A groundbreaking scientific paper published in January (2026), has confirmed the presence of ceratopsian dinosaurs in Late Cretaceous Europe. The research focuses on the Hungarian dinosaur Ajkaceratops kozmai. The findings challenge long-standing ideas about Europe’s prehistoric ecosystems.

For decades, palaeontologists believed that horned dinosaurs were missing from Europe. Ceratopsians were widespread across Asia and North America during the Late Cretaceous. Famous species include Triceratops and Pachyrhinosaurus. Yet convincing fossils confirming their presence in Europe remained elusive.

The new research suggests these dinosaurs were hiding in plain sight.

The Enigmatic and Highly Significant Ajkaceratops kozmai

Ajkaceratops was first described from fragmentary fossils discovered in Hungary. These remains came from the Csehbánya Formation, rocks dating to approximately eighty-four million years ago (Santonian faunal stage of the Late Cretaceous). The fossils hinted at a small horned dinosaur, about the size of a labrador dog.

However, some researchers questioned this interpretation. The fossils were incomplete and difficult to interpret.

The new study, with corresponding author Professor Susannah Maidment (London Natural History Museum), provides crucial evidence. The research team described a new specimen, catalogue number MTM 2025.1.1. This fossil includes a much more complete skull. Detailed analysis of this fossil confirms that Ajkaceratops kozmai is indeed a true ceratopsian dinosaur.

Professor Maidment explained in a media release that the study indicates that far from being absent from Europe, ceratopsians may have been relatively common.

A scale drawing of the Late Cretaceous European ceratopsian Ajkaceratops (A. kozmai). Picture credit: Generated using AI/Canva with additional annotation by Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Generated using AI/Canva with additional annotation by Everything Dinosaur

Uncovering Another Surprising Discovery About Rhabdodontids

The research uncovered an even more surprising discovery. Several dinosaurs previously classified as rhabdodontids may actually be ceratopsians. Rhabdodontids were thought to be iguanodontians. In addition, these herbivorous dinosaurs were regarded as unique to Europe. However, the new analysis suggests that some fossils attributed to rhabdodontids belong to horned dinosaurs instead. For example, a dinosaur named as Mochlodon vorosi is now considered a junior synonym of Ajkaceratops.

Another dramatic revision involves the Romanian dinosaur Zalmoxes shqiperorum. This species has now been reassigned to a new ceratopsian genus named Ferenceratops (Maidment et al, 2026). The genus honours the pioneering Austro-Hungarian palaeontologist and polymath Baron Franz Nopcsa.

A Hidden Diversity of European Ceratopsians

These revisions suggest that horned dinosaurs may have been far more common in Europe than previously believed. Many fossils may have been misidentified because of incomplete material. The confusion stems partly from evolutionary history. Ceratopsians and iguanodontians share a common ancestor. They are both classified as ornithischian dinosaurs.  These two groups later evolved similar features. For instance, both developed complex chewing mechanisms and large body sizes. Some species also adopted quadrupedal locomotion. These similarities make fragmentary fossils difficult to identify.

An example of a typical rhabdodontid dinosaur. Life restoration of newly described rhabdodontid dinosaur Obelignathus septimanicus in the Late Cretaceous environment recorded in the ‘Grès à Reptiles’ Formation in southern France. A pair of dromaeosaurid dinosaurs can be seen lurking in the background. Picture credit: Edyta Felcyn-Kowalska.

Picture credit: Edyta Felcyn-Kowalska

Reassessing the Biota of Late Cretaceous Europe

During the Late Cretaceous, Europe formed a chain of islands scattered across the Tethys Sea. Scientists believed this isolation produced unique dinosaur faunas. Such as the fauna associated with the Hateg Basin. However, the presence of ceratopsians suggests European ecosystems may have been more similar to the fauna found elsewhere in the Northern Hemisphere.

The discovery also fills an important gap in ceratopsian evolution. Early horned dinosaurs originated in Asia and later spread to North America. Europe may have served as an important stepping stone during these dispersals. Furthermore, the study highlights the importance of museum collections. Fossils stored for decades can reveal new secrets when re-examined with modern techniques.

As more discoveries emerge, palaeontologists may uncover an unexpected diversity of European horned dinosaurs. It seems that Europe’s “missing” ceratopsians were there all along hiding in plain sight.

The scientific paper: “A hidden diversity of ceratopsian dinosaurs in Late Cretaceous Europe” by Susannah C. R. Maidment, Richard J. Butler, Stephen L. Brusatte, Luke E. Meade, Felix J. Augustin, Zoltán Csiki-Sava and Attila Ősi published in Nature.

For ceratopsian figures and other dinosaur models: Dinosaur Figures.

Following our post last month featuring news about the scimitar-crested spinosaurid Spinosaurus mirabilis, today, we publish some more images of this remarkable African theropod.  Our thanks to vertebrate palaeontologist and co-author of the study Daniel Vidal (University of Chicago) for helping team members to access these incredible illustrations.  In addition, we thank the media department at the University for providing these official images and the press release.

