Hispidercerus

Hispidercerus is a genus of theropod dinosaur that lived during the late Cretaceous period, approximately 70 to 66 million years ago, in what is now North America. It is known from a single species, Hispidercerus regalis, which was discovered in the San Juan Basin of New Mexico. The genus name Hispidercerus combines the Latin words "hispidus," meaning "shaggy or hairy," and "cerus," meaning "horn," referring to the distinctive horn-like structures on the skull. The specific name regalis means "royal," likely referring to the impressive size and appearance of the skull.

Hispidercerus is notable for its large, robust skull, which is estimated to have been around 30 centimeters in length. The skull is characterized by a pair of large, upward-curving horns, which are unique among known theropod dinosaurs. These horns may have been used for display, combat, or both. The rest of the skeleton is not well known, but it is believed to have been similar to other small to medium-sized theropod dinosaurs of the time.

The diet of Hispidercerus is not well understood, but it is likely that it was a carnivore, preying on small animals and possibly other dinosaurs. Its large skull and powerful jaws suggest that it was a formidable predator in its environment.

Hispidercerus is an important fossil because it provides insights into the diversity and evolution of theropod dinosaurs during the late Cretaceous period. Its unique horns and large skull set it apart from other known theropods, and further study of this genus may help to shed light on the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of its time. However, due to the limited fossil material, much about Hispidercerus remains unknown, and it continues to be a subject of ongoing research.