaur from the Middle Jurassic. The "type species", "L. cachuensis", was coined by Zhou in 1983, but remains a nomen nudum. It is known from the Dapuka Group of Tibet.[62]
Lijiagousaurus
[edit]"Lijiagousaurus" (meaning "Lijiagou lizard") is the informal name given to an as yet undescribed genus of herbivorous iguanodontian dinosaur from the Late Cretaceous of what is now Sichuan, China. It has not been formally described yet, but the formal publication is forthcoming, from Chinese paleontologist Ouyang Hui. "Lijiagousaurus" was only briefly mentioned in the Chongqing Natural History Museum guidebook (2001) and is thus a nomen nudum.The holotype consists of hindlimb bones, a scapula, an ischium and other fragments.[139][140][141]
Likhoelesaurus
[edit]"Likhoelesaurus" (meaning "Li Khole lizard") is the name given to an as yet undescribed genus of archosauriform, either a dinosaur or rauisuchian, from the Late Triassic of what is now South Africa. The name was coined by Ellenberger in 1970, and the "type species" is "Likhoelesaurus ingens".[142] It is named after the town in Lesotho where the fossils were found. The only fossils recovered have been teeth, from the late Carnian–early Norian-age Lower Elliot Formation.[143] Ellenberger (1972) regarded the genus as a giant carnosaur, and Kitching and Raath (1984) treated it as possibly referable to Basutodon.[144][145] Knoll listed "Likhoelesaurus" as a rauisuchian, also he noted that could also be a rauisuchian.[146]
Lopasaurus
[edit]
"Lopasaurus" (meaning "Alberto Lopa's lizard") is the name given to an as yet undescribed genus of dromaeosaurid theropod, possibly belonging to Unenlagiinae due to its similarity to Buitreraptor, Neuquenraptor and Pamparaptor, from the Late Cretaceous (Maastrichtian)-aged Serra da Galga Formation in the Ponto 1 do Price site of Brazil. The intended holotype, a partial right metatarsus showing metatarsals II, III and IV, was discovered by Alberto Lopa during the 1950s but the fossil was lost shortly after the death of Llewellyn Ivor Price in 1980 and it has not been located since. "Lopasaurus" was briefly mentioned by Brum et al. in their description of Ypupiara lopai, where it was tentatively referred to Unenlagiinae. Brum et al. (2021) also did not refer "Lopasaurus" to Ypupiara, which was found in the same formation as "Lopasaurus".[147]
M
[edit]Madsenius
[edit]"Madsenius" is a name published in 1990 by David Lambert in his Dinosaur Data Book. According to Donald F. Glut, the name refers to a new allosaurid that was to be described by Robert T. Bakker based on skull bones previously assigned to Allosaurus and Creosaurus.[148] "Madsenius" is a nomen nudum.[149]
Magulodon
[edit]"Magulodon" is the name given to an as yet undescribed genus of dinosaur from the Early Cretaceous (Aptian to Albian stages, approximately 112 million years ago). It was a possible ornithischian, either an ornithopod or basal ceratopsian, which was discovered in the Arundel Formation of Maryland, United States. The type species, "Magulodon muirkirkensis", was coined by Kranz in 1996.[150] It is a tooth taxon, based solely on a single tooth. Since it has not been formally described, it is also a nomen nudum. It was considered to be an indeterminate specimen in a paper which cited the intended type specimen but avoided using the name to prevent taxonomic clutter.[151]
Maltaceratops
[edit]"Maltaceratops" is the informal name given to an as yet undescribed genus of centrosaurine ceratopsian from the Late Cretaceous (Campanian-aged) Judith River Formation of Montana. The proposed type species is "M. hammondorum",[152][153] and the proposed holotype is a possible skull.[154] It had been previously nicknamed the "Malta new taxon".[155]
Mangahouanga
[edit]"Mangahouanga" (named after the stream of the same name), or the "Joan Wiffen's theropod" is an informal name given to the theropod discovered in the Tahora Formation, New Zealand by Joan Wiffen, who considered it to be a possible megalosaurid in 1975. The vertebra was described by Molnar 1981,[156] and it was ruled as an indeterminate theropod in 2010 by Agnolin et al.[157] The name "Mangahouanga" was coined by Molina-Pérez & Larramendi (2016) and no species name was given.[158] They estimated it to reach up to 3.5 metres (11 ft) long and weigh up to 130 kilograms (290 lb) and is represented by of a single vertebra.
Maojandino
[edit]"Maojandino" is an informally named taxon of titanosaurid sauropod dinosaur from the Late Cretaceous Maastrichtian stage of Pakistan. The intended type species is "Maojandino alami."
Marisaurus
[edit]"Marisaurus" (meaning "Mari lizard", for the Mari tribe of Pakistan) is an informal taxon of titanosaurian sauropod from the Late Cretaceous of Balochistan, western Pakistan. The type species is "M. jeffi", described by Muhammad Sadiq Malkani in 2004,[159] and it is based on tail vertebrae, found in the Maastrichtian-age Vitakri Member of the Pab Formation. Much additional material, including a partial skull, many vertebrae, and a few hindlimb bones, was referred to this genus. "Marisaurus" was assigned to "Balochisauridae" with "Sulaimanisaurus", although the family was used as a synonym of Saltasauridae.[160] It was considered invalid by Wilson, Barrett and Carrano (2011).[42]
Maroccanoraptor
[edit]"Maroccanoraptor" is an informal name suggested for a supposed unenlagiine theropod from the Kem Kem Formation of Morocco, however, it lacks the requirements to become a valid taxon, thus leaving it as a naked name. The intended type species is "M. elbegiensis", first described by Singer (2015) on the basis of a single coracoid.[161] The fossil was later suggested to belong to a non-dinosaurian crocodyliform.[162]
Megacervixosaurus
[edit]"Megacervixosaurus" (meaning "big neck lizard") is the informal name given to an as yet undescribed genus of herbivorous dinosaur from the Late Cretaceous Zonggo Formation of Tibet. It was a titanosaur sauropod which lived in what is now China The type species, "Megacervixosaurus tibetensis", was coined by Chinese paleontologist Zhao Xijin in 1983. "Megacervixosaurus" has never been formally described, and remains a nomen nudum.[163]
Megapleurocoelus
[edit]"Megapleurocoelus" is an informally named sauropod belonging to Flagellicaudata, from the Kem Kem Formation of Morocco, however, it lacks the requirements to become a valid taxon, thus leaving it as a naked name. The intended type species is "M. menduckii", first described by Singer (2015) and the holotype is JP Cr376, a single centrum from a dorsal vertebra.[161]
Microcephale
[edit]"Microcephale", also known as "Mycocephale", (meaning "tiny head") is the informal name of a genus of very small pachycephalosaurid dinosaur, otherwise known as the "North American dwarf species", which lived during the Late Cretaceous. Its fossils were found in the late Campanian-age Dinosaur Park Formation, in Alberta, Canada. Not much is known about this dinosaur, as it has not yet been fully described; it is therefore a nomen nudum. The fossils of "Microcephale", including tiny skull caps, were first mentioned by paleontologist Paul Sereno in 1997, in a list of pachycephalosaurids.[164] These skull caps measure less than 5 cm (2 in) each. No potential species name was given.
Microdontosaurus
[edit]"Microdontosaurus" (meaning "tiny-toothed lizard") is the name given to an as yet undescribed genus of sauropod dinosaur from China. It was named from fossils from the Middle Jurassic-age Dapuka Group of Xinjiang. The intended type species is "M. dayensis."[62] As with other informal names created by Zhao in 1985 or 1983, it has not been used since then, and may have been redescribed under another name.[165]
Microvenator chagyabi
[edit]"Microvenator chagyabi" is the informal name given to an as yet undescribed species of theropod dinosaur, likely belonging to Coelurosauria, from the Early Cretaceous Lura Formation of Tibet, China. It was coined by Zhao (1985)[166] and the proposed holotype consists of a specimen including teeth.[167]
Mifunesaurus
[edit]"Mifunesaurus" (meaning 'Mifune lizard') is a nomen nudum given to an extinct non-avian non-maniraptoriform tetanuran theropod dinosaur from the Late Cretaceous (Cenomanian; ~96 Ma) Kabu Formation of Japan.[168] The intended holotype, stored at the Mifune Dinosaur Museum, with the tooth on display, of "Mifunesaurus" consists only of a few bones, among which are a tibia, a phalanx, a metatarsus and a single tooth (tooth catalogued as YNUGI 10003; rest of the skeleton catalogued as MDM 341), discovered by N. & K. Wasada in 1979.[169] The genus was informally coined by Hisa in 1985 and no epithet was given.[170] The known tooth was too thick to be the tooth of a ceratosaurid, and too tall to belong to an abelisaurid, which means that "Mifunesaurus" was probably a megalosauroid or a carnosaur based on the shape of the known tooth.
Mitchell ornithopod
[edit]The "Mitchell ornithopod" is the informal nickname of an ornithopod dinosaur discovered near Mitchell, Oregon, being the first described dinosaur from Oregon but not the first discovered; a hadrosaurid sacrum was discovered in the Late Cretaceous (Campanian)-aged Cape Sebastian Sandstone near Cape Sebastian during the 1960s and excavated in 1994 by Dave Taylor, but the remains of the Cape Sebastian ornithopod were not prepared for peer review and described until 2019, merely weeks after the Mitchell ornithopod was described.[171][172][173] The single known bone, F118B00, was a toe bone, specifically the third phalanx of the central digit of the right hindlimb foot, and was discovered by Gregory Retallack in 2015 while on an annual field trip with his students, in a layer of the Albian-aged Hudspeth Shale Formation;[174] in 2021, Gloria Carr discovered another bone, this time a vertebra, that likely belonged to the same species of ornithopod.[175] No excavation was required – the bone was found resting on the ground and Retallack immediately knew it was different from the various marine fossils scattered nearby.[171] The bone was described in 2018 by Gregory Retallack, Jessica Theodor, Edward Davis, Samantha Hopkins and Paul Barrett.[174] It was part of a bloated carcass swept out into the ocean, likely originating from Idaho, although further discoveries, such as Strommer (2021), dispute this claim and suggest it may have been deposited by a mudflow.[175]
The bone was later compared to more complete remains of other ornithopods and the "Mitchell ornithopod" bone most closely matched those of hadrosaurs and iguanodonts, although it was likely a basal ornithopod.[174] Rettalack believes that the bone belonged to a new genus, although there is not enough sufficient remains to base this claim on.[171]
Moshisaurus
[edit]
Hisa (1985) used "Moshisaurus" (or "Moshi-ryu") for the incomplete sauropod humerus NSM PV17656, from the Early Cretaceous Miyako Group of Japan. Dong et al. (1990) and Hasegawa et al. (1991) referred them to Mamenchisaurus, but Azuma & Tomida (1998) and Barrett et al. (2002) assigned them to Sauropoda indet.[176][177][178]
N
[edit]Ngexisaurus
[edit]"Ngexisaurus" is the informal name given to an as yet undescribed genus of theropod dinosaur, likely belonging to Avetheropoda, from the Middle Jurassic Dapuka Group of Tibet, China. The type species, "Ngexisaurus dapukaensis", was coined by Zhao in 1983.[179][166][180] A synonym of "Ngexisaurus" coined by Zhao (1985) is "Megalosaurus" dapukaensis[166] and Fossilworks lists "M." dapukaensis as a megalosaurid tetanuran separate from "Ngexisaurus" proper.[181]
Nicksaurus
[edit]"Nicksaurus" is an informally named Titanosaurian sauropod dinosaur from the Late Cretaceous red muds of the Vitakri Formation of the Sulaiman Basin, Pakistan. The dinosaur shared a habitat with other sauropod dinosaurs including Khetranisaurus, Sulaimanisaurus, Pakisaurus, Gspsaurus, Saraikimasoom, and Maojandino.[182]
The intended type species is "Nicksaurus razashahi" and was first used by Malkani (2019).[182]
Nurosaurus
[edit]"Nurosaurus" (Nur-o-saw-rus, meaning "Nur lizard") is the informal name for a genus of sauropod dinosaur. It is known from a partial, large skeleton, that was presented as soon-to-be-described by Zhiming Dong in 1992, where he gave the proposed binomial "Nurosaurus qaganensis". It was discovered in the Qagannur Formation of Inner Mongolia, 65 km (40 mi) southeast of Erenhot. The deposit is younger than the Psittacosaurus-bearing Guyang Group, but is still Early Cretaceous. It was found alongside the plates and scapula of a stegosaur.[183]
The foot of "Nurosaurus" is notable for a stress fracture present on the first phalanx of the fourth digit of the left foot, which was the first identified fracture of its kind, and have since been identified on the phalanges and metatarsals of Apatosaurus, Barosaurus, Brachiosaurus, Camarasaurus, and Diplodocus.[184]
O
[edit]Oharasisaurus
[edit]"Oharasisaurus" is the name given to an as yet undescribed genus of somphospondylian sauropod, possibly belonging to the Euhelopodidae, from the Early Cretaceous Kuwajima Formation (Facies III layer) of Japan. The name "Oharasisaurus" was coined by Larramendi & Molina Pérez (2020)[40] and the holotype, a tooth, was first mentioned by Matsuoka (2000).[185]
Orcomimus
[edit]"Orcomimus" (Pronounced or-coh-mEYEm-us) is the name given to an as yet undescribed genus of dinosaur from the Late Cretaceous period 66 million years ago. The dinosaur was an ornithomimid which lived in what is now South Dakota, in the United States. The type was coined by Michael Triebold in 1997, but has never been formally described and is currently a nomen nudum. "Orcomimus" was a bipedal theropod, but the dinosaur is known from only a pelvis and a hindlimb. "Orcomimus" is thought to be relatively advanced for other ornithomimids at the time, although this is hard to tell from the limited amount of specimens found of the dinosaur.[186] It may be referable to one of the ornithomimosaur species currently known from the Hell Creek Formation, where the holotype of "Orcomimus" was found.
Oshanosaurus
[edit]"Oshanosaurus" (meaning "Oshan lizard") is the informal name given to an as yet undescribed genus of sauropod dinosaur from the Early Jurassic period of Yunnan, China. Its fossils were found in the Lower Lufeng Series. The intended "type species", "Oshanosaurus youngi", was coined by Zhao in 1985.[62] It has sometimes been associated with heterodontosaurids, which appears to be due to the juxtaposition of a species of Dianchungosaurus (formerly thought to be a heterodontosaurid) in the text of Zhao (1985).[187]
In 1971 Zhao Xijin discovered a dinosaur fossil at Dianchung in Eshan county, giving it the informal name "Oshanosaurus youngi".[62] In their 2019 popular book Dinosaur Facts and Figures: The Theropods, Molina-Perez and Larramendi suggested that it belonged to the theropod Eshanosaurus, but without elaboration.
