 "D. tropicensis" was first named by Rebecca Schmeisser McKean in 2011.The specific name is derived from the name of the Tropic Shale, in which the two specimens of "D. tropicensis" were found.It is known from the holotype MNA V10046, an almost complete, well-preserved skeleton including the most of the skull and from the referred specimen MNA V9431, fragmentary postcranial elements.