Dino bone

[Dino Dad 81]

Hi all,

 

Any thoughts on what this piece is from hell creek in Garfield, MO? It’s about 2.5” x 2”.

thanks!!

[Meatasaurus93]

I'm leaning towards it being a ceratopsian epijugal because of how robust it is. I've seen similar pieces labeled as epoccipitals, but I'm not too sure I agree. Epoccipitals tend to be flatter than the piece in your post.  

 

Here's an epoccipital from my collection for comparison (sorry for the poor picture; it's the only picture I have of it on my computer at the moment):

 

Lance Creek Formation, WY

 

Some examples of epijugals:

 

 

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/232672895_Ontogeny_of_Cranial_Epi-Ossifications_in_Triceratops

 

Your piece bears a closer resemblance to the specimens above.

Edited May 11, 2023 by Meatasaurus93

[jpc]

I think epijugal is spot on.  nice find. 

 

[Troodon]

Not seeing epijugal, too fat and attachment point too smooth.  Might be Ankylosaurid

 

Closeup of this area

[Dino Dad 81]

Dang, someone sniped it. Thanks for the input though

Edited May 11, 2023 by Dino Dad 81

[Meatasaurus93]

2 hours ago, Troodon said:

Not seeing epijugal, too fat and attachment point too smooth.  Might be Ankylosaurid

 

Closeup of this area

 

Do you have any pictures of epijugal attachment points just for reference/comparison? What should we be looking for?

 

As I mentioned in my post, I've seen similar pieces to this one labeled as ceratopsian material. With that said, I never assume a seller's ID is correct and always double check on things. If there's a chance something like OP's specimen is ankylosaurid, I'd be interested in knowing a little more.

[Meatasaurus93]

1 hour ago, Dino Dad 81 said:

Dang, someone sniped it. Thanks for the input though

 

That's unfortunate. I do see similar pieces pop up on various fossil sites, so just keep an eye out and you might be able to pick up a different one. 

[Troodon]

Really needed to have a better view of the surface to see if its Anky ( Fibrous) or Ceratopsian (Veining)  The end just looked very smooth and not water worn.  

 

 

Epoccip

Epijugal