Deinodon horridus Leidy 1856

Deinodon horridus, Leidy

Deinodon horridus, Leidy. 1856. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadel, vol. viii, p. 72.

“ “ Leidy. 1860. Trans. Amer. Philos. Soc. Extinct Vertebrata from the Judith River and Great Lignite formations of Nebraska, p. 143, pl. 9.

A number of megalosauroid teeth, the largest of which measures 90 mm. on its convex curve, are referred to this species. The general shape of the teeth and the serrations agree closely with some of Leidy’s figured types, viz., those shown in figures 21 to 32 of plate 9 of the above quoted work.

A few phalanges (including terminal ones) and a metatarsal with fragments of others, are probably also referable to this species.

Belly River series, Red Deer river, 1897, 1898, 1901. That Leidy was correct, in supposing that the teeth to which he gave the name Deinodon, belonged to a single animal, is most probable, in view of our present knowledge of the teeth of carnivorous dinosaurs. The teeth of Deinodon were evidently slightly heterodont, those used, at a later date, for the foundation of the genus Aublysodon being probably the anterior teeth of Deínodon.

Dr. OP. Hay has recently pointed out (American Geologist, 1899, vol. xxiv, p. 346) that the name Deinodon, as originally spelt, is not ‘preoccupied. This name, as a generic term is here retained and the name Aublysodon is regarded as a nomen nudum.