Arcusaurus

rainbow lizard

• arcus · Latin · bow, arc, rainbow
• sauros · Greek · lizard

The name combines the Latin "arcus" (bow or rainbow) with the Greek "sauros" (lizard), giving "rainbow lizard". It alludes to South Africa's nickname, the "Rainbow Nation", where the fossils were found. The type species is Arcusaurus pereirabdalorum.

Named by

Yates, Bonnan and Neveling

Year named

2011

Period

Early Jurassic

Found in

Lower Elliot Formation, South Africa

A small, early-branching sauropodomorph (not a true sauropod), known from a juvenile or subadult specimen including a skull. It is related to early sauropodomorphs such as Pantydraco and Leyesaurus.