Pronunciation: a-CREEK-see-NAH-toe-SOR-us
Meaning: Explosion-born lizard
Author/s: Calvo et al. (2004)
Synonyms: None known
First Discovery: Neuquén, Argentina
Discovery Chart Position: #536
Ekrixinatosaurus novasi
(Novas' explosion-born lizard)Etymology
Ekrixinatosaurus is derived from the Greek "ekrixi" (explosion), the Latin "nato" (born), and the Greek "sauros" (lizard), referring to the fact that its fossils were discovered after its rocky tomb was blasted to buggery with dynamite during excavations for laying a gas pipeline. The species epithet, novasi, honors Dr. Fernando Novas for his important contributions to the study of abelisaurid theropods.
Discovery
The remains of Ekrixinatosaurus were discovered in the Candeleros Formation (Río Limay Subgroup), in a quarry located 34 kilometers northwest of the town of Añelo in the Bajo de Añelo area of Neuquén Province, northwestern Patagonia.
The holotype (MUCPv 294) is an incomplete skeleton and fragments of the skull.