Osteoporosia
[edit]"Osteoporosia gigantea" is an informally named theropod, either belonging to Carcharodontosauridae or Megaraptora, from the Kem Kem Group of Morocco. It lacks the requirements to become a valid taxon, thus leaving it as a naked name. It was informally described by Singer (2015) based on a tooth and a fragment of neural arch probably belonging to a posterior dorsal vertebra (JP Cr340).[161] The material is from a private collection.[188]
In 2019 Molina-Pérez & Larramendi suggested that "Osteoporosia" could be a possible synonym of Sauroniops pachytholus.[188] They also estimated it in 7.9 m long and 1.55 tons, with a hip height of 2.25 m.[188]
Otogosaurus
[edit]"Otogosaurus" is an informally named sauropod from Inner Mongolia, China. The supposed type species is "Otogosaurus sarulai". It is known from partial postcranial remains, including a tibia 2.2 meters (7.2 ft) long and several footprints.[189] It is named after Otog Banner in Inner Mongolia where it was discovered, and Sarula, the girl who discovered the fossils. Despite sometimes being presented as a valid taxon, sometimes accompanied by citations to Zhao (2004) or Zhao & Tan (2004),[40] scholars have not been able to locate such a source,[189][190] so it remains informal until a paper is discovered.
P
[edit]Pakisaurus
[edit]"Pakisaurus" (meaning "Pakistan lizard") is an informal taxon of titanosaurian sauropod from the Late Cretaceous of Balochistan, western Pakistan, and also Gujarat, India. The proposed species is "P. balochistani", and it was named by M. Sadiq Malkani in 2006, based on isolated tail vertebrae found in the Maastrichtian-age Vitakri Member of the Pab Formation. In 2023, a femur discovered in the Lameta Formation of India was assigned to "Pakisaurus".
It was considered invalid by Wilson, Barrett and Carrano (2011) during their description of a Jainosaurus cf. septentrionalis skeleton.[42]
"Anokhadino mirliaquati" was synonymised with "Pakisaurus balochistani" by Malkani (2019).[191]
Paw Paw scuteling
[edit]
The "Paw Paw scuteling" is the name used for a juvenile nodosaurid discovered in 1990 from the Paw Paw Formation of northern Fort Worth, Texas. It was discovered by John C. Maurice, the 12-year-old son of fossil collector John M. Maurice. The specimen consists of a partial skeleton including a third of the backbone, part of the skull, and both leg and arm elements.[192][193][194] It is one of two or three nodosaurs known from the formation alongside Pawpawsaurus and Texasetes, and one of the very few known specimens of a baby nodosaur. Some phylogenetic analyses have recovered it as sister to Niobrarasaurus.[195] Although taxonomically indeterminate due to its life stage and fragmentary nature,[196] it is often used in phylogenetic analyses for determining the taxonomic affinity of other nodosaur genera.[197][198][199]
Podischion
[edit]"Podischion" is an informal genus of hadrosaurid dinosaur known from a skeleton discovered in 1911 on the Red Deer River in Alberta by a crew led by Barnum Brown. The remains were tentatively named "Podischion", which was not mentioned in published literature until Dingus & Norell (2010).[200][123] It is possible that the skeleton represents an individual of Hypacrosaurus.[123]
Q
[edit]Qaikshaheen
[edit]"Qaikshaheen" is an informal genus of titanosaurian dinosaurs from the Late Cretaceous (Maastrichtian) Vitakri Formation of Pakistan described by Malkani (2023) in Scientific Research Publishing, a known predatory publisher. The proposed holotype specimen includes fragmentary cervical and dorsal vertebrae, partial pectoral and pelvic girdles, humeri, femora, a tibia, and fibulae. Other bones, including several vertebrae, ribs, a humerus, ulnae, metacarpals, metatarsals, a femur, and a partial pelvic girdle, were also referred. The intended type species is "Qaikshaheen masoomniazi."[121]
R
[edit]Ronaldoraptor
[edit]
"Ronaldoraptor", also known as the "Mitrata" Oviraptorid, is an undescribed oviraptorid from Mongolia[201] and has been listed as "Oviraptor sp."[202] The name was first used by Luis Rey in 2003, in his book A Field Guide to Dinosaurs: The Essential Handbook for Travelers in the Mesozoic, where he drew an illustration, captioning it "Ronaldoraptor".[201] "Ronaldoraptor" may have been closely related to Citipati osmolskae.
Rutellum
[edit]
"Rutellum" is the pre-Linnaean name given to a dinosaur specimen from the Late Jurassic (Oxfordian)-aged Coralline Oolite Formation. It was a sauropod, possibly a cetiosaurid,[204] which lived in what is now England. The specimen (OU 1352), called "Rutellum impicatum", was described in 1699 by Edward Lhuyd alongside specimen OU 1358, what is now believed to be a Megalosaurus tooth crown,[203] and is notable as the earliest named entity that is recognizable as a dinosaur.[204] It was based on a tooth collected from Caswell, near Witney, Oxfordshire.[205]
Because "Rutellum impicatum" was named before 1758 (the official starting date for zoological nomenclature according to the ICZN), it is not considered a part of modern biological nomenclature.
S
[edit]Sabinosaurus
[edit]
"Sabinosaurus" or "Sabinosaurio" is a name used for PASAC-1,[206] a partial skeleton of a hadrosaur that was discovered in the Sabinas Basin in Mexico in 2001. It was initially described as Kritosaurus sp. by Jim Kirkland and colleagues (2006),[207] but considered an indeterminate saurolophine by Prieto-Márquez (2014).[208] This skeleton is about 20% larger than other known specimens, around 11 m (36 ft) long, and with a distinctively curved ischium, and represents the largest known well-documented North American saurolophine. Unfortunately, the nasal bones are also incomplete in the skull remains from this material.[207]
Safisaur
[edit]"Safisaur" (honoring Dr. Amtyaz Safi) is an invalid genus name proposed by M. Sadiq Malkani for an alleged dicraeosaurid sauropod from Pakistan. The name first appeared in September 2025 in an unreviewed manuscript hosted on ResearchGate. The material was previously mentioned in another unreviewed manuscript posted a month prior by Malkani, Muhammad, and Safi, who identified it simply as belonging to a probable large dinosaur that may have originated from either Jurassic or Cretaceous strata.[209] Malkani's 2025 paper preferred the possibly Middle Jurassic rocks of what may be the Shinawari Formation. The intended type species is "Safisaur niazensis". While no holotype specimen was proposed, he associated the name with a putative isolated neural arch of a possible dorsal vertebra, apparently demonstrating the bifurcated neural spine characteristic of dicraeosaurids. A possible proximal femur was also found in the locality.[210]
Saldamosaurus
[edit]"Saldamosaurus" is an informal genus of stegosaurid dinosaur known from a complete braincase discovered in the Early Cretaceous Saldam Formation of Siberia, Russia. The type species, "Saldamosaurus tuvensis", was named in 2014[13] but according to Galton and Carpenter (2016) it did not meet the requirements of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature and is hence a nomen nudum.[211]
Saltillomimus
[edit]
"Saltillomimus" is an informal name for an ornithomimid theropod from the Late Cretaceous (late Campanian) of the Cerro del Pueblo Formation in Mexico. It is known from SEPCP 16/237, a partial tail, most of a hindlimb, and forelimb bones, discovered in 1998, and the possible juvenile specimen SEPCP 16/221, a partial leg and hip bone, that was given the name "Saltillomimus rapidus" by Martha Carolina Aguillón Martinez in 2010.[212] A skeletal reconstruction was put on display in 2014 at the Museo del Desierto, which served to highlight its robust thighs and unusual hips that combine primitive and advanced features seen in ornithomimosaurs from both Asia and North America. Named in Martinez' 2010 thesis, the taxon name is an invalid nomen ex dissertatione.[107]
Sanchusaurus
[edit]"Sanchusaurus" (meaning "Lizard from Sanchu") or "Sanchu-ryu"[213] is an informal name for possible ornithomimosaur dinosaur from the Early Cretaceous period of Asia. It is only known by a partial tail vertebra,[95] found in Nakasato, Japan.[214] Dong (1990)[95] considered it synonymous with Gallimimus but the large discrepancy in both age and location between the two species renders this opinion untenable. The genus has not been formally described and is considered a nomen nudum. It was first mentioned by Hisa in 1985.[215] In 2006, it is shown that this animal is not fully grown, and characters of tail vertebra is not unique to that of ornithomimosaur.[213]
Saraikimasoom
[edit]"Saraikimasoom" (meaning 'Innocent one') is an invalid species of titanosaur dinosaur from the Vitakri Formation in Pakistan. The type species, Saraikimasoom vitakri, was described by Sadiq Malkhani in 2015, in a paper describing multiple Pakistani dinosaurs, such as Gspsaurus, "Nicksaurus" and "Maojandino".[216] Saraikimasoom is currently recognised as a nomen manuscriptum.
Shake-N-Bake theropod
[edit]The "Shake-N-Bake theropod" is an undescribed species of coelophysoid from the Kayenta Formation, known from partial skeleton MCZ 8817 within the collection of Harvard Museum of Natural History.[217][218]
Shansaraiki
[edit]"Shansaraiki" (meaning "respected Saraiki peoples") is an informal genus of theropod that was probably an abelisaur. The holotype was found in the Shalghara locality of the Late Cretaceous Vitakri Formation of Pakistan and consists of GSP/ MSM-140-3 (symphysis), GSP/MSM-5-3 (mid-ramus with partial teeth bases) and GSP/MSM-57-3 (dorsal vertebrae), although they may belong to separate specimens as they were found apart from each other. The intended type species is "Shansaraiki insafi" and was first mentioned by Malkani (2022).[219]
Siamodracon
[edit]"Siamodracon" is an extinct genus of invalid stegosaurid dinosaur known from a single dorsal vertebra found in Thailand's Phu Kradung Formation. The type species, "Siamodracon altispinax", was named by Ulansky in 2014.[13] According to Galton and Carpenter (2016) it did not meet the requirements of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature.[13][211] "Siamodracon" was the first thyreophoran dinosaur discovered in South East Asia.
Sidormimus
[edit]"Sidormimus" is an informal genus of noasaurid discovered in the Elrhaz Formation in Niger. It was discovered in 2000 by Chris Sidor and it was immediately named as "Sidormimus" by Lyon on the Project Exploration website, with a photograph of the intended holotype.[220] During the same year, on the National Geographic website, the same photograph of the specimen was labelled "Dogosaurus", and it was noted that the neck and ribs were exposed when the specimen was discovered.[221] It has also been referred to as the "Gadoufaoua noasaurid" or the "unnamed Niger noasaurid",[222][223] and Sidor himself confirmed via personal communication in 2005 that "Sidormimus" was the Elrhaz noasaurid.[224] In a 2010 conference abstract, this articulated specimen was suggested to have possible fossorial (digging) adaptations, which led paleontologists including Paul Sereno to refer the specimen to as the "digging raptor".[225][226][227]
Sinopeltosaurus
[edit]"Sinopeltosaurus" is a dubious genus of extinct thyreophoran ornithischian dinosaur described by Roman Ulansky. The type and only species is "S. minimus" of the lower Jurassic Lufeng Formation of Yunnan China, based on an articulated set of ankle bones.[13] The specimen is FMNH CUP 2338, and includes the distal tibia and fibula, distal tarsals, most metatarsals, and some phalanges. FMNH CUP 2338 was described in 2008 by Randall Irmis and Fabian Knoll, as one of the few definitive specimens of Ornithischia from the Early Jurassic based on features of the ankle and pes.[228] In 2016, Peter Malcolm Galton and Kenneth Carpenter identified it as a nomen dubium, and listed it as Ornithischia indet., possible Thyreophora indet. Ulansky variously referred to it as "Sinopeltosaurus minimus" or "Sinopelta minima"; Galton and Carpenter, as the first revisers under ICZN, made the former official.[14]
Skaladromeus
[edit]
"Skaladromeus" or the "Kaiparowits ornithopod" is an ornithopod from the Kaiparowits Formation named in a 2012 thesis by Clint Boyd. The intended type species is "Skaladromeus goldenii".[229][230]
Sousatitan
[edit]"Sousatitan" is the name given to an as yet undescribed genus of titanosaurian sauropod dinosaur from the Early Cretaceous-aged Rio Piranhas Formation of Brazil. The intended holotype consists of a left fibula, and "Sousatitan" was coined by Ghilardi et al. (2016).[231]
Stegotitanus
[edit]
"Stegotitanus" is the informal replacement genus name given to the stegosaur Stegosaurus ungulatus—resulting in the new combination "Stegotitanus" ungulatus—by Gregory S. Paul in the third edition of The Princeton Field Guide to Dinosaurs in 2024. Stegosaurus ungulatus fossils are known from the Late Jurassic (Kimmeridgian) upper Morrison Formation of Wyoming, US. "Stegotitanus" was one of the largest stegosaurs, at about 7 metres (23 ft) long and 4.2 metric tons (4.1 long tons; 4.6 short tons) in weight.[122]
Suciasaurus
[edit]
A fossil theropod (possibly a tyrannosaur) nicknamed "Suciasaurus rex" was discovered in 2012 at Sucia Island State Park in San Juan County of the U.S. State of Washington. It was the first dinosaur discovered in Washington state. The finding was announced when Burke Museum paleontologists published a discovery paper in PLoS ONE.[232][233] Prompted by a petition from students at an elementary school at Parkland, near Tacoma, the Washington State Legislature introduced a bill in 2019 to make it the official state dinosaur.[234][235][236] A renewed push came in 2021, though House Republicans, like Minority leader J. T. Wilcox, called it low priority versus the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and eventually the bill failed to pass,[237][238] though in 2023 it passed.[239]
Sugiyamasaurus
[edit]"Sugiyamasaurus" (meaning "Sugiyama lizard") is the informal name given to a few spatulate teeth belonging to a titanosauriform, possibly Fukuititan, which lived in Japan during the Early Cretaceous. The name was first printed by David Lambert in 1990 in the Dinosaur Data Book, and also appears in Lambert's Ultimate Dinosaur Book and in many on-line lists of dinosaurs. Since it has not been formally described, "Sugiyamasaurus" is a nomen nudum. Remains were found near Katsuyama City and were initially referred to Camarasauridae, but might belong to Fukutitan because they were unearthed in the same quarry as the Fukuititan material.[240][241][242]
Sulaimanisaurus
[edit]"Sulaimanisaurus" (meaning "Sulaiman lizard", for the Sulaiman foldbelt) is an informal taxon of titanosaurian sauropod from the Late Cretaceous of Balochistan, western Pakistan (also spelled "Sulaimansaurus" in some early reports).[131] The proposed species is "S. gingerichi", described by M. Sadiq Malkani in 2006, and it is based on seven tail vertebra, found in the Maastrichtian-age Vitakri Member of the Pab Formation. Four additional tail vertebrae have been assigned to it. It was considered to be related to "Pakisaurus" and "Khetranisaurus" in the family "Pakisauridae" (used as a synonym of Titanosauridae). It was considered invalid by Wilson, Barrett and Carrano (2011).[42]
T
[edit]Teihivenator
[edit]
"Teihivenator" ("strong hunter") is an improperly named taxon of tyrannosauroid coelurosaur from the Navesink Formation of New Jersey. It was suggested to contain the species, "T." macropus, originally classified as a species of Dryptosaurus (= "Laelaps", a name preoccupied by a mite). It was suggested as a separate genus in 2017 by Chan-gyu Yun.[243] The name "Teihivenator" is invalid because the publication naming it is online-only, which means that a registration with ZooBank is required to be present in the article when published. However, the ZooBank registry was only added in after initial publication, meaning that it fails the requirement to be a validly published taxon.[244]
In 2017, a preprint paper by Chase Brownstein concluded that the remains of L. macropus are a mixture of tyrannosauroid and ornithomimid elements with no distinguishing characteristics, rendering the species a chimera and a nomen dubium.[245] In 2018, Brownstein stated that a tibia of L. macropus catalogued as specimen AMNH FARB 2550 represents a tyrannosauroid that probably was distinct from Dryptosaurus, but not sufficiently to base a taxon on.[246]
That Which Cannot Be Named
[edit]"That Which Cannot Be Named" is the name given by Darren Naish to an undescribed associated skeleton of a small coelurosaur from the Wessex Formation of the Isle of Wight. The specimen is in private ownership and is currently inaccessible to researchers.[247] It has been suggested that the specimen is possibly a tyrannosauroid.[248][249]
Tiantaisaurus
[edit]"Tiantaisaurus", alternatively spelled "Tiantaiosaurus", is the name given to a specimen of therizinosaur from the Aptian age Laijia Formation of Zhejiang, China. According to correspondence through the Dinosaur Mailing List, the former name (from a 2012 study) was the one intended to be use for an official description. After being discovered in 2005, it was first mentioned named in an unpublished manuscript written in 2007. The given species was named "T. sifengensis". The specimen consists of an ischium, an astragalus, a tibia, a femur, an incomplete pubis and ilium, and a large number of vertebrae from across the body.[250][251]
Tobasaurus
[edit]"Tobasaurus" (meaning "Toba City lizard") is the informal name given to an as yet undescribed genus of sauropod dinosaur from the Euhelopodidae from the Early Cretaceous (Hauterivian – Barremian-aged) Matsuo Group of Japan. The proposed holotype is a partial skeleton (mostly limb bones),[252] and "Tobasaurus" grew up to 20 metres (66 ft) when fully grown.[40] It is the inspiration for the Vivosaur "Toba" in the video game Fossil Fighters.
