Aetonyx

eagle claw

• aetos · Greek · eagle
• onyx · Greek · claw / nail

The name Aetonyx combines the Greek words 'aetos' (eagle) and 'onyx' (claw or nail), meaning 'eagle claw'. It was chosen to draw attention to the large, robust thumb claw characteristic of the specimen. This hooked claw reminded the describer of the powerful talon of an eagle.

Named by

Broom

Year named

1911

Period

Early Jurassic

Stages

Hettangian – Sinemurian

Found in

Upper Elliot Formation, South Africa

Aetonyx is a junior synonym of Massospondylus, a well-known Early Jurassic sauropodomorph (prosauropod) from southern Africa. It was originally named by Robert Broom in 1911 on the basis of material that is now referred to Massospondylus carinatus. The 'eagle claw' name likely refers to the prominent pollex (thumb) claw typical of these prosauropods.