Genus: Auroraceratops YOU, LI, JI, LAMANNA & DODSON, 2005
Etymology: The name refers to its status as an early neoceratopsian, but also honors Dawn Dodson (Latin, aurora, "dawn"), wife of 37 years to Peter Dodson, and gracious hostess to several generations of paleontologists, and Greek, kerat- (keras), “horn” and Greek, ops, “face.”

Species: rugosus YOU, LI, JI, LAMANNA & DODSON, 2005
Etymology: Latin, rugosus, "wrinkled"; The name referes to the rugose nature of the skull and jaws.

Holotype: IG-2004-VD-001

Locality: Gongpoquan Basin, Town of Mazongshan, Subei Mongol Autonomous, Jiuquan City , Gansu (Kansu) Province, China.

Horizon: Middle grey unit of Zhonggou Formation, Xinminbao Group.

Biostratigraphy:

Age: Albian Stage, Middle Gallic Subepoch, Upper Early Cretaceous Epoch, Early Cretaceous.

Material: A nearly complete skull and jaws.