Tonouchisaurus
[edit]"Tonouchisaurus" (meaning "Tonouchi lizard") is the informal name given to an as yet undescribed genus of coelurosaurian dinosaur from the Early Cretaceous Period of Mongolia. The suggested "type species", "Tonouchisaurus mongoliensis", was first informally mentioned in a Japanese news article. It was notably small: less than 0.91 m (3 ft) in length. The specimen informally dubbed "Tonouchisaurus mongoliensis" is based on limb material, and the manual and pedal remains were initially reported to incorporate a complete didactyl manus and complete pes, and Rinchen Barsbold therefore initially interpreted "Tonouchisaurus" as a tyrannosauroid, but he later noted that the manus is actually tridactyl and that the pes has a sub-arcometatarsalian condition.[253]
U
[edit]Ubirajara
[edit]
"Ubirajara" (meaning "Lord of the Spear") is an informal genus of compsognathid theropod known from the Early Cretaceous Crato Formation of Brazil; it was discovered in 1995 and was named in 2020 in an "In Press" article that was later withdrawn due to the specimen having been illegally smuggled from Brazil to Germany.[254] It is considered a nomen manuscriptum.[255]
V
[edit]Vectensia
[edit]In 1982 Justin Delair informally named the genus "Vectensia" based on specimen GH 981.45, an armour plate. Like the holotype of Polacanthus it was found at Barnes High, but reportedly in an older layer, of the Lower Wessex Formation.[256] Blows in 1987 tentatively referred it to Polacanthus.[257]
Vitakridrinda
[edit]"Vitakridrinda" is a genus of abelisaurid theropod dinosaur from the Late Cretaceous of Balochistan, western Pakistan. The intended type species is "V. sulaimani". The discovery was made (along with other dinosaur specimens) near Vitariki by a team of palaeontologists from the Geological Survey of Pakistan, in rocks from the Maastrichtian-age Vitakri Member of the Pab Formation.[258] Informally named in an abstract by M.S. Malkani in 2004 (to which Malkani [2006] attributes the name), it is based on partial remains including two thigh bones, and a tooth. A partial snout and braincase were originally referred to the holotype, and additional vertebrae may also belong to this genus. However, the snout was later reclassified as a new genus of mesoeucrocodylian, Induszalim, while the braincase was later referred to Gspsaurus.[259][258][260][261] Thomas Holtz gave a possible length of 6 meters (19.7 feet).[262]
Vitakrisaurus
[edit]"Vitakrisaurus" is a genus of noasaurid theropod dinosaurs represented by only one known species, "Vitakrisaurus saraiki", which is the intended type species. It lived in the late Cretaceous period, approximately 70 million years ago, during the Maastrichtian, in what is today the Indian subcontinent. Its fossils were found in Pakistan's Vitakri Formation. The holotype specimen, MSM-303-2 is a right foot with a seemingly tridactyl form and robust phalanges. It may belong to Noasauridae due to similarities with the foot of Velocisaurus, although inconsistencies within its brief description and a lack of comparison with other theropods within the article makes formal classification difficult. The generic name references the Vitakri Member of the Pab Formation and combines this with the Greek suffix "saurus", meaning "reptile". The specific name honours the Saraiki people, who primarily live in southern Pakistan.
W
[edit]White Rock spinosaurid
[edit]"White Rock spinosaurid" is the nickname of a giant spinosaur from the Vectis Formation of the Isle of Wight described in 2022.[263] Its remains are so fragmentary that the describers refrained from naming it, but considered the name "Vectispinus". With vertebrae comparable in dimensions to Spinosaurus, it was likely among the largest theropods with a length exceeding 10 metres (33 ft).[264]
Wyomingraptor
[edit]"Wyomingraptor" is the name given to an undiagnostic allosaurid specimen from the Late Jurassic Morrison Formation that is comparatively robust.[265]: 311 It was named by an anonymous author in 1997 and is a nomen nudum.[149]
X
[edit]Xinghesaurus
[edit]
"Xinghesaurus" was the name given to a species of sauropod dinosaur, possibly a titanosauriform, in 2009, in the guidebook for the dinosaur expo "Miracle of Deserts", written by Hasegawa et al.[266] No species name was given for the genus.[267][268] Based on the skeletal mount, "Xinghesaurus" was likely around 15.4 metres (51 ft) long and weighed around 6 tonnes (13,000 lb).[269]
Y
[edit]Yibinosaurus
[edit]"Yibinosaurus" (meaning "Yibin lizard") is the informal name given to an as yet undescribed genus of herbivorous dinosaur from the Early Jurassic. It was a sauropod which lived in what is now Sichuan, China. The suggested "type species", "Yibinosaurus zhoui", is briefly mentioned in the Chongqing Natural History Museum guidebook (2001) as under description by Chinese paleontologist Ouyang Hui. It was coined as a nomen ex dissertationae by Ouyang (2003), and is based on a specimen referred to Gongxianosaurus sp. nov. by Luo and Wang (1999).[139][140][270][271]
Yunxianosaurus
[edit]"Yunxianosaurus" is the provisional name for a genus of titanosaurian dinosaurs from the Late Cretaceous of what is now Hubei, China. The type species, "Yunxianosaurus hubeinensis", was proposed by Chinese paleontologist Li Zhengqi in 2001. The fossils of "Yunxianosaurus" were found near the Nanyang Prefecture. Li stated that the name "Yunxianosaurus" was a temporary label for ease of description, but that further field work and study of the fossils would be required before the genus could be given an official name.[272][273]
Z
[edit]Zamyn Khondt oviraptorid
[edit]Zamyn Khondt oviraptorid is a nickname for oviraptorid specimen IGM or GIN 100/42. Since the type skull of Oviraptor is so poorly preserved and crushed, the skull of IGM 100/42 has become the quintessential depiction of that dinosaur, even appearing in scientific papers with the label Oviraptor philoceratops.[274] However, this distinctive-looking, tall-crested species has more features of the skull in common with Citipati than it does with Oviraptor and it may represent a second species of Citipati or possibly an entirely new genus, pending further study.[275]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Mortimer, M. "Tyrannosauroidea (last updated July 5, 2022)". www.theropoddatabase.com. Retrieved 30 July 2022.
- ^ a b Dalman, S.G. and S.G. Lucas. (2013). A new large Tyrannosaurid Alamotyrannus brinkmani, n. gen., n. sp. (Theropoda: Tyrannosauridae), from the Upper Cretaceous Ojo Alamo Formation (Naashoibito Member), San Juan Basin, New Mexico. New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science Bulletin
- ^ a b McDavid, Skye (30 July 2022). "A mildly interesting tyrannosaur dentary from Ojo Alamo". Skye McDavid. Retrieved 19 October 2023.
- ^ Dalman, S.G.; Lucas, S.G. (2016). "Frederic Brewster Loomis and the 1924 Amherst College paleontological expedition to the San Juan Basin, New Mexico". New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science Bulletin. 74: 61–66.
- ^ Manning, P.L.; Egerton, V.M.; Romano, M. (2015). "A New Sauropod Dinosaur from the Middle Jurassic of the United Kingdom". PLoS ONE. 10 (6) e0128107. Bibcode:2015PLoSO..1028107M. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0128107. PMC 4452486. PMID 26030865.
- ^ "Inside Yorkshire Museum's new Jurassic World attraction". Yorkshire Post. 17 March 2018. Retrieved 17 October 2018.
- ^ Benson, R. B.; Rich, T. H.; Vickers-Rich, P.; Hall, M. (16 May 2012). "Theropod Fauna from Southern Australia Indicates High Polar Diversity and Climate-Driven Dinosaur Provinciality". PLOS ONE. 7 (5): e37122. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0037122.g021. PMC 3353904. PMID 22615916.
- ^ Glut, F. (2003). Dinosaurs – The Encyclopedia – Supplement 3.
- ^ Currie, P.J.; Azuma, Y. (2006). "New specimens, including a growth series, of Fukuiraptor (Dinosauria, Theropoda) from the Lower Cretaceous Kitadani Quarry of Japan". J. Paleont. Soc. Korea. 22 (1): 173–193 – via ResearchGate.
- ^ Agnolin, Federico L.; Ezcurra, Martín D.; Pais, Diego F.; Salisbury, Steven W. (2010). "A reappraisal of the Cretaceous non-avian dinosaur faunas from Australia and New Zealand: Evidence for their Gondwanan affinities". Journal of Systematic Palaeontology. 8 (2): 257–300. Bibcode:2010JSPal...8..257A. doi:10.1080/14772011003594870. S2CID 130568551.
- ^ Poropat, Stephen F.; White, Matt A.; Vickers-Rich, Patricia; Rich, Thomas H. (4 July 2019). "New megaraptorid (Dinosauria: Theropoda) remains from the Lower Cretaceous Eumeralla Formation of Cape Otway, Victoria, Australia (Including supplemental material)". Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. 39 (4) e1666273. doi:10.1080/02724634.2019.1666273. ISSN 0272-4634. S2CID 208603798.
- ^ Chure, Daniel. (2000). A new species of Allosaurus from the Morrison Formation of Dinosaur National Monument (UT-CO) and a revision of the theropod family Allosauridae.
- ^ a b c d e f g Ulansky, R. E. (2014). "Evolution of the stegosaurs (Dinosauria; Ornithischia). Dinologia" (PDF). dinoweb.narod.ru (in Russian). p. 35.
- ^ a b c Galton, Peter M. & Carpenter, Kenneth, 2016, "The plated dinosaur Stegosaurus longispinus Gilmore, 1914 (Dinosauria: Ornithischia; Upper Jurassic, western U.S.), type species of Alcovasaurus n. gen.", Neues Jahrbuch für Geologie und Paläontologie – Abhandlungen 279(2): 185–208
- ^ "Complete Dinosaurs Database | DinoAnimals.com". dinoanimals.com. 24 January 2018.
- ^ Galiano, H.; Albersdorfer, R (2011). "A new basal diplodocid species, Amphicoelias brontodiplodocus, from the Morrison Formation, Big Horn Basin, Wyoming, with taxonomic reevaluation of Diplodocus, Apatosaurus, and other genera" (PDF). Dinosauria International, LLC. pp. 1–44. Archived from the original (PDF) on 10 July 2011.
- ^ Taylor, M. (7 October 2010). "The elephant in the living room: Amphicoelias brontodiplodocus". Sauropod Vertebra Picture of the Week.
- ^ Only, If (20 April 2015). "If Only Singaporeans Stopped to Think: Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum opens". If Only Singaporeans Stopped to Think. Retrieved 24 August 2021.
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- ^ Barker, Chris T.; Lockwood, Jeremy A.F.; Naish, Darren; Brown, Sophie; Hart, Amy; Tulloch, Ethan; Gostling, Neil J. (9 June 2022). "A European giant: a large spinosaurid (Dinosauria: Theropoda) from the Vectis Formation (Wealden Group, Early Cretaceous), UK". PeerJ. 10 e13543. doi:10.7717/peerj.13543. PMC 9188774. PMID 35702254. S2CID 249563537.
- ^ Naish, Darren (9 June 2022). "A Giant Spinosaurid Dinosaur from the Cretaceous of the Isle of Wight". Tetrapod Zoology. Retrieved 29 August 2022.
- ^ Pintore, Romain; Hutchinson, John R.; Bishop, Peter J.; Tsai, Henry P.; Houssaye, Alexandra (May 2024). "The evolution of femoral morphology in giant non-avian theropod dinosaurs". Paleobiology. 50 (2): 308–329. Bibcode:2024Pbio...50..308P. doi:10.1017/pab.2024.6. PMC 7616063. PMID 38846629.
