Ankylosaurus magniventris (1:2)

Part of the HORNS & ARMOR Exhibit

Late Cretaceous Period, approx. 68-66 million years ago

1:2 Scale Skull Replica

SPECIMEN PROFILE

Ankylosaurus magniventris was one of the largest and most heavily armored herbivorous dinosaurs of Late Cretaceous North America. It inhabited coastal plains and forested floodplain environments, where it relied on extensive defensive adaptations to survive alongside apex predators such as Tyrannosaurus rex.

Its body was protected by thick osteoderms embedded within the skin, forming a broad armored shield across the back and flanks. The most distinctive feature was the massive tail club, constructed from fused vertebrae and dense bone capable of delivering powerful defensive strikes. Combined with its low-slung posture and reinforced skeletal structure, Ankylosaurus evolved one of the most specialized defensive body plans in dinosaur evolution.

COLLECTOR & CURATOR NOTE

A heavily armored Late Cretaceous herbivore defined by its iconic tail club and full-body osteoderm protection—representing the peak of defensive specialization among armored dinosaurs.

CONSTRUCTION & DISPLAY

Scale

• 1:2, approx. 10.6 in or 27 cm

Fossil Finishes

• Aged Bone: A weathered bone-white aesthetic, evoking exposed skeletal remains and museum restorations.

• Canyon: Warm earth tones and terracotta hues, inspired by fossil beds such as Picketwire and Mill Canyon.

• Fossilized: Deep browns and near-black coloration, replicating the mineral-rich preservation seen in authentic fossil specimens.

Specimen Format

• Unmounted study specimen: A standalone skull, ideal for shelves, cases, or custom display setups.

• Desktop-mounted display specimen: Presented on a handmade desktop stand, crafted from wood with brass furnishings and a custom specimen placard — designed to elevate the specimen as a true exhibit piece.

Medium

• Hand-painted resin