Newly Discovered Dinosaur Species Enigmacursor to Debut in London

LONDON, June 26, 2025 — The Natural History Museum (NHM) in London is set to unveil a remarkable new dinosaur species, Enigmacursor mollyborthwickae, on June 29, 2025. This labrador-sized dinosaur, previously misclassified as Nanosaurus, lived approximately 150 million years ago during the Late Jurassic period, coexisting with larger dinosaurs such as the Stegosaurus.

The discovery of Enigmacursor, which translates to 'puzzling runner,' sheds light on the evolutionary transition from small dinosaurs to the larger, more bizarre species that dominated later periods. Professor Paul Barrett, a palaeontologist at NHM, emphasizes the importance of this finding, stating, “Specimens like this help fill in some of those gaps in our knowledge, showing us how those changes occur gradually over time.”

Originally identified as a Nanosaurus, Enigmacursor was placed under scrutiny by researchers when they noted distinctive features in its skeletal structure. “When we’re trying to identify if something is a new species, we’re looking for small differences with all of the other closely-related dinosaurs. The leg bones are really important in this one,” explains Professor Susannah Maidment, who led the research on the dinosaur. The NHM specimen boasts a near-complete skeleton, allowing for detailed analysis of its anatomy.

The misclassification of Enigmacursor highlights a broader issue in paleontology regarding the identification of species. Many small dinosaurs have been overlooked in favor of their larger counterparts, leading to gaps in understanding the diversity of the Jurassic ecosystem. “It’s absolutely foundational to our work to understand how many species we actually have. If we’ve got that wrong, everything else falls apart,” adds Professor Maidment. The NHM team has now officially reclassified Enigmacursor, erasing the category of Nanosaurus from the scientific record.

This reclassification is not merely academic; it has significant implications for the understanding of dinosaur evolution. Smaller dinosaurs like Enigmacursor are closely linked to the origins of larger dinosaur groups that became prominent later, according to Professor Barrett. “Looking at these early creatures helps us identify the pressures that finally led to the evolution of their more bizarre, gigantic descendants.”

The unveiling of Enigmacursor will mark the first new dinosaur display at the NHM since 2014, and the anticipation around this exhibit is palpable. The dinosaur will be showcased in a specially designed glass display case within the Earth Hall, alongside the iconic Stegosaurus. NHM conservators Lu Allington-Jones and Kieran Miles have meticulously prepared the skeleton for public viewing, ensuring that its unique features are prominently displayed.

The findings regarding Enigmacursor mollyborthwickae are detailed in a study published in the Royal Society Open Science journal, further contributing to the ongoing dialogue in paleontology about species identification and the evolutionary history of dinosaurs. As interest grows in the smaller species that once roamed alongside giants, researchers hope this discovery will encourage future paleontologists to pay closer attention to smaller fossils, which may reveal further insights into the complexities of dinosaur evolution.

This significant discovery not only enriches the scientific community's understanding of dinosaur diversity during the Jurassic period but also highlights the continuing need for meticulous research in paleontology. As the Enigmacursor takes its place in history, it serves as a reminder of the intricate web of life that existed millions of years ago beneath the shadows of the great giants.