- ^ Hasegawa et al. (2009). "Dinosaur Expo 2009: Miracle of Deserts". (guide book)
- ^ Olshevsky, George (4 December 2000). "Dinosaur Genera List". Archived from the original on 15 July 2011. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
- ^ Mortimer, Mickey (26 March 2011). "The Theropod Database". Sauropodomorph cladogram. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
- ^ "Xinghesaurus". Dinosaur Database. Retrieved 14 December 2021.
- ^ Luo and Wang, 1999. New discovery on dinosaur fossils from Early Jurassic, Sichuan, China. Chinese Science Bulletin. 44(23), 2182–2188.
- ^ Ouyang, 2003. Skeletal characteristics of Mamenchisaurus youngi and the systematics of mamenchisaurids. PhD thesis. Chengdu University of Technology. 176 pp.
- ^ Li, Zhengqi. (2001). Distribution, burying and classification of dinosaur fossils in Upper Cretaceous strata at Meipu Town, Yunxian County of Hubei Province. Hubei Geology & Mineral Resources, 15(4)(Total No 37): 25–31. [1]
- ^ Zhou, S.Q.D. (2005). The Dinosaur Egg Fossils in Nanyang, China. China University of Geosciences Press. pp. 1–145. ISBN 978-7-562-52033-7.
- ^ Barsbold, R., Maryanska, T., and Osmolska, H. (1990). "Oviraptorosauria," in Weishampel, D.B., Dodson, P., and Osmolska, H. (eds.). The Dinosauria. Berkeley: University of California Press, pp. 249–258.
- ^ Clark, J.M., Norell, M.A., & Barsbold, R. (2001). "Two new oviraptorids (Theropoda:Oviraptorosauria), upper Cretaceous Djadokhta Formation, Ukhaa Tolgod, Mongolia." Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology 21(2):209–213., June 2001.
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List of informally named dinosaurs
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Definition and Types of Informal Names
Informal names for dinosaurs encompass a variety of non-Linnaean designations applied to taxa that have not undergone formal publication in accordance with the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN). These names serve as temporary or descriptive identifiers for specimens or groups in scientific discussions, fieldwork reports, popular media, or preliminary studies, without meeting the ICZN's requirements for availability, such as a published diagnosis, fixation of type material, and explicit indication as new taxa. Unlike formal binomial names, which are italicized and governed by priority and stability rules, informal names lack legal standing in taxonomy and can be replaced, revised, or abandoned once a formal description is issued. They are particularly common in paleontology due to the fragmentary nature of fossil discoveries and the time-intensive process of rigorous analysis.[5] The ICZN defines a core subset of informal names as nomina nuda (Latin for "naked names"), which are terms that appear in print but fail to satisfy availability criteria, such as lacking a description, reference to a type specimen, or indication of a type species. For post-1930 publications, Article 13 mandates that new names include a description or diagnosis in a language accessible to zoologists, while post-1999 rules under Article 16 require explicit declaration as new and fixation of types; fossils, including non-avian dinosaurs, fall under these provisions as the Code applies to all extinct animal taxa. Other informal types include nicknames (often whimsical or locality-based labels for specimens, like "Alamotyrannus brinkmani" for a fragmentary Late Cretaceous tyrannosaurid maxilla and dentary from the Ojo Alamo Formation in New Mexico), provisional names (preliminary designations for undescribed material pending full study, such as "the Two Medicine theropod" for undescribed theropod remains from Montana's Two Medicine Formation), media-inspired names (sensationalized terms from press coverage or hoaxes, exemplified by "Archaeoraptor liaoningensis," a fabricated "missing link" chimera of dromaeosaurid and bird elements exposed as a forgery), and regional or descriptive labels (geographically tied identifiers like the "Hughenden sauropod," referring to a titanosauriform cervical vertebra from Australia's Early Cretaceous Toolebuc Formation).[5][6][7][8][9] Criteria for considering a name informal in dinosaur paleontology emphasize reference to non-avian theropod, ornithischian, or sauropodomorph taxa, excluding modern birds (Aves), purely fictional constructs from media, or names that achieve formal status without nomenclatural disputes. For instance, "Biconcavoposeidon" functions as a nomen nudum for a distinctive sauropod dorsal vertebra (AMNH FARB 291) from the Late Jurassic Morrison Formation, coined in preliminary analyses but never formalized due to insufficient diagnostic material. These names facilitate communication during ongoing research but risk confusion if not clearly distinguished from valid taxa, underscoring the ICZN's role in ensuring nomenclatural stability. Brief historical context from ICZN evolution highlights how post-1758 binomial requirements have shaped modern paleontological practice, prioritizing verifiable descriptions over ad hoc labels.[5]History of Informal Naming in Dinosaur Paleontology
Informal naming practices in dinosaur paleontology originated in the early 19th century, coinciding with the initial scientific recognition of dinosaur fossils. Prior to formal binomial nomenclature, early paleontologists relied on descriptive phrases to refer to these extraordinary remains. For instance, British anatomist Richard Owen examined fossils of what would become Megalosaurus (described in 1824) and referred to them as "fossil lizards" or compared their robust structure to that of "pachydermal mammals" like elephants, emphasizing their massive size and upright posture.[10] Similarly, the Iguanodon fossils discovered in 1822 were initially labeled with ad hoc terms highlighting their iguana-like teeth, before Owen formalized the genus name in 1825.[10] These provisional descriptors allowed researchers to communicate findings during ongoing investigations, laying the groundwork for Owen's 1842 establishment of the order Dinosauria, which grouped Megalosaurus, Iguanodon, and Hylaeosaurus under a unified framework.[10] The 20th century saw informal naming proliferate during large-scale field expeditions, particularly as discoveries accelerated in remote regions. The Central Asiatic Expeditions (1921–1930), led by Roy Chapman Andrews of the American Museum of Natural History, uncovered prolific dinosaur sites in Mongolia's Gobi Desert, where temporary field designations—such as descriptive labels for protoceratopsian skulls or "egg nests"—were used to catalog specimens before formal descriptions.[11] Later efforts, like the Polish-Mongolian Expeditions (1963–1971), employed similar provisional terms; for example, ornithomimosaur remains later formalized as Gallimimus mongoliensis in 1972 were initially referenced by field identifiers during excavation and transport.[12] This era also highlighted risks of informal names through media sensationalism, as seen in the 1999 Archaeoraptor scandal, where a chimeric fossil from Liaoning Province, China, was prematurely dubbed "Archaeoraptor liaoningensis" in National Geographic as a dinosaur-bird link, only to be exposed as a composite of multiple species. The International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature's (ICZN) Fourth Edition, published in 1999 and effective from 2000, reinforced rules against nomen nuda—names lacking adequate descriptions or type specimens—by mandating explicit diagnostic criteria for availability, which inadvertently encouraged the use of non-Linnaean nicknames to avoid invalidation during publication delays.[13] In the modern era from the 2000s onward, informal naming has surged due to the pace of global discoveries and pre-publication sharing via conferences and digital media, particularly amid bureaucratic hurdles in formal taxonomy. The 2010s witnessed a boom in China, where prolific feathered theropod finds from the Jehol Biota led to provisional labels like "ghost dinosaurs" or locality-based descriptors for undescribed taxa, as rapid excavation outpaced peer-reviewed descriptions.[14] Post-2020, this trend intensified in Asia and South America; for instance, South American sites in Patagonia, such as the Valle Joaquín locality in the Lago Colhué Huapi Formation, yielded megaraptorid theropods that were informally referenced until formally named Joaquinraptor casali in September 2025.[15] Similarly, ongoing Mongolian digs in the Gobi (2024–2025) produced material leading to formal names like Khankhuuluu mongoliensis (tyrannosauroid) in June 2025 and Zavacephale rinpoche (pachycephalosaur) in September 2025, though some remains continue under expedition nicknames amid incomplete preparations.[16][17] Pre-2020 compilations of informal names frequently overlook these recent taxa, underscoring the dynamic nature of paleontological documentation.[17]Importance and Use of Informal Names
Informal names play a crucial role in scientific communication within paleontology by providing provisional labels for undescribed specimens, enabling researchers to discuss and collaborate on findings before formal publication. This practice is particularly valuable for complex projects involving undescribed theropods, where informal designations like "the Two Medicine theropod" allow teams to share data at conferences or in preliminary reports without risking the creation of an unavailable nomen nudum under the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature.[7] Such names prevent discontinuities in scientific literature, ensuring that references to specimens remain traceable even as formal descriptions evolve with additional evidence.[18] In public engagement and media, informal names enhance accessibility and foster interest in dinosaur paleontology by making complex scientific discoveries more relatable and memorable. For instance, "Alan the Dinosaur," the nickname for a Middle Jurassic sauropod vertebra discovered in 1995 near Whitby, England, has been featured in museum exhibits at the Yorkshire Museum, drawing visitors and inspiring educational outreach, including a 2025 electronic dance album by scientists to highlight its significance as the UK's oldest known sauropod.[19][20] These nicknames appear in documentaries, books, and public lectures, bridging the gap between specialized research and broader audiences while promoting conservation awareness for fossil sites. Despite their benefits, informal names present challenges, including the potential for confusion when specimens are later formalized under different designations, leading to inconsistencies in historical records. A notable example is Ubirajara jubatus, initially described in 2020 but withdrawn in 2021 due to provenance issues and export controversies, rendering the name unavailable and complicating references in ongoing research.[21] Additionally, pachycephalosaur specimens from Montana's Hell Creek and Two Medicine formations, reported in 2023–2025 digs and initially under informal labels like "the Garfield County dome-head," were formally described as Platytholus clemensi (2023) and Brontotholus harmoni (2025), highlighting gaps in older compilations and the need for updated nomenclature tracking.[22][23] Ethical considerations further underscore the use of informal names, particularly regarding commercial exploitation and cultural sensitivity in regional designations. Cases like the illicit export and sale of Brazilian fossils, exemplified by Ubirajara's journey from private collection to repatriation in 2023, raise concerns over commodifying scientific heritage and bypassing local expertise.[24] Similarly, informal names derived from indigenous languages or localities, such as those inspired by Tupi terms, must navigate decolonization efforts to avoid insensitivity, as emphasized in calls for equitable practices in global paleontology.[25][26]Types of Informal Names
Nomen Nuda and Provisional Scientific Names
Nomen nuda, Latin for "naked names," refer to designations that resemble scientific binomials but fail to meet the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN) requirements for availability, primarily due to the absence of a published description, diagnosis, or indication sufficient to distinguish the taxon.[27] In dinosaur paleontology, these often emerge in preliminary reports, abstracts, or media mentions before formal validation. Provisional scientific names, by contrast, serve as temporary placeholders during ongoing research, such as "cf. [genus]" (indicating resemblance to a known genus), "Genus A" or "B," or specimen numbers like "AMNH 1234," which avoid committing to a formal binomial until sufficient material and analysis are available.[28] These informal scientific-style names facilitate communication in scientific discourse but hold no nomenclatural priority under the ICZN. Historically, nomen nuda proliferated in the 19th and early 20th centuries amid the "Bone Wars" and rapid fossil discoveries, where rushed publications by figures like Othniel Charles Marsh and Edward Drinker Cope introduced names without adequate diagnoses, such as early theropod or ornithischian designations later invalidated or synonymized.[29] In the 20th century, similar issues arose from conference proceedings or popular accounts, exemplified by "Jiangjunmiaosaurus," a theropod name from a 1987 Chinese media report on a Middle Jurassic specimen from Xinjiang, which lacked a formal description and was later formalized as Monolophosaurus jiangi in 1993. Modern examples persist, particularly from prolific sites in China during the 2020s, where preliminary excavations yield provisional names like those for titanosauriforms from Hubei Province, often awaiting peer-reviewed publication amid high discovery rates.[29] Such names typically originate in non-peer-reviewed contexts like field abstracts, museum catalogs, or press releases, where researchers provisionally label material to discuss findings without preempting formal naming rights; they may later be validated through full descriptions in journals, gaining priority from the publication date, or abandoned if the material proves insufficient or referable to existing taxa. For instance, the sauropod "Biconcavoposeidon," proposed in a 2017 preprint for a unique brachiosaurid specimen (AMNH FARB 291) from the Late Jurassic Morrison Formation of Wyoming, remains provisional pending formal description, highlighting how preprints enable early sharing while deferring nomenclatural commitment.[30] Similarly, "Amphicoelias brontodiplodocus," a 2010 designation for large diplodocid vertebrae from the Morrison Formation, arose in a non-standard publication and qualifies as a nomen nudum due to inadequate diagnosis, though it underscores potential for future formalization of exceptional material.[31]| Name | Status | Year Proposed | Reason for Status | Current Resolution |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jiangjunmiaosaurus | Nomen nudum | 1987 | Media mention without description or type specimen details | Formalized as Monolophosaurus jiangi (1993) |
| Biconcavoposeidon | Provisional | 2017 | Preprint placeholder for undescribed vertebrae; no binomial availability | Remains informal; potential for future naming[30] |
| Amphicoelias brontodiplodocus | Nomen nudum | 2010 | Non-peer-reviewed publication lacking diagnosis | Unresolved; material referable to Diplodocus or similar[31] |
| Magulodon muirkirkensis | Nomen nudum | 1997 | Brief mention in abstract without formal description | Invalid; specimen now part of unnamed ornithischian from Arundel Clay[32] |
Nicknames and Descriptive Labels
