Description

Desmatosuchus sp.
Archosaur
Late Triassic
Bull Canyon Formation
Quay County, New Mexico, USA

Three dermal armor “spikes” (osteoderms), 102mm, 64mm and 49mm. Tips repaired. Very rare.

Desmatosuchus was an unusual reptile of the Order Aetosauria, a group related to early dinosaurs from a time when dinosaurs were relatively new to the world and many of their close relatives were still present.  Most would die out during the mass extinction event at the end of the Triassic.

Desmatosuchus bore a set of about five spikes or spines, one much larger than the others, pointing laterally from both shoulder areas.  They provided some defense from large predators.