The beautiful artwork was created by talented palaeoartist Dani Navarro.

A life reconstruction of the recently named new Spinosaurus species Spinosaurus mirabilis. Picture credit: D. Navarro.

Picture credit: D. Navarro

To read Everything Dinosaur’s blog post about the discovery of S. mirabilis: A New Spinosaurid Species is Described.

Dani Navarro’s artwork has featured numerous times on this blog.  For example, Dani has provided several illustrations including front cover art for the prestigious magazine “Prehistoric Times”. In addition, he works closely with the Paul Sereno Fossil Lab and the University of Chicago.

An Award-winning Artist Illustrates Spinosaurus mirabilis

This award-winning artist has worked on the study of the Concavenator’s hump and the complete reconstruction of Edmontosaurus from fossil mummies. Furthermore, he has provided stunning artwork reconstructions of Spinosaurus aegyptiacus. Therefore, it is not surprising to find him producing illustrations of the recently described Spinosaurus mirabilis.

A close-up view of the head and neck of the recently described Spinosaurus (S. mirabilis). Picture credit: D. Navarro.

Picture credit: D. Navarro

Mike from Everything Dinosaur states:

“The work of scientific illustrators cannot be underestimated.  They skilfully reconstruct an animal from the fossil evidence.  Their artwork vividly brings to life a long extinct animal and helps to inform and inspire.”

Everything Dinosaur acknowledges the assistance of a media release from the University of Chicago in the compilation of this article.

The scientific paper: “Scimitar-crested Spinosaurus species from the Sahara caps stepwise spinosaurid radiation” by Paul C. Sereno, Daniel Vidal, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Evan Johnson-Ransom, María Ciudad Real, Stephanie L. Baumgart, Noelia Sánchez Fontela, Todd L. Green, Evan T. Saitta, Boubé Adamou, Lauren L. Bop, Tyler M. Keillor, Erin C. Fitzgerald, Didier B. Dutheil, Robert A. S. Laroche, Alexandre V. Demers-Potvin, Álvaro Simarro, Francesc Gascó-Lluna, Ana Lázaro, Arturo Gamonal, Charles V. Beightol, Vincent Reneleau, Rachel Vautrin, Filippo Bertozzo, Alejandro Granados, Grace Kinney-Broderick, Jordan C. Mallon, Rafael M. Lindoso and Jahandar Ramezani. Paper published in the journal Science.

Visit the Everything Dinosaur website: Prehistoric Animal and Dinosaur Toys.

Today, we join friends and family in Wales to celebrate St David’s Day.  It is an annual Welsh celebration held on the first day of March. This day honours Saint David, the patron saint of Wales, whose life and legacy are remembered with pride and cultural festivities right across the nation. Across the country, people wear daffodils and leeks. They wave the striking Welsh flag, proudly displaying its iconic red dragon. This heraldic dragon symbol, known in Welsh as Y Ddraig Goch, has deep roots in legend, folklore, and national identity.  However, what is the connection between dragons and the Dinosauria? Quite a lot, in fact!

Dragons and the Dinosauria

To vertebrate palaeontologists, the word dragon often conjures images of legendary beasts. Yet, it also has a clear connection to prehistoric life. Many dinosaur names contain the suffix – saurus, a Greek word meaning “lizard”. In China, new dinosaur species often include “long” in their names — a word that translates to dragon. For example, we recently wrote a blog article highlighting the discovery of a remarkable iguanodontid dinosaur from China named Haolong dongi. The genus name translates as “spiny dragon”.

To read our post: “Spiny Dragon” Reveals Secrets of Dinosaur Skin.

Researchers examining the Haolong dongi fossil material. Picture credit: Thierry Hubin (Institute of Natural Sciences).

Picture credit: Thierry Hubin (Institute of Natural Sciences)

Many dinosaur discoveries spark imaginations just like mythical dragons do. Their enormous sizes, sharp teeth and reptilian skins have fuelled human stories for centuries.  For instance, there are several Chinese dinosaurs represented by CollectA Delxue models. The beautiful CollectA Deluxe Beishanlong model is a favourite.   This theropod’s name translates as “Northern White Mountains Dragon”.

The CollectA 1:40 scale Beishanlong dinosaur model shown in lateral view. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

To view the CollectA range of scale models in stock: CollectA Deluxe Dinosaur Models.

Dragons and Dinosaurs

Both dragons of myth and real prehistoric reptiles remind us how powerful ancient reptiles captured human imagination. They also help us celebrate cultural heritage alongside scientific discovery.

So, on this St David’s Day, let’s give a nod to Wales and its enduring dragon symbol. We acknowledge the cultural significance of this day and that dinosaurs and dragons are entwined.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“Happy St David’s Day to all our Welsh readers and dinosaur fans everywhere!”

The Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Toys.

