Macrogryphosaurus

large griffin lizard

• makros · Greek · large
• gryphus / gryps · Greek/Latin · griffin
• sauros · Greek · lizard

The name combines Greek and Latin roots meaning "large griffin lizard". The "large" part refers to its size compared with other known relatives. The "griffin" part is usually explained as a reference to the mythical creature. The type species is M. gondwanicus, named for the ancient supercontinent Gondwana.

Named by

Calvo, Porfiri and Novas

Year named

2007

Period

Late Cretaceous

Stage

Coniacian

Found in

Portezuelo Formation, Neuquén Province, Argentina

A herbivorous ornithopod belonging to the Elasmaria, a group of Gondwanan ornithopods. It is a close relative of Talenkauen. The exact reasoning behind the "griffin" root is not something I am fully certain of, so treat that detail with some caution.