Loricosaurus: Research Database
Sauropoda · Cretaceous · South America
Research Note: Loricosaurus was a titanosaur from the Cretaceous of South America, providing important data on sauropod diversity in Gondwana.
| Research Finding | Status | Grade | Year | Method | Citation | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
García 2012: Loricosaurus and titanosaur diversity in the Cretaceous Cretaceous Research | Confirmed | A | 2012 | Fossil | García, Cretaceous Research | Diversity |
Sander & Peitz 2008: New data on Loricosaurus and Cretaceous sauropods Palaeontographica | Confirmed | B | 2008 | Fossil | Sander & Peitz, Palaeontographica | Taxonomy |
What We Still Do Not Know About Loricosaurus
- Complete skeletal morphology.
- Phylogenetic relationships within Titanosauria.
- Ecological role in Cretaceous ecosystems.
In Depth
The description of Loricosaurus was first based upon the discovery of osteoderm armour that was initially perceived to have come from an ankylosaur. Later it was realised that these osteoderms actually came from a titanosaur, however, by themselves they are not very diagnostic of a distinct genus, which is why Loricosaurus is widely regarded as a nomen dubium. Fossils of one former species of Loricosaurus, L. scutatus, has already been identified as belonging to Neuquensaurus, while the type species, L. noricus may also be synonymous with Neuquensaurus, or perhaps alternatively Saltasaurus.
Further Reading
- Die Besonderheit der Titanosaurier [The peculiarity of titanosaurs]. - Centralblatt f�r Mineralogie, Geologie und Pal�ontologie Abteilung A 1929:493-499. - Friedrich von Huene - 1929.
