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Science & Nature • Paleontology

Microceratus

Microceratus is an extinct genus of small ceratopsian dinosaur from the Late Cretaceous of Asia.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated September 10, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Microceratus is an extinct genus of small ceratopsian dinosaur from the Late Cretaceous of Asia. It is known for its very small size, herbivorous diet, and early position in ceratopsian evolution. The genus was renamed from *Microceratops* after the original name was found to be preoccupied.

Discovery and naming

The genus was originally described in 1953 as *Microceratops*. Because that name was already occupied, it was renamed *Microceratus* in 2008.

Physical characteristics

Microceratus was a very small ceratopsian, with estimates around 0.5–0.6 metres in length. Like other ceratopsians, it had a beaked mouth and a small frill, but it lacked the large horns of later relatives.

Palaeobiology

Microceratus was herbivorous and lived in the Late Cretaceous of Asia. Its small body size and likely bipedal or facultatively bipedal posture have been noted in popular scientific accounts.

Classification

Microceratus is placed among ceratopsians, within the broader ornithischian dinosaur lineage. It is often discussed as an early or primitive member of the ceratopsian group.

Key facts

  • Microceratus was one of the smallest known ceratopsians.
  • It lived during the Late Cretaceous in Asia, with fossils from Mongolia and China.
  • Originally named Microceratops, it was renamed Microceratus in 2008 because the earlier name was already used for an insect.
  • It was a herbivore with a beak and frilled skull typical of ceratopsians.
  • First described in 1953.

Frequently asked questions

What is Microceratus?
Microceratus is a genus of small, extinct ceratopsian dinosaur from the Late Cretaceous of Asia.
Where was Microceratus found?
Fossils have been reported from Mongolia and China.
What did Microceratus eat?
It was herbivorous.
Why was the name changed from Microceratops?
The original name was changed because it had already been used for an insect name.
How big was Microceratus?
It was very small for a ceratopsian, with length estimates of about 0.5–0.6 metres.

References

  1. Natural History Museum — https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/dino-directory/microceratus.html
    Supports: Name meaning, classification, diet, size, age, distribution, rename from Microceratops to Microceratus, and type species gobiensis.
  2. Dinosaur Madness — https://dinosaurmadness.com/dinosaurs/microceratus
    Supports: Approximate size, Late Cretaceous age, Mongolian origin, and description as one of the smallest ceratopsians.
  3. Prehistoric Wildlife — https://www.prehistoric-wildlife.com/species/microceratus/
    Supports: Original naming as Microceratops, renaming due to name preoccupation, and bipedal/agile interpretation.
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microceratus
    Supports: General overview of size, diet, skeletal traits, and early ceratopsian status.