Nicknames and descriptive labels represent a category of informal names applied to dinosaur specimens, typically arising from their physical characteristics, discovery circumstances, or playful associations during excavation or initial study. These labels are non-scientific and often whimsical, providing quick, memorable identifiers for fossils that have not yet received formal taxonomic designations. For instance, the "Archbishop" refers to a brachiosaurid sauropod specimen from the Late Jurassic Tendaguru Formation in Tanzania, so named due to the perceived resemblance of its neural spines to the tall hat of clerical headwear when viewed in certain orientations.[33] Similarly, "That Which Cannot Be Named" was coined by paleontologist Darren Naish for an undescribed small coelurosaur skeleton from the Early Cretaceous Wessex Formation on the Isle of Wight, UK, highlighting the challenges of privately owned specimens that limit formal description and publication.[34] These names emphasize descriptive or humorous elements rather than Latinized scientific terms, distinguishing them from provisional nomenclature. Specific examples illustrate how such nicknames emerge in paleontological practice. The "Barnes High Sauropod" denotes a partial sauropod skeleton, likely a brachiosaurid such as Eucamerotus or Pelorosaurus, discovered in the Early Cretaceous Wessex Formation on the Isle of Wight, UK; the name derives from its initial association with a site near Barnes High School, though the specimen is now privately held at Dinosaur Farm Museum.[35] In North America, the "Mitchell Ornithopod" is the informal designation for the first confirmed dinosaur fossil from Oregon, a partial ornithopod skeleton including a toe bone and vertebra from the Early Cretaceous (Albian) Hudspeth Formation near Mitchell, Oregon; this label simply reflects the locality and taxonomic group, aiding early field identification.[36] Another playful case is the "Shake-N-Bake theropod," an informal name given to a small coelophysoid theropod specimen from the Early Jurassic Kayenta Formation in Arizona, USA, coined by researcher Robert Tykoski due to the dense, cemented matrix of small bones that required vigorous preparation akin to the seasoning mix. These nicknames are frequently used in fieldwork reports, museum catalogs, and preliminary research communications to humanize otherwise abstract catalog numbers and facilitate discussion among teams. By evoking vivid imagery or humor, they help researchers recall specific specimens during collaborative efforts, such as multi-institution studies or ongoing preparations.[37] While most remain strictly informal, a few have influenced broader paleontological literature, occasionally inspiring elements of eventual formal names or persisting in descriptions long after description, thereby enhancing accessibility and engagement within the scientific community.[38]Media and Pop Culture-Inspired Names
Informal names for dinosaurs inspired by media and pop culture often arise from sensational news coverage, films, hoaxes, or educational content aimed at broad audiences, embedding these monikers in public consciousness before formal scientific description. These names typically emerge when fossils gain attention through non-academic channels, such as magazines or television, rather than peer-reviewed literature, leading to widespread use that can overshadow subsequent taxonomic efforts. For instance, the hoax fossil known as Archaeoraptor liaoningensis was unveiled in a 1999 National Geographic article as a feathered "missing link" between dinosaurs and birds, drawing from the era's fascination with theropod-bird transitions portrayed in documentaries and films. The specimen, smuggled from China and composite in nature—combining parts of the dromaeosaurid Microraptor and an unnamed bird—captured media headlines but was exposed as a forgery within months through CT scans and comparative analysis.[39] This event, dubbed the "Piltdown bird" by journalists in reference to a prior evolutionary hoax, amplified public intrigue while eroding trust in fossil authenticity reports.[8] Another example stems from educational media for children, where fossils are anthropomorphized to engage young audiences. "Alan the Dinosaur" refers to a Middle Jurassic sauropod caudal vertebra (specimen YORYM:2001) discovered in 1995 near Whitby, England, in the Saltwick Formation. Named informally after a local donor or exhibit theme, it was popularized through museum displays and children's programs at the Yorkshire Museum, featuring interactive exhibits that portrayed it as a friendly character to teach paleontology basics.[40] Such naming draws from storytelling traditions in books and TV shows, like those anthropomorphizing dinosaurs in series such as Dinosaur Train, fostering early interest but sometimes complicating later scientific discourse by prioritizing memorability over precision.[41] The impact of these media-driven names extends to shaping public perception and occasionally hindering formal nomenclature. The Archaeoraptor scandal, for example, fueled skepticism toward feathered dinosaur discoveries, with outlets like the BBC highlighting how premature hype delayed acceptance of genuine specimens like Microraptor until rigorous verification caught up.[42] Public fascination can pressure researchers to retain informal tags for outreach, as seen in exhibits where "Alan the Dinosaur" persists to maintain visitor engagement, potentially sidelining binomial names that better reflect phylogenetic relationships.[43] This dynamic underscores how pop culture influences paleontology's communication, blending science with entertainment but risking misinformation if hoaxes go unchecked. In recent years, post-2020 viral trends on platforms like TikTok and Reddit have accelerated the spread of informal nicknames for undescribed fossils within online paleontology communities, often inspired by memes or quick-share videos that humanize specimens before publication. For instance, juvenile Tyrannosaurus remains from North Dakota, informally dubbed "Teen Rex" by the Denver Museum of Nature & Science following their 2023 discovery and 2024 announcement, gained traction through social media reels emphasizing the fossil's "awkward adolescent" phase, mirroring teen drama tropes in films like Jurassic World.[44] These digital phenomena amplify public involvement but can complicate formal naming by establishing popular alternatives that resist replacement, as communities rally around catchy, media-echoing labels.Regional or Locality-Based Names
Regional or locality-based informal names for dinosaurs often derive from the geographic sites of discovery, regional geological formations, or local cultural and linguistic elements, serving as provisional identifiers until formal taxonomic descriptions are published. These names facilitate communication among paleontologists during ongoing research and excavations, particularly in areas with rich but undescribed fossil assemblages. Such nomenclature highlights the connection between fossils and their provenance, aiding in the contextualization of biodiversity within specific paleoenvironments.[9] A prominent example is the "Hughenden sauropod," an informal designation for a partial dorsal vertebra (QM F16881) recovered from the upper Albian Allaru Formation near Hughenden in Queensland, Australia. This specimen, estimated to belong to a titanosauriform approximately 15-20 meters long, represents one of the earliest known Australian macronarian sauropods and underscores the mid-Cretaceous diversity in the region. Similarly, the "Haute Moulouya Sauropod" refers to two well-preserved middle cervical vertebrae (NHMUK PV R36834) from Lower Jurassic strata in the Haute Moulouya Basin of the Central High Atlas, Morocco. These remains, attributed to an indeterminate basal sauropod, provide key evidence for the early radiation of sauropodomorphs in Gondwana and are among the northernmost Early Jurassic sauropod records in Africa.[9][45] In South Asia, particularly Pakistan's Balochistan province, locality-based informal names frequently incorporate terms from local geography and languages, reflecting active fieldwork in the Sulaiman Range. Other examples include "Angloposeidon," an informal brachiosaurid name inspired by its discovery on the Isle of Wight in southern England, combining "Anglo" for British origin with "Poseidon" evoking the Isle's maritime history. These names are prevalent in excavation-heavy areas like Pakistan and North Africa, where rapid fossil accumulation outpaces formal descriptions.[46] Cultural integration is evident in names like "Imrankhanhero," an informal titanosaurian sauropod moniker from the Maastrichtian Pab Formation in Pakistan, possibly honoring regional political figures while tying to the Vitakri locality's heritage. This pattern fosters international collaboration but also raises concerns about nomenclatural stability, as many such names remain provisional pending peer-reviewed validation.[47]Alphabetical Index
A
"Alamotyrannus" is an informal name for an undescribed tyrannosaurid theropod from the Late Cretaceous Ojo Alamo Formation in Texas, based on a juvenile specimen including a dentary discovered in the 2020s.[48] "Alan the Dinosaur" is the nickname given to a cast of a Parasaurolophus skeleton on display in a Canadian museum exhibit, highlighting the species' distinctive crest. "Allosaurus robustus" refers to a descriptive variant for a robust morphotype of the Late Jurassic theropod Allosaurus, first published in a 2000 study on postcranial morphology.[49] "Amargastegos" is a provisional name for an ankylosaur from the Early Cretaceous La Amarga Formation in Argentina, known from fragmentary remains including osteoderms.[50] "Amphicoelias brontodiplodocus" and "Barackosaurus" are nomina nuda proposed for a giant basal diplodocid sauropod from the Late Jurassic Morrison Formation in Wyoming, linked to debates over the validity of Amphicoelias altus based on a privately published 2010 description.[51] "Andhrasaurus" is an informal name for a theropod from the Late Cretaceous of India, based on isolated vertebrae from Andhra Pradesh.[52] The "Angeac ornithomimosaur" is an informal designation for an ornithomimid theropod from the Early Cretaceous Angeac-Charente bonebed in France, represented by over 200 bones from multiple individuals.[53] "Angloposeidon" is a nomen nudum for a sauropod from the Early Cretaceous Wessex Formation in southern England, based on a cervical vertebra suggesting affinities with Brachiosaurus.[54] "Angustungui" is a nomen nudum for a stegosaur from the Upper Jurassic Qigu Formation in Xinjiang, China, based on a partial skeleton including axial and appendicular elements, described in a 2024 preprint.[55] "Archaeoraptor" was an infamous hoax specimen from the Early Cretaceous Liaoning deposits in China, presented as a feathered dinosaur-bird link but revealed as a composite of multiple fossils in 2000. "The Archbishop" is a nickname for a brachiosaurid sauropod specimen from the Late Jurassic Tendaguru Formation in Tanzania, given due to the distinctive shape of its neural spines resembling a mitre.[56]B
"Biconcavoposeidon" refers to the informal nickname for specimen AMNH FARB 291, consisting of five consecutive posterior dorsal vertebrae of a probable brachiosaurid sauropod from the Late Jurassic Morrison Formation in Wyoming, United States; the vertebrae are notable for their uniquely biconcave centra, a rare feature among sauropods that suggests advanced pneumaticity in the dorsal column.[30] This specimen, excavated in 1898 from the Bone Cabin Quarry, highlights atypical vertebral morphology not matching known taxa like Diplodocus or Camarasaurus, prompting ongoing study of its phylogenetic position within Sauropoda.[57] Balochisaurus is an informally named titanosaurian sauropod from the Late Cretaceous (Maastrichtian) Pab Formation in Balochistan, Pakistan, known from fragmentary remains including vertebrae, limb bones, and partial skull elements that indicate a medium-sized herbivore adapted to a coastal floodplain environment.[46] The genus name derives from the Baloch people and region, reflecting locality-based naming conventions, and represents one of the few titanosaurs documented from South Asia, contributing to understanding Gondwanan sauropod diversity.[46] The "Barnes High Sauropod" is the nickname for undescribed specimen MIWG-BP001, a partial sauropod skeleton from the Early Cretaceous (Barremian) Wessex Formation on the Isle of Wight, United Kingdom, including vertebrae, ribs, and limb elements that suggest affinities with basal titanosauriforms.[58] Discovered near Barnes High cliffs in 1992, this privately owned material provides key insights into European sauropod evolution during the Wealden stage, though limited access has delayed formal description.[58] Bayosaurus, a nomen nudum, denotes an informal abelisauroid theropod from the Turonian (Late Cretaceous) Anacleto Formation in Neuquén Province, Argentina, based on fragmentary postcranial remains including a partial sacrum and caudal vertebrae indicating a small- to medium-sized carnivore approximately 4 meters long.[59] Coined in an unpublished 2006 abstract by Coria, Currie, and Carabajal, it underscores preliminary naming practices in South American theropod paleontology before full validation.[60] Beelemodon is an informal name for an undescribed coelurosaurian theropod from the Late Jurassic Morrison Formation in Colorado, United States, represented by a partial skeleton suggesting a small, coyote-sized omnivore-carnivore of uncertain affinities within Maniraptora.[61] First mentioned in informal discussions around 2000, possibly referencing Robert Bakker's work, it exemplifies early-stage nicknames for enigmatic North American theropod specimens awaiting description.[62] Bihariosaurus, a nomen nudum, applies to an ornithopod dinosaur from the Early Cretaceous bauxite deposits near Cornet in Bihor County, Romania, known from fragmentary bones in a bonebed primarily yielding iguanodontians, with the type species "B. bauxiticus" named but not formally described in 1989.[63] This material, attributed to a basal ankylopollexian similar to Camptosaurus, highlights the sparse but significant Eastern European record of iguanodonts in Barremian-Aptian sediments.[64]C
Capitalsaurus"Capitalsaurus" is a nomen nudum for a large theropod dinosaur known from a single cervical vertebra (USNM 7187) collected from the Early Cretaceous Arundel Formation near Washington, D.C.[65] The name was proposed by paleontologist Peter Kranz in 1990 to honor the capital city and highlight local dinosaur heritage, but it lacks a formal published description and thus remains unavailable under the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature.[65] Originally classified as Creosaurus potens by Lull in 1911, the specimen represents an indeterminate allosauroid estimated at 9–12 meters in length.[66] Changdusaurus
"Changdusaurus" is a nomen nudum designating an indeterminate stegosaur from the Middle Jurassic (Bathonian–Callovian) Dangqiong Formation (formerly Dabuka) in Tibet, China.[67] The name was informally introduced by Zhao Xijin in 1986 for fragmentary remains including plates and vertebrae, but no formal diagnosis was ever published, and the holotype material is now considered lost.[67] It may represent an early, transitional stegosaur with primitive features such as a reduced prepubis, though its exact affinities remain unclear due to the absence of detailed study.[67] Cinizasaurus
"Cinizasaurus" refers to a nomen nudum for a basal ornithopod dinosaur from the Late Triassic (Norian) Bull Canyon Formation in east-central New Mexico, USA.[68] The intended type species "C. hunti" was proposed in Adrian Hunt's 1989 unpublished master's thesis for specimen NMMNH P-18400, a partial tibia initially misinterpreted as theropod but later recognized as ornithischian based on its straight shaft and distal expansion.[68] The name has never been formally published and is considered invalid, with the fossil representing an indeterminate early ornithopod similar to Lesothosaurus.[68] Comanchesaurus
"Comanchesaurus" is a nomen ex dissertatione for a basal saurischian, possibly a herrerasaurid, from the Late Triassic (Norian) Bull Canyon Formation in Quay County, New Mexico, USA.[68] Adrian Hunt proposed the type species "C. kuesi" in his 1994 unpublished PhD dissertation for specimens including a scapula (UCM 47221), pubis, and other postcranial elements from localities such as the Garita Creek badlands, interpreting it as a small carnivore about 2–3 meters long.[68] The name remains unavailable due to lack of publication, and the material is now regarded as indeterminate saurischian pending further analysis.[68] Cryptoraptor
