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Dinosaurs: Dilophosaurus (Two-Ridge Lizard)
Last updated: 12th Mar 2024 Dilophosaurus, meaning "double-crested lizard," was a large meat-eating dinosaur that lived during the Early Jurassic period, around 195 to 184 million years ago. It was one of the top predators during its time, roaming what is now North America. • Length: Dilophosaurus could grow up to 20 feet (6 meters) long. • Height: It stood about 5 to 6 feet (1.5 to 1.8 meters) tall at the hips. • Weight: This predator weighed around 1,000 to 1,500 pounds (450 to 680 kilograms), similar to the weight of a modern-day cow. During the Jurassic period, about 195 million years ago, Dilophosaurus was one of the biggest predators in North America. But around 50 million years later, Allosaurus became the top predator. After another 77 million years, Tyrannosaurus rex took over as the main predator. Dilophosaurus had a distinctive and impressive appearance: • Double crests: It had two thin, bony crests running from its snout to behind its eye sockets. These crests were likely covered in keratin, similar to rhino horns, and may have been brightly colored to attract mates. • Teeth: Dilophosaurus had lots of sharp and curved teeth, perfect for catching and eating prey. • Arms: It had strong front arms with sharp claws, which helped it grab and hold onto its prey. • Legs: Dilophosaurus walked on two powerful hind legs, making it a fast and agile hunter. Generative AI Notification: Some elements of this image have been created or enhanced using AI technology. To find out how we create all our dinosaurs, click here.
Dilophosaurus was a carnivore, meaning it ate meat. It likely preyed on smaller animals and fish, and possibly other dinosaurs. Some evidence suggests it might have hunted a four-legged, plant-eating dinosaur called Sarahsaurus. Its strong jaws and sharp teeth made it an effective predator. Fossils of Dilophosaurus have been found in North America, particularly in the USA. During the Early Jurassic period, the environment was a desert with many rivers. As the seasons changed, sand dunes would move in and out of the wetter areas where Dilophosaurus and other dinosaurs lived. • Meaning: Dilophosaurus means "double-crested lizard." • Discovery: The first partial Dilophosaurus skeletons were found by a Navajo man named Jesse Williams on a reservation in Arizona, USA. Scientist Samuel Welles first studied the fossils and later named the dinosaur. • Speed: Dilophosaurus had a light build and was likely very good at running down prey. • Feathers: It's unclear whether Dilophosaurus had feathers. Some fossil footprints suggest the possibility, but more evidence is needed to be sure. Dilophosaurus was a biped, meaning it walked on two legs. Its strong legs and lightweight skeleton made it well-suited for moving quickly and efficiently through its environment, helping it chase down prey. Scientists believe that the double crests of Dilophosaurus were used for display purposes, possibly to attract mates or identify other members of its species. The crests were likely covered in keratin and may have been topped with inflatable air sacs, similar to some modern birds. What is Dilophosaurus?
How big was Dilophosaurus?
Appearance
DilophosaurusWhat did Dilophosaurus eat?
Where did Dilophosaurus live?
Interesting facts
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Why did Dilophosaurus have double crests?
Pronounced: DYE-lo-fuh-SAW-rus
Dilophosaurus Facts
Name Means: "Two-Ridge
Lizard"
Length: 20 feet (6 m)
Height: 10 feet (3 m)
Weight: 1,000 pounds (450 kg)
Diet: Carnivore (Meat)
Time: Late Jurassic
Habitat: Scrub and
Open Woodland
Fossils Found: Asia, Western North America
The portrayal of Dilophosaurus in the Jurassic Park movie is quite exaggerated. In the film, it is shown with a frill and the ability to spit venom, but there is no scientific evidence to support these features. Modern research shows Dilophosaurus had crests on its head but did not have the frill or venomous abilities.
Left: Jurassic Park Dilophosaurus compared to an average-sized adult human Right: Actual Dilophosaurus size compared to an average-sized adult human There is no fossil evidence to suggest that Dilophosaurus was venomous. The idea of Dilophosaurus spitting venom was popularised by the 1990 novel "Jurassic Park" and its 1993 movie adaptation, but it was a fictional addition to make the dinosaur appear more dangerous.
Dilophosaurus had several unique features:
• Kinked jaw: Its upper jaw had a big notch that created a sizeable tooth gap.
• Air pockets: Its bones, including the crests, were reinforced with air pockets in a honeycomb structure, making the skeleton strong but light.
• Scent detection: Without forward-facing eyes for stereo vision, it may have relied on its sense of smell to locate prey.
Dilophosaurus was part of the theropod group of dinosaurs, which includes other predatory dinosaurs. It was one of the earliest large meat-eating dinosaurs, setting the stage for future predators like Allosaurus and Tyrannosaurus Rex.
Q1: What is a Dilophosaurus?
A1: Dilophosaurus was a large, carnivorous dinosaur that lived during the Early Jurassic Period, around 193 million years ago. Its name means "two-crested lizard" because of the two distinctive crests on its head.
Q2: How big was the Dilophosaurus?
A2: Dilophosaurus could grow up to 20 feet long and weigh around 1,000 pounds. It had a slender body, long tail, and strong legs, making it a fast and agile predator.
Q3: What did Dilophosaurus eat?
A3: Dilophosaurus was a carnivore, meaning it ate meat. It likely preyed on smaller dinosaurs and other animals, using its sharp teeth and claws to catch and eat its prey.
Q4: Where did Dilophosaurus live?
A4: Dilophosaurus lived in what is now North America. Fossils have been found in the Kayenta Formation in Arizona, which was a wet, forested area during the Early Jurassic.
Q5: What are the crests on Dilophosaurus' head for?
A5: The crests on Dilophosaurus' head were likely used for display purposes, such as attracting mates or intimidating rivals. They may have also helped with species recognition.
Q6: Did Dilophosaurus really spit venom like in the movies?
A6: No, there is no scientific evidence to support the idea that Dilophosaurus could spit venom or had a frill around its neck. These features were fictional additions for the movie "Jurassic Park".
Q7: How did Dilophosaurus hunt its prey?
A7: Dilophosaurus likely used its speed and agility to chase down prey. It may have also used ambush tactics, hiding and then quickly attacking its prey with its sharp teeth and claws.
Q8: What did Dilophosaurus look like?
A8: Dilophosaurus had a slender body, long tail, and strong legs. It had two distinctive crests on its head and a mouth full of sharp teeth. Its skin was likely covered in scales.
Q9: Why is Dilophosaurus important to scientists?
A9: Dilophosaurus is one of the earliest large theropods and provides valuable insights into the evolution of predatory dinosaurs. Its fossils help scientists understand dinosaur behavior, anatomy, and the environment of the Early Jurassic.
Q10: Where can I see a Dilophosaurus skeleton?
A10: You can see Dilophosaurus skeletons in several museums, including the Jackson School Museum of Earth History in Texas, where detailed studies of its fossils have been conducted.
How Accurate is the Jurassic Park Dilophosaurus?
Jurassic Park Dilophosaurus Jurassic Park Dilophosaurus size comparison
Was Dilophosaurus venomous?
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Dilophosaurus FAQ
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