New Horned Dinosaur Species Discovered in Montana

A groundbreaking discovery in Montana has introduced the world to a previously unknown dinosaur species, Lokiceratops rangiformis. Paleontologists revealed their findings on June 20, 2024, after excavating the fossilized remains from the Judith River Formation, a site renowned for its rich deposits of Late Cretaceous-era fossils.

The newly identified dinosaur, a member of the ceratopsid family, is distinct for its elaborate horn structure, which differentiates it from its well-known relative, Triceratops. Scientists named the species after the Norse god Loki, referencing its asymmetrical and complex horn arrangement that defied their expectations of ceratopsian anatomy.

“This is one of the most unique horned dinosaurs we’ve ever seen,” said Dr. Mark Loewen, a lead researcher from the University of Utah’s paleontology team. “The shape and positioning of the horns suggest Lokiceratops may have evolved a very different display or defense strategy compared to other ceratopsians.”

The fossilized remains indicate that Lokiceratops was roughly 22 feet long and weighed around 5,500 pounds, placing it among the larger herbivores of its time. It likely roamed the ancient floodplains of what is now Montana around 78 million years ago, sharing its habitat with other dinosaur species, including hadrosaurs and smaller theropods.

The discovery sheds light on the rapid diversification of horned dinosaurs in North America during the Late Cretaceous. Scientists believe that the unusual features of Lokiceratops may have played a role in species recognition, mating displays, or defense against predators. “It’s another example of how dinosaurs evolved specialized traits for survival in their specific environments,” Loewen added.

The fossils are now being prepared for public display at the Natural History Museum of Utah, where visitors will get a chance to see the remarkable skull of Lokiceratops up close. Meanwhile, researchers continue to analyze the specimen, hoping to learn more about its evolutionary lineage and how it fits into the broader ceratopsid family tree.