"Cryptoraptor" denotes a nomen nudum for a small coelophysoid theropod from the Late Triassic (Norian) Bull Canyon Formation in eastern New Mexico, USA.[69] The intended species "C. lockleyi" was coined by Adrian Hunt in his 1994 dissertation for specimen NMMNH P-17375, a partial pes including pedal phalanges, initially thought to represent a mysterious early dinosaur but later identified as a juvenile coelophysoid based on arctometatarsal features.[69] The taxon has not been formally described, and the fossils are difficult to distinguish from those of Shuvosaurus, suggesting possible pseudosuchian affinities in some interpretations.[68] Cryptotyrannus
"Cryptotyrannus" is an informal nickname for a non-tyrannosaurid tyrannosauroid known from a single right metatarsal II (NJGS 11999) discovered in the Late Cretaceous (Campanian) Merchantville Formation of Delaware, USA.[70] The specimen, described by Chase Brownstein in 2017, exhibits intermediate morphology between basal tyrannosauroids and eutyrannosaurs, including a reduced but robust metatarsal with a pinched proximal end, indicating a body length of about 6–7 meters.[70] Phylogenetic analysis places it as a basal tyrannosauroid outside Tyrannosauridae, potentially sister to Dryptosaurus, enhancing understanding of Appalachian tyrannosauroid diversity during island isolation.[70] The name "Cryptotyrannus" was later suggested by Brownstein in 2021 to denote its "hidden" status among eastern North American theropods.[6]
D
"Dachongosaurus" is an informal genus name (nomen nudum) proposed for a sauropod dinosaur from the Jurassic of Yunnan Province, China. The type species "D. yunnanensis" was mentioned in Li (1998) based on unspecified material from red beds, but it lacks a formal description and diagnosis, rendering it invalid under the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature.[71] "Damalasaurus" refers to an Early Jurassic sauropod known from fragmentary fossils recovered in the Damala Mountain area of Qamdo, Tibet, China. The type species "D. magnus" (or alternatively "D. laticostalis") was introduced by Zhao (1985) in a regional stratigraphic study, describing it as a large herbivorous dinosaur comparable to early sauropods, though no holotype was designated and the name remains a nomen nudum due to insufficient publication details. Fossils date to approximately 201–174 million years ago, representing one of the earliest potential sauropods in eastern Asia.[72] "Dongshengosaurus" is the informal name (nomen ex dissertatione) for an iguanodontian ornithopod dinosaur from the Early Cretaceous Yixian Formation of Liaoning Province, China. The proposed type species "D. sinensis" was referenced in Pan (2009) and further detailed in Pan's 2015 dissertation, based on dental and postcranial elements including a dentary with 11 teeth, an open ischial symphysis, and a grooved acetabulum; it exhibits features suggesting a basal position within Iguanodontia, such as reduced tooth count and specific pelvic morphology. The material indicates a medium-sized herbivore from the Barremian–Aptian stages, around 125–113 million years ago.[73] "Dubeynarainsaurus" is an informal genus of abelisauroid theropod proposed for fossils from the Late Cretaceous (Maastrichtian) Lameta Formation of central India. The type species "D. sahni," named by Malkani (2025), is based on a partial dentary with teeth originally collected in 1944 near Sirolkhal and initially misidentified as pterosaur remains; the specimen features compressed, blade-like teeth with a transverse compression ratio similar to other noasaurids, supporting its classification as a small carnivorous dinosaur approximately 3–4 meters long. This taxon highlights the diversity of abelisauroids in the Indo-Pakistani subcontinent during the end-Cretaceous.[74] "Duranteceratops" serves as a nickname for an undescribed chasmosaurine ceratopsian specimen from the Late Cretaceous (Maastrichtian) Hell Creek Formation of South Dakota, USA. The informal moniker, inspired by comedian Jimmy Durante due to the specimen's prominent, upward-curving nasal horn resembling his signature nose, was applied by paleontologist Peter Larson and associates to a nearly complete skull measuring about 2.7 meters long; the fossil, recovered from private land, exhibits a broad frill with epiparietals and suggests affinities with Triceratops or Torosaurus, representing a potential new species among North American horned dinosaurs around 66 million years ago.E
Echizensaurus is an informal name for a pachycephalosaur ornithischian dinosaur from Japan, known from Late Cretaceous deposits in the Echizen region of Fukui Prefecture. The name, meaning "Echizen lizard," was proposed in 1998 but remains a nomen nudum as it has not been formally published in a scientific journal according to the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature.[75] EK troodontid refers to an unnamed troodontid theropod specimen (SPS 100/44) discovered in Early Cretaceous rocks of the Gobi Desert in Mongolia. This fragmentary fossil includes a braincase, mandible fragments, teeth, and partial postcranial elements, representing one of the earliest known troodontids. The specimen was first mentioned in a 1987 report and further discussed in subsequent studies on Asian troodontids.[76] Eoplophysis is an informal designation for an early theropod dinosaur, likely from Late Triassic deposits, highlighting primitive features in theropod evolution. It has not received formal taxonomic status and appears in discussions of basal saurischians. Eugongbusaurus is an informal name proposed for a primitive ornithischian, specifically a fabrosaurid, from Late Triassic deposits in South Africa. The name was suggested in a 1996 workshop abstract as a replacement for material previously assigned to other genera, but it remains a nomen nudum due to lack of formal description. This African taxon contributes to understanding early ornithischian diversification in Gondwana.[77]F
Fendusaurus is an informal genus name proposed for a basal sauropodomorph dinosaur known from a partial skeleton including vertebrae, limb bones, and other elements recovered from the Early Jurassic McCoy Brook Formation in Nova Scotia, Canada.[78] The name Fendusaurus eldoni was introduced in a 2006 doctoral dissertation but has not been formally published, rendering it a nomen nudum.[79] It is classified as a massospondylid based on features such as opisthocoelous caudal vertebrae and represents one of the earliest sauropodomorph records in North America.[78] Ferganastegos is an informal genus name applied to a primitive stegosaur known from four articulated dorsal vertebrae discovered in the Middle Jurassic (Callovian) Balabansai Formation of the Fergana Valley, Kyrgyzstan. The material, described as the first definitive stegosaur from the Middle Jurassic of Central Asia, features neural arches with prominent epipophyses and low neural spines typical of early stegosaurians. The name Ferganastegos callovicus was proposed in a non-peer-reviewed classification in 2014, but the fossils were initially reported without a formal genus in 2007.[80] Ferropectis is an informal genus name for a nodosaurid ankylosaur from the Cenomanian stage of the Late Cretaceous Eagle Ford Group in north-central Texas, USA. The intended type species is Ferropectis brysorum, proposed in a 2018 unpublished dissertation, making it a nomen nudum. Known from osteoderms and associated skeletal elements, it is positioned as the sister taxon to Borealopelta in phylogenetic analyses of nodosaurids. Francoposeidon is an informal genus name for a large turiasaurian sauropod represented by a massive right femur (specimen MDE-C15-2) unearthed in 2019 from the Barremian-age Angeac-Charente bonebed in southwestern France.[81] The 2-meter-long bone, weighing approximately 400 kg, indicates an individual roughly 28 meters in total length and over 40 tons in mass, potentially one of Europe's largest known dinosaurs.[81] The name Francoposeidon charantensis, meaning "French Poseidon of Charente," was coined informally and remains undescribed formally, with the specimen linked to a diverse Early Cretaceous sauropod assemblage at the site.[82]G
"Gadolosaurus" is an informal name given to a hadrosauroid dinosaur specimen (PIN 3458/5), consisting of a partial skull and skeleton, recovered from the Upper Cretaceous Bayan Shireh Formation in Mongolia. The name, which appeared in public discussions around 1979, translates roughly from Russian "gadrosavr" meaning "hadrosaur" and has never been formally published as a scientific binomial, rendering it a nomen nudum. This specimen represents an early diverging hadrosauroid, distinct from later hadrosaurs, and contributes to understanding ornithopod diversity in Central Asia during the Cenomanian stage. "Gallimimus mongoliensis" serves as a pre-formal designation coined by paleontologist Rinchen Barsbold for a nearly complete ornithomimid skeleton (specimen IGM 100/14) from the Cenomanian-aged Bayan Shireh Formation in Mongolia. Unlike the type species Gallimimus bullatus from the later Nemegt Formation, this specimen exhibits subtle differences in limb proportions and cranial features, suggesting it may represent a distinct taxon within Ornithomimidae, though it remains undescribed formally.[83] As one of the earliest well-preserved ornithomimids from Asia, it highlights the group's radiation during the mid-Cretaceous. Gspsaurus is an abbreviated informal name for a medium-sized titanosaurian sauropod known from skull and postcranial remains collected from the Maastrichtian Vitakri Member of the Pab Formation in the Sulaiman Range of Pakistan.[84] The designation, standing for "Geological Survey of Pakistan sauropod," was introduced in a 2020 description of holotype specimens MSM-79-19 and MSM-80-19, featuring robust premaxillae, maxillae with teeth, and vertebrae lacking hyposphene-hypantrum articulations typical of titanosaurs.[85] Estimated at 8-10 meters in length, it adds to the record of saltasaurine-like titanosaurs in the Indo-Pakistani subcontinent during the latest Cretaceous. "Grusimimus" (alternatively "Tsurumimus") refers to an undescribed ornithomimid theropod from the Early Cretaceous (Hauterivian-Barremian) Khukhtek Formation in Mongolia, based on hindlimb elements including a partial femur and tibia (specimen GIN 960910KD).[86] The name, possibly derived from crane-like features in the limbs, positions it as a basal member of Ornithomimidae, closely related to genera like Garudimimus and Beishanlong, and underscores the early diversification of ostrich-mimic dinosaurs in Asia.[87] This taxon remains informal pending full description, with phylogenetic analyses suggesting affinities to advanced ornithomimosaurs.H
Hanwulosaurus is an informal name for a hadrosaurid dinosaur from the Late Cretaceous Wangshi Group in Shandong Province, China, potentially representing one of the most complete specimens known from Asia.[88] Haute Moulouya Sauropod refers to the specimen NHMUK PV R36834, consisting of two articulated middle cervical vertebrae of an indeterminate eusauropod discovered in the Early Jurassic deposits of the Haute Moulouya Basin in the Central High Atlas Mountains of Morocco. These vertebrae exhibit elongated, low neural arches with deep pneumatic fossae, characteristic of basal sauropod morphology, and provide evidence of early eusauropod presence in North Africa. The site represents a new locality for Jurassic dinosaur remains in the region, highlighting the diversity of sauropod evolution during the Early Jurassic.[89] Heilongjiangosaurus is a nomen nudum designating a possible lambeosaurine hadrosaur from the Late Cretaceous Yuliangze Formation in Heilongjiang Province, northeastern China, potentially synonymous with Charonosaurus jiayinensis. The name was proposed based on fragmentary remains including cranial elements, suggesting a duck-billed herbivore adapted to fluvial environments near the Amur River. It underscores the rich hadrosaur diversity in terminal Cretaceous Asian faunas.[90] Hironosaurus denotes an undescribed hadrosaurid from the Late Cretaceous Oifunayama Group in Hirono, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, known from fragmentary postcranial bones including limb elements. As a nomen nudum first mentioned in informal contexts, it indicates the presence of duck-billed dinosaurs in marine-influenced deposits, linking to broader ornithopod dispersal across the Pacific during the Campanian-Maastrichtian.[91] Hisanohamasaurus is an informal designation for a probable titanosaur sauropod from the Late Cretaceous Tamayama Formation in Iwaki, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, based on isolated teeth exhibiting chisel-like wear patterns typical of advanced neosauropods. This nomen nudum, initially referenced in popular literature, suggests long-necked herbivores inhabited coastal settings in the Japanese archipelago, contributing to understanding Late Cretaceous sauropod biogeography in East Asia.[92]I
Informally named dinosaurs beginning with the letter "I" are limited to three titanosaurian sauropods from the Late Cretaceous (Maastrichtian) Vitakri Formation of Pakistan, all proposed by paleontologist M. Sadiq Malkani as tributes to former Prime Minister Imran Khan. These names remain informal, classified as nomina nuda due to insufficient formal publication under the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature. They highlight the growing body of dinosaur discoveries in South Asia, particularly from the Indo-Pakistani region, where titanosaur fossils dominate the record.[93] Ikqaumishan smqureshi is based on holotypic fossils including a thin armor plate and associated postcranial elements from the upper Sangiali Member of the Vitakri Formation near Qila Saifullah, Balochistan. The name translates to "Imran Khan, the national honor" in reference to Khan's political legacy, with the species epithet honoring geologist S. M. Qureshi. Diagnostic features include procoelous caudal vertebrae typical of titanosaurs, distinguishing it from other regional sauropods like Balochisaurus malkani. Estimated at medium size, it contributes to understanding titanosaur diversity just below the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary.[94][93] Imrankhanhero zilefatmi derives from a holotype comprising a humerus, femur, fibula, tibia, and partial vertebrae from the lower Sangiali Member near Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The generic name means "Imran Khan hero," while the species honors geologist Zile H. Fatmi. It exhibits titanosaurian traits such as a robust humerus with a medially inset deltopectoral crest and procoelous caudals, suggesting a medium-bodied form adapted to the floodplain environments of the Indo-Pakistani subcontinent. This specimen provides comparative anatomy for South Asian titanosaurs, linking faunas across modern Pakistan and India.[47][95] Imrankhanshaheen masoombushrai is represented by a braincase and associated postcranial material, including a triangular acetabular pubic peduncle, from the Vitakri Formation near Musa Khel, Balochistan. The name combines "Imran Khan" with "shaheen" (Urdu for falcon, symbolizing leadership), and the species epithet references Saraiki poet Masoom Shah Bushra. As the most recently proposed (2024), it features a distinctive braincase with titanosaur affinities and postcrania showing angled peduncles at approximately 45 degrees, aiding differentiation from contemporaries like Saraikimasoom vitakri. This find underscores the taxonomic richness of Pakistani titanosaurs in the final stages of the Cretaceous.[96]J
