Diabloceratops Dinosaur is the name given to a genus of ceratopsid dinosaur from the Late Cretaceous period of western North America. It is a member of the Chasmosaurinae family, which is characterized by the large, impressive skull frills. While the exact species of Diabloceratops is unknown, it is believed to be closely related to the species Ceratops montanens. The fossils of Diabloceratops were discovered in the Garita Creek Formation in San Juan County, New Mexico in 2012. The fragments of the fossil suggest that the individual was a fully mature adult, measuring close to 4 meters in length.
The presence of frill ornamentation, which is usually considered a characteristic of mature specimens, lends to the belief that the animal belonged in the Diabloceratops genus. The most impressive feature of Diabloceratops is the large skull frill. This frill is much larger than that of any previously known ceratopsid, and it is composed of two large curved horns that project outwards from a central ridge. This ridge also contains smaller, scattered bumps which are believed to be horns too. The frill is wide, and the edges of it have deep indentations. This was likely used as a display or signaling device to announce the animal's presence to other members of its herd.
Diabloceratops Facts :
| Name: | Diabloceratops Dinosaurs |
| Size: | 4 meters |
| Main Facts: | Diabloceratop's tail is very long and flexible, and the feet have four digits (as opposed to the three found in other ceratopsids). |
Another unique feature of Diabloceratops is its facial structure. The skull is slightly upturned and the upper portion of the face is large and well-developed, with eye sockets that are very close together. In general, the overall body form of Diabloceratops is that of a typical ceratopsid; however, several features are unique to the animal. Its legs are short in comparison to its body length and its hips are noticeably narrowed. Additionally, the tail is very long and flexible, and the feet have four digits (as opposed to the three found in other ceratopsids). The exact diet of Diabloceratops remains a mystery; however, scientists have hypothesized that it may have fed on both plants and other small animals. Many of the features of its skull frill and facial structure suggest that it had a relatively powerful bite, which would have been useful for eating fruits, roots, and other vegetation.
Given its large size and powerful defenses, it is likely that Diabloceratops was a top predator and may have targeted other small animals as prey. Due to their unique features and large size, Diabloceratops were an incredibly impressive breed of dinosaur. Their spectacular frill was likely vital in self-defense and display, while their unusual facial structure may have been useful in locating and targeting prey. The numerous adaptations present in Diabloceratops indicate that the species was a successful one prior to its extinction during the end of the Cretaceous period.
