Spicomellus: 'Incredibly Bizarre' Spiked Dinosaur from Morocco

An 'incredibly bizarre' dinosaur, Spicomellus, has been discovered in Morocco, revealing a species covered in bony armor and spikes. This dinosaur lived 165 million years ago and is the oldest known ankylosaur.

Fossils of the dinosaur were found near the Atlas Mountains, close to the city of Boulemane. Spicomellus was approximately four meters long and weighed one to two tons. Its armor is considered unique, unlike that of any other dinosaur.

Researchers believe that Spicomellus' armor served a dual purpose: defense against carnivorous dinosaurs and a means of attracting mates. Susannah Maidment of the Natural History Museum in London noted that Spicomellus' armor was impractical and likely used for mating displays.

Spicomellus was previously known only from a rib fragment before the new findings in 2022 and 2023. The fused tail vertebrae suggest a defensive weapon, like a club, at the end of its tail.

Researchers pointed out that Spicomellus had more elaborate armor compared to later ankylosaurs.