Tyrannosaurus rex remains one of the most iconic dinosaurs. People imagine this giant predator thundering across Late Cretaceous landscapes chasing prey. But new science suggests it didn’t stomp like a lumbering beast. Instead, it may have moved in a way more akin to extant flightless birds such as an ostrich. Researchers from the College of the Atlantic (Maine), Oklahoma State University, Colorado Northwestern Community College and the late Scott Swann examined how the feet of T. rex interacted with the ground as it walked. This new study into Tyrannosaurus rex foot function provides new information about theropod gait and speed.

They combined measurements of bones, predictive equations and comparisons with living animals like ostriches.  Their study has been published this week in Royal Society Open Science.

Tyrannosaurus rex Foot Function – Walking on Tiptoes

Traditional reconstructions assumed T. rex made contact with the ground using the heel first. This would give a broad, flat footfall and a slow, ponderous stride. But the new analysis turned this idea on its head. The deepest parts of known fossil footprints sit under the toes, not the heel. That suggests the dinosaur struck the ground mainly with the front of its foot, much like birds do today.

This “tiptoe” style of locomotion is very different from how we once thought giant theropods walked. Instead of low, heavy steps, T. rex likely took shorter, quicker strides, with its weight balanced over the toes. That’s remarkably similar to the way fast, bipedal birds like ostriches move.

A new study provides new information about Tyrannosaurus rex locomotion and gait. The researchers postulate that T. rex struck the ground with its toes first.  The Everything Dinosaur Evolution Tyrannosaurus rex display base features three-toed theropod prints that have been modelled based on real tyrannosaur tracks. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Locomotion and Speed

As the researchers postulate that the toes struck the ground first and that the stride was rapid, the authors propose that T. rex may have moved quicker than previously estimated. Their calculations suggest speeds of roughly 5–11 metres per second. That translates to about 11–25 miles per hour (17.7 to 40.2 kph).  Still not quite fast enough to chase down a jeep as depicted in the 1993 film “Jurassic Park” but quicker than previous research has suggested.

So, T. rex could run faster than David Beckham: Locomotion and Velocity Study (Theropod Dinosaurs).

To put this in perspective, ostriches can sprint at over 40 km/h (25 mph). A dinosaur as massive as T. rex using a bird-like gait is a fascinating twist on our view of its locomotion. Of course, how fast any individual dinosaur really ran would depend on age, health and body size. But this paper gives us a new way to think about how it moved.  Indeed, the research team provides estimates of velocity for different T. rex specimens within their dataset.

Estimated speeds of T. rex specimens within the dataset used in the Tyrannosaurus rex foot function study. Different dinosaur models including the Everything Dinosaur Evolution T. rex model are used to illustrate the estimated velocity. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur based on the Boeye et al paper.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur based on the Boeye et al paper

Footprints and the Everything Dinosaur Evolution T. rex Model

Everything Dinosaur’s Evolution T. rex model beautifully captures one aspect of this research. The display base features replicated Tyrannosaurus footprints from the fossil record. These prints are not just decorative. They reflect real ichnological data, and they give us clues about gait and stance.  For example, the two tracks on the display base have been carefully modelled.  They have deeper toes than heels and this reflects the evidence presented in this scientific paper.

The tracks on the Everything Dinosaur Evolution display base are based on actual prints from the fossil record. The deeper toe area indicates that these tracks reflect the latest research. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

To view the Everything Dinosaur Evolution model range: Everything Dinosaur Evolution Models.

The new study’s findings resonate with that real footprint evidence. If T. rex walked with a bird-like foot function, then those tracks on our model base become even more meaningful. They show where the animal shifted weight onto its toes, aligning with the idea of higher stride frequency and elevated speed potential.

The Movement of Extinct Animals

The movement of extinct animals has interested numerous researchers.  Tyrannosaurus rex locomotion has been extensively studied, in part, due to an iconic scene from “Jurassic Park”. The research team used complex statistical analysis to compare fossil specimens with extant animals including ostriches. Additionally, the models are consistent with recent studies suggesting slower to more intermediate top speeds for adult Tyrannosaurus that fall within the range of 5–11 metres per second. This study lays the groundwork for future studies to add comparisons with additional theropods and potentially identify ecological differences between species.

This research doesn’t just revise a number on a speed chart. It touches on how the largest land predator of its time interacted with its environment. A bird-like gait has implications for energy use, hunting strategy, balance and stability. It also reinforces the evolutionary link between theropod dinosaurs and modern birds.

In summary, T. rex may have been both terrifying and surprisingly agile. With Tyrannosaurus rex foot function studies like this, we continue to peel back layers of preconception about how dinosaurs lived and moved. And models like Everything Dinosaur’s Evolution T. rex help us share that story with collectors and enthusiasts around the world.

The scientific paper: “Evidence of bird-like foot function in Tyrannosaurus” by Adrian Tussel Boeye, Kyle Logan Atkins-Weltman, J. Logan King and Scott Swann published in the Royal Society Open Science.

The award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal Models.