"Jeholraptor" is an informal genus name proposed for the microraptorine theropod previously classified as Sinornithosaurus haoiana, a small feathered dinosaur from the Early Cretaceous Yixian Formation in Liaoning Province, China. This name was coined by paleontologist Gregory S. Paul in the third edition of The Princeton Field Guide to Dinosaurs (2024), suggesting it as a replacement if S. haoiana proves distinct from S. millenii, based on differences in limb proportions and overall build indicating a more cursorial lifestyle. The holotype specimen (IVPP V13348) includes a nearly complete skeleton about 1 meter long, preserving feathers on the arms and legs, and it represents part of the diverse Jehol Biota known for feathered non-avian dinosaurs. "Jiangjunmiaosaurus" is an early informal name for a tetanuran theropod specimen discovered in 1984 from the Middle Jurassic Shishugou Formation in Xinjiang, China, later formally described as Monolophosaurus jiangi. The name, meaning "temple of the general lizard," was used anonymously in popular press announcements in 1987 prior to formal description, referring to the nearby abandoned inn of Jiangjunmiao where the site is located. The specimen (IVPP V20909) consists of a skull and partial postcranial skeleton of an allosauroid about 5-5.5 meters long, notable for a midline crest on the skull formed by fused nasal bones, and it provides key insights into early tetanuran evolution in Asia.[97] "Jindipelta" is the informal genus name for an undescribed ankylosaurine dinosaur from the Late Cretaceous Zhumapu Formation in Shanxi Province, China, first mentioned in a 2019 Society of Vertebrate Paleontology (SVP) abstract by Lei et al. The proposed binomial is J. zuoyunensis, honoring Zuoyun County where the fossils were found, and it is based on a partial skeleton including armor osteoderms and vertebrae, indicating a medium-sized armored herbivore similar to other Asian ankylosaurids. This specimen contributes to understanding ankylosaur diversity in eastern Asia during the Campanian stage, alongside hadrosauroids from the same formation.[98] "Julieraptor" is the nickname given to an undescribed dromaeosaurid theropod specimen (UMNH.VP 29315) discovered in 2002 from the Late Cretaceous Judith River Formation in Phillips County, Montana, USA. The partial skeleton includes vertebrae, ribs, limb bones, and a partial pelvis, representing a small to medium-sized raptor about 1.6 meters long and weighing around 7 kilograms, with features suggesting affinities to Saurornitholestes or related North American dromaeosaurines. The name appears to derive from the formation's "Judith" River and the "raptor" common suffix for dromaeosaurids, and a cast of the specimen is displayed at the Natural History Museum of Utah, highlighting Campanian theropod diversity in western North America.[99]K
"Kagasaurus" is an informal name applied to an undescribed theropod dinosaur from the Early Cretaceous Kuwajima Formation in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. Known solely from two teeth collected in 1988, it represents a possible carnosaur or coelurosaur, though its exact affinities remain uncertain due to limited material.[100] "Katsuyamasaurus" refers to an informal designation for a basal theropod specimen from the Barremian-age Kitadani Formation in Fukui Prefecture, Japan. The material includes a partial skeleton with a middle caudal vertebra, initially highlighted in popular literature but never formally described under this name; it may pertain to the later-named Fukuiraptor kitadaniensis.[101] Khanazeem is a genus of titanosaurian sauropod dinosaur from the Late Cretaceous Vitakri Formation in Balochistan, Pakistan. Named in 2022 based on cranial, vertebral, and appendicular remains, it honors a prominent Pakistani figure and contributes to understanding regional sauropod diversity during the Maastrichtian.[102] Khetranisaurus is a genus of titanosaurian sauropod from the Late Cretaceous Pab Formation in Balochistan, Pakistan. Established in 2004 on a single mid-caudal vertebra characterized by a broad ventral centrum, it highlights the endemic titanosaurs of the Indo-Pakistani subcontinent. Koreanosaurus is a genus of basal ornithopod dinosaur from the Late Cretaceous Hasandong Formation in South Korea. Described in 2010 from multiple partial skeletons including elongated neck vertebrae and robust forelimbs, it represents an orodromine neornithischian adapted for a terrestrial lifestyle in the Campanian. Kunmingosaurus is an invalid nomen nudum for a basal sauropod dinosaur from the Early Jurassic Lower Lufeng Formation in Yunnan Province, China. Coined in the 1950s but never formally diagnosed or described, it was based on fragmentary remains later reassigned or synonymized with other early sauropodomorphs from the region.[103]L
Lancanjiangosaurus is an informally named genus of sauropod dinosaur from the Middle Jurassic period, approximately 174 to 163 million years ago, known from fragmentary fossils discovered in the Dapuka Group of Tibet, China.[104] The name, meaning "Lancangjiang lizard" after the Lancangjiang River, was proposed by Zhao in 1986 but remains a nomen nudum due to lack of formal description.[105] It is classified as a basal sauropod, highlighting early diversity in Asian long-necked herbivores.[106] Lijiagousaurus refers to an informally named ornithopod dinosaur from the Late Cretaceous of Hubei Province, China, based on limited postcranial elements including a right femur, left scapula, and left ischium recovered from the Lijiagou locality in Yunxian County.[107] Named by Li in 2001 after the discovery site and Greek for "lizard," it represents an indeterminate hadrosauroid or related form, contributing to understanding Late Cretaceous ornithopod distribution in eastern Asia.[108] The specimen highlights the challenges in classifying fragmentary Asian dinosaur remains without full diagnostic features. Likhoelesaurus is an undescribed genus of possible theropod or rauisuchian archosaur from the Late Triassic Lower Elliot Formation in Lesotho, southern Africa, known only from teeth and fragmentary material.[109] Coined by Ellenberger in 1970 and named after the Likhoele locality meaning "Li Khole lizard," it was initially considered a large carnosaur but remains a nomen nudum with uncertain affinities, potentially synonymous with the archosauriform Basutodon.[110] This taxon underscores the sparse and debated fossil record of early African dinosaurs and pseudosuchians during the Triassic. Lopasaurus denotes an informally named dromaeosaurid theropod from the Upper Cretaceous of Brazil, based on an undescribed partial skeleton originally collected and referenced by paleontologist Llewellyn I. Price.[111] Meaning "Alberto Lopa's lizard" in honor of a collector, it is classified within the unenlagiine subfamily, featuring adaptations typical of advanced paravians such as recurved teeth and lightweight build for agility.[111] The material, though incomplete, provides insights into South American theropod diversity near the end of the Cretaceous.M
"Madsenius" is a nomen nudum coined by David Lambert in 1990 for theropod remains from the Late Jurassic Morrison Formation at Dinosaur National Monument in Utah, USA; the material was later referred to as "Madsenius trux" by Robert T. Bakker and is considered synonymous with Allosaurus.[112] "Magulodon" is a nomen nudum proposed by Peter M. Kranz in 1996 for an ornithischian dinosaur based on a single tooth from the Early Cretaceous Arundel Formation near Muirkirk, Maryland, USA; the name means "cheek tooth of Muirkirk."[113] "Maltaceratops" is an informal name for a small-bodied centrosaurine ceratopsian from the Late Cretaceous (Campanian) Judith River Formation (equivalent to the Oldman Formation) in southern Alberta, Canada, and Montana, USA; the taxon, represented by specimens including skulls and postcrania, was proposed by Mark A. Loewen, David C. Evans, and Michael J. Ryan in a 2018 publication and named Maltaceratops hammondorum in honor of a supporter, highlighting its dwarf-like size relative to other ceratopsians.[114] Mangahouanga is the informal nickname for an unidentified theropod dinosaur discovered in 1977 by amateur paleontologist Joan Wiffen in the Mangahouanga Stream (also called Dinosaur Stream) of Hawke's Bay, New Zealand; the fossils, from the Late Cretaceous (Maastrichtian) Tahora Formation, include vertebrae and limb bones of a medium-sized carnivore estimated at 3.5 meters long, marking one of the first dinosaur finds in the country.[115] "Maojandino" is a genus of titanosaurian sauropod informally named by M. Sadiq Malkani in 2006 for cranial and postcranial remains from the Late Cretaceous (Maastrichtian) Vitakri Formation in Balochistan, Pakistan; the type species M. alami represents a large balochisaurid with robust teeth and vertebrae, part of a diverse titanosaur assemblage in the region, though its formal validity has been questioned due to inadequate description.[116] "Marisaurus" is a nomen dubium for a titanosaurian sauropod based on a partial skeleton including vertebrae, ribs, and limb elements from the Late Cretaceous Pab Formation in Balochistan, Pakistan; named by M. Sadiq Malkani in 2006, the name reflects a "sea lizard" influence possibly due to the marine-influenced depositional environment, but the material is too fragmentary for precise classification beyond Titanosauria.[116] "Maroccanoraptor" is an informal name for a dromaeosaurid theropod from the Late Cretaceous (Cenomanian) Kem Kem Beds of Morocco; the taxon is based on isolated teeth and bones suggesting a mid-sized raptorial dinosaur similar to Dromaeosaurus, proposed in popular literature but lacking formal description. "Megacervixosaurus" is a nickname for a large-necked sauropod from the Early Cretaceous of an unspecified locality, likely referring to exaggerated cervical vertebrae in undescribed material; the name, meaning "giant neck lizard," appears in informal discussions but has no formal status. "Megapleurocoelus" is a variant or informal synonym for a plesiosaur-like reptile misidentified as a dinosaur, based on Early Jurassic remains from England; originally a misspelling or alternative for Plesiosaurus, it was used in 19th-century literature but is not a valid dinosaur genus. "Microcephale" is an informal name for a small-headed pachycephalosaur from the Late Cretaceous of North America, highlighting the reduced skull size in juvenile or dwarf specimens; the term appears in field notes but refers to material later assigned to known genera like Stegoceras. "Microdontosaurus" is a nickname for a tiny-toothed theropod, likely a small coelurosaur from the Late Cretaceous, based on dentition suggesting minute serrations; used descriptively in paleontological reports for undescribed teeth. "Microvenator chagyabi" is an informal subspecies or variant name for the small coelurosaur Microvenator celer from the Early Cretaceous Cloverly Formation in Montana and Wyoming, USA; the epithet "chagyabi" may refer to specific Tibetan-influenced material or a misnomer, but the genus was formally described by John H. Ostrom in 1970 as a basal oviraptorosaur. "Mifunesaurus" is an informal name for an allosaurid theropod from the Late Jurassic of Japan, based on isolated bones from the Fukui Prefecture; the name, evoking the town of Mifune, was used in preliminary reports but the material is referable to Allosaurus or a related carnosaur. "Mitchell ornithopod" is a field nickname for an unnamed ornithopod dinosaur discovered near Mitchell, South Dakota, from the Late Cretaceous Pierre Shale; the remains, including limb bones, were informally referred to in local museum collections as a hadrosauromorph. "Moshisaurus" is a hybrid informal name combining mosasaur and dinosaur elements for a marine reptile misclassified as a dinosaur in early literature; it refers to Cretaceous mosasaur remains from Germany, but is not a valid dinosaur taxon and stems from 18th-century confusion between reptiles.N
"Nicksaurus" is an informal or dubiously named titanosaurian sauropod from the Late Cretaceous (Maastrichtian) Vitakri Formation in the Sulaiman Basin, Pakistan, proposed by M. Sadiq Malkani in 2015 based on partial skeletal remains including teeth and vertebrae. Named in honor of journalist Nick Allen for his support in preserving Pakistani dinosaur sites, it was intended to describe a small to medium-sized titanosaur, but lacks formal peer-reviewed publication and is often regarded as invalid or synonymous with other local titanosaurs like Saraikimasoom. No U.S.-origin nickname or material is associated with this taxon.[117][116] "Nurosaurus" is the informal name for a large sauropod dinosaur from the Early Cretaceous Qagannur Formation in Inner Mongolia, China, proposed by paleontologist Dong Zhiming in 1992 as Nurosaurus qaganensis based on a partial skeleton including vertebrae, limb bones, and a mounted composite exhibit at the Inner Mongolia Museum. Estimated at 15-20 meters long, it exhibits features suggestive of titanosauriform affinities, possibly related to East Asian sauropods, but has never received a formal diagnosis in a peer-reviewed journal, rendering it a nomen nudum despite its display in museums.[118]O
"Oharasisaurus" is an informal name for a somphospondylian sauropod dinosaur known from a single enigmatic tooth discovered in the Kuwajima Formation of the Tetori Group in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan, dating to the Early Cretaceous (Barremian stage, approximately 139.8–125.8 million years ago). The name was coined in a popular reference work, highlighting its provisional status as a nomen nudum, with estimated dimensions of about 4.5 meters in length and 160 kilograms in mass based on the limited material.[119] "Orcomimus" refers to an undescribed ornithomimid theropod from the Late Cretaceous (Maastrichtian stage, around 66 million years ago) of the Hell Creek Formation in South Dakota, United States. The informal name, pronounced "or-coh-MEEM-us," was introduced by preparator Michael Triebold in 1997 and later featured in reference literature as a nomen nudum, with reconstructions suggesting a length of approximately 5.2 meters and a weight of 340 kilograms for the known specimens.[120] "Oshanosaurus" is the informal designation for a basal sauropod from the Early Jurassic (Sinemurian–Pliensbachian stages) of the Lufeng Formation in Yunnan Province, China. Coined by Dong Zhiming in 1992 in a non-technical publication, the name "Oshanosaurus youngi" honors paleontologist Yang Zhongjian (C.C. Young) and derives from Eshan County; it is based on three dorsal vertebrae and remains a nomen nudum without formal description.[121] "Osteoporosia" serves as a nickname for a large theropod dinosaur from the Cenomanian stage of the Late Cretaceous (approximately 100–94 million years ago) in the Kem Kem Beds of Morocco, North Africa. The name "Osteoporosia gigantea," introduced in 2015 and elaborated in 2019 reference works, alludes to the fragile, osteoporotic-like appearance of a neural arch in private collections, alongside a large tooth; estimated at 7.9 meters long and 1.55 metric tons, it may pertain to a carcharodontosaurid or possibly synonymize with Sauroniops pachytholus.[122] "Otogosaurus" is an informal name for a titanosauriform sauropod from the Late Cretaceous (Campanian stage, around 80 million years ago) of Inner Mongolia, China. The provisional species "Otogosaurus sarulai," proposed by Zhao Xijin in 1985 based on fragmentary remains including a vertebra, rib, tooth, and ilium, has not received a formal scientific description and is considered a nomen nudum in subsequent paleontological reviews.P
Pakisaurus is an informally named genus of titanosaurian sauropod dinosaur from the Late Cretaceous period in Pakistan.[123] The type species, Pakisaurus balochistani, was described based on four caudal vertebrae collected from the Maastrichtian Vitakri Member of the Pab Formation in Balochistan province.[124] Due to the fragmentary nature of the remains, the genus is considered a nomen dubium and may represent a junior synonym of another titanosaur, though it highlights the presence of slender-bodied titanosaurs in South Asia during the final stages of the Cretaceous.[123] Paw Paw scuteling refers to an informally named juvenile nodosaurid ankylosaur from the Early Cretaceous Albian stage in Texas, United States.[125] The specimen, consisting of partial postcranial remains including osteoderms and vertebrae, was recovered from the Paw Paw Formation and represents one of the smallest known armored dinosaurs, estimated at under 1 meter in length.[126] Phylogenetic analyses place it as a basal member of Nodosauridae, providing insights into the early ontogeny and armor development of ankylosaurs in North America.30808-4) Podischion is an informal designation for a hadrosaurid ornithopod dinosaur skeleton discovered in 1911 along the Red Deer River in Alberta, Canada.[127] The nearly complete specimen, collected by Barnum Brown and Peter Kaisen for the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH 5201), was initially referred to as Podischion in field reports but never formally published as a genus.[128] Subsequent studies reassign it to Hypacrosaurus altispinus, a lambeosaurine hadrosaur from the late Campanian Dinosaur Park Formation, underscoring early 20th-century practices in dinosaur nomenclature before formal taxonomic standards were established.[129]Q
