Meet Lokiceratops rangiformis, the Norse god-inspired dinosaur who strutted Montana’s swamplands 78 million years ago with an overabundance of horns and a face only a paleontologist could love.

Recently unearthed and causing a stir in the paleontology world, Lokiceratops rangiformis is an ancient reptilian oddity named after the Norse trickster god, Loki. Discovered in Montana and now proudly displayed in Denmark’s Museum of Evolution, this extravagant ceratopsid boasts an array of horns that would put any Viking helmet to shame. Yet Lokiceratops lacks the typical nose horn, perhaps a mischievous nod to its namesake’s cunning nature. While some scientists debate whether it’s a new species or just a quirky cousin of existing ceratopsids, this spectacular find certainly adds a mythic flavor to our prehistoric past.

Back in spring 2019, paleontologists exploring the Kennedy Coulee region of Montana unearthed a remarkably well-preserved skeleton of what they believed to be a new species of horned dinosaur. This ancient beast, now christened Lokiceratops rangiformis, fits squarely into the ceratopsid family which also boasts relatives like the revered Triceratops. Yet, what sets Lokiceratops apart isn’t just its timeline, appearing at least 12 million years before the iconic Triceratops, but an array of peculiar and somewhat theatrical horns likely evoking the spirit of Loki himself.

Lokiceratops, living around 78 million years ago, navigated through swamplands that modernize into what we now call Montana. With two blade-shaped horns, each measuring an impressive two feet extending from its frill, and an additional two 16-inchers protruding above each eye, this dinosaur seems to embody the very essence of Norse mythology’s mischief and grandeur. Throw in at least 12, possibly up to 14, smaller facial horns, and you’ve got yourself a prehistoric porcupine posing some serious competition to any heraldic Viking insignia.

Of course, the fun might be in what's missing as well. Notably absent is the traditional nose horn sported by many other ceratopsids, a characteristic omission perhaps lending more credence to its trickster deity namesake. The specific naming couldn’t be more apt: 'Loki’s horned face' coupled with 'rangiformis', a nod to the asymmetric, reindeer-like arrangement of its antlers. The remarkable lack of nasal decoration doesn't mean Lokiceratops was any less formidable in appearance; if anything, the abundance elsewhere makes up for it in droves.

After its discovery in Montana, the Lokiceratops skeleton didn't languish in obscurity for long. In 2021, Denmark’s Museum of Evolution purchased the skeleton, where Fossilogic, a Utah-based fossil preparation company, meticulously prepared and mounted the bones. Today, it stands proudly among the museum's exhibits, introducing visitors to this sprawling display of paleontological whimsy. For dino enthusiasts on the other side of the planet, a specially reconstructed Lokiceratops skull is scheduled to make an appearance at the Natural History Museum of Utah.

Among ceratopsids, Lokiceratops ranks as one of the largest and undoubtedly the most ornate ever found. Its uniquely asymmetric frill with numerous horn arrangements, including some especially prominent ones lanced out at odd angles, might well have served purposes beyond mere aesthetic grandeur. These horns could have been useful in defense, sexual display, or even species recognition; though, dear reader, one can only speculate as to how its contemporaries reacted upon facing such might and majesty.

However, not all scientists are ready to embrace Lokiceratops as a new species quite yet. Some argue it might represent a variation rather than a distinct branch of ceratopsid evolution. This debate between scientists has injected an extra layer of intrigue around the Lokiceratops find. After all, few things get paleontologists’ blood boiling like the classification of a new species – more contentious than who gets the last slice of pizza at a lab meeting.

Living around 78 million years ago, Lokiceratops provides new insights into the ceratopsid lineage and evolution. It offers pathways for exploring how these magnificent creatures adapted to their environments, using their distinctive frills and horns. And yes, no nose horns here – guess even dinosaurs had to be fashion-forward!

For the public and scientists alike, Lokiceratops provides an arresting visual and intellectual feast. Denmark’s Museum of Evolution has seen an uptick in visitors eager to meet the ancient rebel dinosaur, both for its undeniable exotic appearance and the air of mythic marvel now attached to it. Meanwhile, back in the US, anticipation builds around the upcoming skull display in Utah, cementing Lokiceratops’ growing reputation as a creature of immense fascination and historical significance.

Whether or not Lokiceratops ultimately earns its place as a distinguished species on the ceratopsid family tree remains to be fully determined. Till then, it revels in its role as both scientific curiosity and prehistoric performer, urging us all to keep an eye out for the unexpected twists and turns that paleontology offers. As we marvel at Lokiceratops, it's a gentle reminder that sometimes what's missing – like a traditional nose horn – can be just as intriguing as what's gleefully present.