Scientists have uncovered an extraordinary species of armoured dinosaur, nicknamed the “punk rocker” due to its dramatic spiked appearance. The creature, known as Spicomellus afer, is the oldest known ankylosaur and lived around 165 million years ago during the Middle Jurassic period.
The dinosaur was discovered through fossil remains unearthed in Morocco, initially identified from a single rib bone purchased from a fossil dealer in Cambridge in 2019. Subsequent excavations revealed more of its unusual anatomy, including metre-long spikes that emerged from a bony collar around its neck. These spikes, fused directly to the ribs, are unlike anything previously seen in any other vertebrate species, living or extinct.
Ankylosaurs were herbivorous dinosaurs typically recognised for their tank-like bodies and clubbed tails. However, Spicomellus stands out even among its armoured relatives. According to Professor Richard Butler of the University of Birmingham, the creature is “utterly unlike any other found anywhere else in the world” and represents a significant leap in understanding the early evolution of ankylosaurs.
Professor Susannah Maidment, of the Natural History Museum and the University of Birmingham, co-led the research and described the fossils as “absolutely bizarre”. She noted that Spicomellus had a wide variety of defensive features, including metre-long neck spikes, large upward-projecting spikes over its hips, and blade-like armour extending across its body.
Initially, there were doubts about whether Spicomellus was truly an ankylosaur. However, the new findings confirm its classification and suggest that Africa’s only known ankylosaur was far stranger than previously believed. The researchers suggest that while the spikes and armour likely evolved for defence, they may have later served a role in attracting mates or intimidating rivals.
The discovery, published in the journal Nature, reshapes scientific understanding of dinosaur armour evolution and highlights the diversity of prehistoric life in Africa. The punk-like appearance of Spicomellus has captured public imagination, with its spiky silhouette drawing comparisons to the hairstyles of punk rock fans.
This remarkable find adds to a growing list of recent dinosaur discoveries, including the identification of Maleriraptor kuttyi, a dog-sized carnivorous dinosaur from India, further expanding our knowledge of prehistoric biodiversity.