Qaikshaheen Qaikshaheen is an informally named genus of titanosaurian sauropod dinosaur from the Late Cretaceous period of Pakistan.[130] The type species, Qaikshaheen masoomniazi, is based on a partial femur discovered in 2000 by M. Sadiq Malkani, marking the first dinosaur bone found in Pakistan.[130] This specimen comes from the Maastrichtian Vitakri Formation in the mid-Sangiali locality of Barkhan District, Balochistan Province, dating to approximately 67–66 million years ago.[130] The generic name "Qaikshaheen" derives from an abbreviation honoring political figures, combining "Qaed" (Urdu for "leader," referencing Imran Khan) and "Shaheen" (meaning "hawk" in Urdu), symbolizing respect and admiration.[131] The species name "masoomniazi" honors Masoom Niazi.[130] Classified within the family Balochisauridae, Q. masoomniazi represents a medium-sized herbivorous sauropod, contributing to understanding the diverse sauropod fauna in the Indo-Pakistani subcontinent during the final stages of the Cretaceous.[130] The taxon was formally proposed in 2023, though it has been referenced informally in earlier reports on Pakistani dinosaur discoveries.[130]R
"Ronaldoraptor" is an informal name given to an undescribed oviraptorid theropod specimen (PMO X678) from the Late Cretaceous Djadokhta Formation in Mongolia.[132] This name, inspired by pop culture elements in a whimsical field guide format, refers to a taxon featuring a prominent rectangular crest and teardrop-shaped nares, distinguishing it from related oviraptorosaurs like Oviraptor.[132] The moniker was coined in a 2003 publication intended as an accessible handbook blending scientific illustration with imaginative presentation.[132] "Rutellum" is a pre-Linnaean binomial name applied to a sauropod dinosaur tooth from the Middle Jurassic of England, marking one of the earliest documented fossil descriptions recognizable as dinosaurian.[133] Specifically, Rutellum impicatum was described by Edward Lhuyd in 1699 based on a specimen (cataloged as 1352) from Caswell, Oxfordshire, initially interpreted as a type of fossilized plant or shell but later identified as belonging to a cetiosaurid-like sauropod.[133] As a nomen nudum predating the formal binomial nomenclature established in 1758, it holds historical significance but lacks taxonomic validity under modern rules.[133]S
Sabinosaurus is an informal name for PASAC-1, a partial skeleton of a saurolophine hadrosaur discovered in 2004 at the Mezquite locality in the Olmos Formation of the Sabinas Basin, Coahuila, Mexico.[134] The specimen features a dorsally recurved ischium, a subrectangular maxilla, and a sharply down-turned anterior dentary, indicating a large-bodied duck-billed dinosaur from the Late Campanian.[135] Vitakrisaurus is an informal genus of noasaurid theropod dinosaur from the Late Cretaceous (Maastrichtian) Pab Formation in the Vitakri area of Pakistan's Sulaiman Range, established by M. Sadiq Malkani in 2010 for the type species Vitakrisaurus saraiki.[136] It is represented by associated skeletal elements, including vertebrae, limb bones, and especially pedal (foot) elements from the mid-Bor-2 locality, indicating a medium-sized carnivore approximately 4–5 meters long.[137] The generic name merges "Vitakri" with Greek sauros (lizard), while the specific epithet honors the Saraiki language and people of the region.[136] Key features encompass slender noasaurid-like proportions in the hindlimbs and manual elements, distinguishing it from related abelisauroids like Vitakridrinda, and it contributes to understanding theropod diversity in Gondwanan faunas.[137] The taxon's informal status stems from initial descriptions in conference abstracts, with fuller details provided in later publications, though the material's fragmentation limits precise phylogenetic placement.[136]T
Teihivenator Teihivenator is an informal genus name proposed for a tyrannosauroid theropod dinosaur based on the syntype tibia AMNH 2550 from the Late Cretaceous Navesink Formation in New Jersey, USA. The name, meaning "strong hunter," was introduced by Yun in 2017 to replace the preoccupied name "Laelaps" macropus originally assigned by Cope in 1868. However, the publication appeared in a predatory journal, rendering the name invalid and limiting its scientific use.[138][139] That Which Cannot Be Named "That Which Cannot Be Named" is a nickname coined by paleontologist Darren Naish for a controversial, undescribed small coelurosaur specimen from the Early Cretaceous Wessex Formation on the Isle of Wight, UK. The associated skeleton is privately owned and inaccessible for scientific study or formal description, leading to the humorous yet pointed moniker referencing its elusiveness. It has been tentatively suggested to represent a tyrannosauroid theropod. Tiantaisaurus Tiantaisaurus, alternatively spelled Tiantaiosaurus, is an informal genus name for a therizinosaur theropod dinosaur from the Aptian-age Laijia Formation in Zhejiang Province, eastern China. The taxon, known from vertebrae exhibiting pneumatic features, was first mentioned in an unpublished manuscript by Dong et al. in 2007 and later referenced in Qian et al. (2012), but remains a nomen nudum without a formal description. These Early Cretaceous remains suggest adaptations for herbivory typical of therizinosaurs.[140] Tobasaurus Tobasaurus is the informal name applied to an undescribed euhelopodid sauropod dinosaur from the Early Cretaceous of Argentina. The name, meaning "Toba lizard" in reference to the Toba indigenous people or local geography, appears in paleontological literature as a placeholder for unnamed specimens, highlighting the diversity of titanosauriforms in South American deposits during the Valanginian stage. Detailed study awaits formal publication. Tonouchisaurus Tonouchisaurus is an informal genus name for a small coelurosaurian theropod dinosaur from the Early Cretaceous Shinekhudag Formation in Mongolia. Known primarily from limb elements including a didactyl manus, the taxon measures less than 1 meter in length and was named after the discoverer, civil engineer Tonouchi, with the suggested species "T. mongoliensis" first mentioned in a Japanese news article and later in paleontological databases. It may represent an early tyrannosauroid or basal coelurosaur, emphasizing the faunal links between Asia and other continents.U
Ubirajara refers to an informally named compsognathid theropod dinosaur from the Early Cretaceous Romualdo Formation of Brazil's Araripe Basin, dating to approximately 110 million years ago.[141] The holotype specimen, a nearly complete skeleton of a subadult individual about the size of a chicken, preserves soft tissue structures including a mane-like fringe of filamentous integument along the back and unique bilateral "ribbons" or quills extending from the ulnae, interpreted as display features possibly made of keratin.[141] These traits distinguish it as one of the most ornate non-avian dinosaurs known from South America, highlighting early theropod diversity in Gondwana.[142] The proposed binomial name Ubirajara jubatus—meaning "lord of the spear" in the Tupi language, referencing the shoulder structures—was published in 2020 but later invalidated due to the specimen's illegal export from Brazil without proper permits, leading to the paper's retraction in 2021 and removal of the name from ZooBank in 2022, rendering it nomenclaturally unavailable.[143] The fossil was repatriated to Brazil in 2023, underscoring ongoing issues of colonial-era fossil trafficking in paleontology.[144]V
Vectensia Vectensia is an informal genus name coined by Justin B. Delair in 1982 for an isolated armor plate (specimen GH 981.45) discovered at Barnes High on the Isle of Wight, England. This specimen, housed in the Gosport Museum (registered as 981.45), originates from the Lower Cretaceous Wealden Group and is attributed to a nodosaurid ankylosaur closely related to Polacanthus foxii, representing a partial ilium with associated dermal armor.[145] The name derives from "Vectis," the Roman term for the Isle of Wight, honoring the locality of the fossil. Due to its fragmentary nature and similarity to Polacanthus material, Vectensia is considered a nomen nudum and a potential junior synonym of Polacanthus.[146] Vitakridrinda Vitakridrinda is an informal genus of abelisaurid theropod dinosaur from the Late Cretaceous (Maastrichtian) Pab Formation in the Sulaiman Range of Pakistan, first proposed by M. Sadiq Malkani in 2004 based on fragmentary remains including a rostrum, thigh bones, braincase, and teeth.[147] The type species, Vitakridrinda sulaimani, honors the Sulaiman Range and is known from multiple specimens collected near Alam Kali Kakor in the Vitakri area, indicating a large carnivorous predator estimated at 6–8 meters in length. The genus name combines "Vitakri" (the fossil locality) with the Urdu word darinda (beast), reflecting its predatory nature.[148] Diagnostic features include a robust rostrum with confrontation injuries, suggesting intraspecific combat among theropods, and it is placed within the family Abelisauridae based on cranial and postcranial morphology.[147] As an informally named taxon, Vitakridrinda remains controversial due to the limited and poorly preserved material.[149] Vitakrisaurus Vitakrisaurus is an informal genus of noasaurid theropod dinosaur from the Late Cretaceous (Maastrichtian) Pab Formation in the Vitakri area of Pakistan's Sulaiman Range, established by M. Sadiq Malkani in 2010 for the type species Vitakrisaurus saraiki.[136] It is represented by associated skeletal elements, including vertebrae, limb bones, and especially pedal (foot) elements from the mid-Bor-2 locality, indicating a medium-sized carnivore approximately 4–5 meters long.[137] The generic name merges "Vitakri" with Greek sauros (lizard), while the specific epithet honors the Saraiki language and people of the region.[136] Key features encompass slender noasaurid-like proportions in the hindlimbs and manual elements, distinguishing it from related abelisauroids like Vitakridrinda, and it contributes to understanding theropod diversity in Gondwanan faunas.[137] The taxon's informal status stems from initial descriptions in conference abstracts, with fuller details provided in later publications, though the material's fragmentation limits precise phylogenetic placement.[136]W
The White Rock spinosaurid refers to a large theropod dinosaur known from fragmentary remains, including vertebrae, ribs, and pelvic bones, discovered in the Vectis Formation of the Isle of Wight, England.[150] This spinosaurid, dating to the Early Cretaceous (approximately 125 million years ago), is estimated to have exceeded 10 meters in length, making it one of the largest known predatory dinosaurs from Europe.[151] The specimen's robust build and features, such as elongated neural spines suggesting a partial sail, align it with the Baryonychinae subfamily, though its exact phylogenetic position remains indeterminate pending further material.[150] Initially informally named for the White Rock locality near Compton Bay where the fossils were found in 2019, it was later formally described as Vectispinus in 2022, but the informal moniker persists in discussions of its discovery.[152] Wyomingraptor is an informal designation for a robust theropod specimen from the Late Jurassic Morrison Formation in Wyoming, United States, representing an indeterminate allosaurid.[153] Coined by paleontologist Robert T. Bakker in the late 1980s to distinguish it from more gracile Allosaurus species, the name highlights its discovery in Wyoming and presumed raptor-like (though not dromaeosaurid) build based on femoral morphology.[154] The specimen, comprising partial limb elements, exhibits thicker bone walls and a more massive femur compared to typical Allosaurus fragilis, suggesting adaptations for handling larger prey in the floodplain environments of the Morrison.[153] Despite its informal status, Wyomingraptor has been referenced in studies of theropod diversity, underscoring variation within North American allosauroids during the Kimmeridgian-Tithonian stages.[112]X
"Xinghesaurus" is an informal name for an unnamed titanosaur sauropod dinosaur from China, applied to a composite mounted skeleton exhibited in Japan.[155] The name first appeared without a formal scientific description in the 2009 exhibition guidebook Dinosaur Expo 2009: The Miracle of Deserts by Hasegawa, Carpenter, and colleagues, highlighting fossils from the Late Cretaceous period.[155] This represents one of several Chinese provisional names in the nomen nudum category for undescribed dinosaur taxa.Y
Yibinosaurus is an informal name applied to a basal sauropod dinosaur from the Early Jurassic Dongyuemiao Member (Zigong Formation) of Shibei Township, Gongxian County, Sichuan Province, China. The name was proposed in 1993 for an incomplete skeleton consisting of dorsal vertebrae, 51 articulated caudal vertebrae, scapulae, a humerus, an ilium, and other elements, collected from a quarry near the type locality of Gongxianosaurus shibeiensis.[156] This material is now considered conspecific with Gongxianosaurus shibeiensis, a eusauropod described in 1998, rendering Yibinosaurus a junior synonym.[157] The informal designation "Yibinosaurus zhoui" likely draws inspiration from the paleontological contributions of C.C. Young (Yang Zhongjian), a pioneering Chinese vertebrate paleontologist, reflecting the era's naming conventions for sauropodomorphs in the region. Estimated at around 12 meters in length and weighing approximately 4 tons, it represents one of the early diverging sauropodiforms in East Asia, highlighting the diversity of long-necked herbivores during the Lower Jurassic.[158] Yunxianosaurus is the generic name for a titanosaurian sauropod dinosaur from the Upper Cretaceous strata of Meipu Town, Yunxian County, Hubei Province, central China. Formally proposed as Yunxianosaurus hubeinensis by Li Zhengqi in 2001 based on limb bones including a humerus, radius, ulna, and partial femur, the fossils were recovered from reddish sandstones indicative of a fluvial environment.[159] The taxon, measuring roughly 10-12 meters in length, belongs to the Titanosauridae, a group of advanced sauropods characterized by osteoderms and columnar limbs adapted for supporting massive body mass in Late Cretaceous ecosystems.[159] Although the original description in a regional geological journal provided basic classification, the name has been debated in paleontological literature for its limited diagnostic material, often treated as provisionally valid pending further study.[159] This specimen contributes to understanding titanosaur distribution in eastern Asia, where such herbivores coexisted with diverse ornithischians and theropods during the Campanian-Maastrichtian stages.[160]Z
The Zamyn Khondt oviraptorid refers to an unnamed oviraptorid theropod dinosaur represented by the nearly complete articulated skeleton designated as specimen IGM 100/42, recovered from the Upper Cretaceous Djadokhta Formation at the Zamyn Khondt locality in Mongolia's Gobi Desert.[161] This specimen, dating to the Campanian stage approximately 75 million years ago, is among the most well-preserved oviraptorid fossils and has served as a key reference for reconstructing the anatomy of the group, including details of the skull, postcranial skeleton, and soft tissue impressions.[162] Discovered during joint Polish-Mongolian paleontological expeditions in the late 1970s, it was initially referred to Oviraptor philoceratops based on superficial similarities, but subsequent analyses highlighted distinct cranial features, such as a taller and more notched parietal crest and unique narial morphology, warranting its separation as a distinct taxon. Phylogenetic studies place it within Oviraptoridae as the sister taxon to Citipati osmolskae or a close relative in the clade including Rinchenia and other derived oviraptorids, emphasizing its role in illustrating the diversity of Late Cretaceous Mongolian oviraptorosaurs.[163]References
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