Wendiceratops pinhornensis

Overview

Described in 2015 from Alberta’s Oldman Formation, this centrosaurine has broad frill processes curving forward. The holotype is incomplete parietal TMP 2011.051.0009. Associated bonebed material indicates several individuals, but not every assigned bone independently diagnoses the species.

The paper infers an upright nasal horn, while acknowledging that its precise form remains unknown. Its proposed Sinoceratops sister relationship had limited support and does not establish either genus as an ancestor.

A 2016 parsimony analysis, itself weakly supported, placed Wendiceratops in an unresolved centrosaurine polytomy. Missing and non-overlapping material destabilised relationships; the 2015 sister-pair remains unconfirmed.

Origins & earliest records

Biological origin undated.

Evidence & interpretation

Fossils.

Selected bibliography

Documented works and useful reading. This is not a list of every appearance.

1. 01

   Cranial Anatomy of Wendiceratops…

   · 2015

   Selected evidence.

2. 02

   A New Centrosaurine Ceratopsid

   · 2016

   Selected evidence.

Family, evolution & connections

Taxonomic classification

A hierarchy of classified groups, not a chain of direct ancestors.

Source note: GBIF ranks; unlisted intermediate ranks omitted.

1. kingdomAnimalia
2. phylumChordata
3. familyCeratopsidae
4. genusWendiceratops
5. speciesWendiceratops pinhornensis

References

Sources supporting this profile. Linked pages have their own scope and editorial standards.

1. Primary researchCranial Anatomy of Wendiceratops…Research access: 2026-10-07
2. Primary researchA New Centrosaurine CeratopsidResearch access: 2026-10-07
3. Institutional taxonomyGBIF taxonomic matchResearch access: 2026-10-07

Image credits

Five views: holotype right parietal ramus A–C; referred subadult left ramus D–E.

Whole specimen plate; no complete living reconstruction. Recompressed whole frame.