Capitalsaurus

Vertebra

"Capitalsaurus" is the informal genus name given to the species formerly known as Creosaurus potens and Dryptosaurus potens, a dinosaur from the Arundel Formation of North America. The only known specimen was discovered in Washington, D.C. It was a theropod, and it lived during the Cretaceous. It is a nomen nudum, the name having never been formally published.

"Capitalsaurus" was discovered in January 1898 at the intersection of First and F Streets S.E., in the District of Columbia - an intersection now designated as Capitalsaurus Court. It was not uncovered by any paleontological activity, but as a by-product of sewer work.

"Capitalsaurus court" intersection

The "Capitalsaurus" is the official dinosaur of the District of Columbia.^[1]

The only known specimen of "Capitalsaurus" consists of part of a single vertebra. Some paleontologists feel that this is insufficient justification for a name that suggests an entire genus, and that "Capitalsaurus" is merely an undetermined theropod.^[2] Others note that this is hardly the only dinosaur with a common name that does not helpfully reflect its taxonomy.^[3]

See also

• Paleontology in Washington D.C.

References

External links

• "Capitalsaurus" in The Theropod Database
• Official Dinosaur Designation Act of 1998