WASHINGTON (September 8, 2025) – A new study in Nature reveals Spicomellus, a dinosaur from Morocco with meter-long neck spikes, fused rib spikes, heavy body armor, and a tail club. These features have never been seen before in any animal and were thought to have evolved millions of years later. The find reshapes what scientists know about ankylosaurs and highlights the significance of Africa’s fossil record.
Catherine Forster, Professor Emerita in the program in Geological Sciences at the George Washington University, can speak to the evolutionary importance of Spicomellus, what this discovery reveals about dinosaur diversity, and the role of elaborate body armor in both survival and display.
If you would like to schedule an interview with Professor Forster, please contact Claire Sabin at claire [dot] sabin
gwu [dot] edu (claire[dot]sabin[at]gwu[dot]edu).
-GW-