Desmatosuchus sp.
Archosaur
Late Triassic
Bull Canyon Formation
Quay County, New Mexico, USA

Very rare 54mm x 66mm aetosaur armor spike.

Desmatosuchus was an unusual herbivorous reptile of the Order Aetosauria, a group that lived at a time when dinosaurs were relatively new to the world and many of their close relatives were still present.  Most would die out during the mass extinction event at the end of the Triassic.

Desmatosuchus bore a set of about five spikes or spines, one much larger than the others, pointing laterally from both shoulder areas.  They provided some defense from large predators.

Most of the fossils you find at this locality are isolated teeth and bone pieces. Here’s your opportunity to pick up a hard-to-find piece of armor from a Triassic reptile.