Atsinganosaurus

Did You Know?

• The generic name derives from Greek words meaning 'gypsy', referring to a possible east-to-west migration of the species.
• The specific name honors the finding place, Velaux - La Bastide Neuve.
• A 2018 cladistic analysis placed Atsinganosaurus in the lithostrotian clade Lirainosaurinae, alongside Ampelosaurus and Lirainosaurus.

Discovery and naming

Excavations at the Grès à Reptiles Formation at Velaux-La Bastide Neuve between 2009 and 2010, conducted by the Palaios Association and the University of Poitiers, uncovered the holotype of Atsinganosaurus: a set of four posterior dorsal vertebrae (VBN.93.01.a-d). The remains of another titanosaurian, Garrigatitan, were also found at the site. The genus and species were first described in 2010, and the holotype is housed in the collection of the University of Poitiers. Additional specimens, including parts of the skull, teeth, vertebrae from all sections of the vertebral column, ribs, chevrons, shoulder and pelvic girdle elements, and most arm and leg bones, have been described from multiple individuals.