Dilophosaurus Facts
Pronunciation: die-LOAF-oh-SORE-us
Name meaning: Two-crested lizard
| Diet | Carnivore |
| Height | 1.8m |
| Length | 7m |
| Weight | 400 kg |
| Speed | 30 km/h |
| Environment | Land |
| Era | Jurassic |
| Period | Early Jurassic |
| Type | Theropod |
| Location | North America |
Dilophosaurus was a distinctive theropod dinosaur that roamed the landscapes of Early Jurassic North America around 190 million years ago. This impressive predator measured approximately 7 metres in length and stood about 1.8 metres tall at the hip, making it one of the largest predators of its time. What truly set Dilophosaurus apart were the two prominent, semi-circular crests that adorned the top of its skull, giving the dinosaur its name meaning 'two-crested lizard'.
As a theropod, Dilophosaurus was built for hunting, with powerful hind legs, sharp claws, and a mouth filled with pointed teeth. However, recent studies suggest its teeth were relatively weak compared to later theropods, indicating it may have been more of a scavenger or fish-eater rather than a bone-crushing predator. Its long, slender build and powerful legs suggest it was quite fast, possibly reaching speeds of up to 30 km/h when pursuing prey or fleeing from danger.
The first Dilophosaurus fossils were discovered in northern Arizona in the 1940s, though the distinctive crests weren't recognised until a more complete skeleton was found in 1964. Initially classified as a species of Megalosaurus, it wasn't until 1970 that palaeontologist Samuel Welles realised this dinosaur was unique enough to warrant its own genus. Since then, several specimens have been discovered, including juvenile fossils and even fossilised footprints that show evidence of the animal resting.
What made Dilophosaurus distinctive?
Dilophosaurus is instantly recognisable by the two distinctive, semi-circular crests running along the top of its skull, which were likely used for display rather than combat. It had a relatively slender build for a large theropod, with long legs adapted for speed and a narrow skull filled with sharp but delicate teeth.
Behaviour
Dilophosaurus likely lived and hunted in small groups, as suggested by trackway evidence showing multiple individuals moving together. The prominent crests on its skull were probably used for species recognition and display behaviours, possibly changing colour during mating seasons or territorial disputes. Its relatively weak bite force suggests it may have been an opportunistic feeder, scavenging carcasses or hunting smaller, easier prey.
Dilophosaurus in Popular Culture
Dilophosaurus gained fame as one of the antagonists in the 1993 film Jurassic Park, though the movie depicted it incorrectly as much smaller than reality and with fictional abilities like spitting poison.
Dilophosaurus FAQ
What did Dilophosaurus eat?
Dilophosaurus was a carnivore, but its relatively weak teeth suggest it wasn't a powerful bone-crusher like later theropods. It likely fed on fish, smaller dinosaurs, and may have scavenged carcasses left by other predators. Some scientists think it may have hunted in packs to take down larger prey.
How big was Dilophosaurus?
Dilophosaurus was quite large, measuring about 7 metres long and standing 1.8 metres tall at the hip. It weighed approximately 400 kilograms, making it one of the largest predators of the
Early Jurassic period, though it was built more for speed than brute strength.
When did Dilophosaurus live?
Dilophosaurus lived during the
Early Jurassic period, approximately 201 to 193 million years ago. This was a time when the supercontinent Pangaea was beginning to break apart and the climate was generally warm and humid worldwide.
Where was Dilophosaurus found?
Dilophosaurus fossils have been discovered in northern Arizona, USA, in rock formations dating to the
Early Jurassic. The first specimens were found in the 1940s, with the most complete skeleton discovered in 1964. All confirmed Dilophosaurus fossils come from North America.
How do you pronounce Dilophosaurus?
Dilophosaurus is pronounced 'die-LOAF-oh-SORE-us', with emphasis on the third syllable. The name breaks down into 'di' (two), 'lopho' (crest), and 'saurus' (lizard), referring to the two distinctive crests on its skull.
What does Dilophosaurus mean?
Dilophosaurus means 'two-crested lizard' in Greek. The name refers to the pair of thin, semi-circular bony crests that ran along the top of the dinosaur's skull, which were its most distinctive feature and likely used for display purposes.
How fast could Dilophosaurus run?
Based on its long, powerful legs and relatively light build, scientists estimate that Dilophosaurus could reach speeds of up to 30 km/h. This would have made it quite fast for such a large predator, helping it catch prey or escape from danger.
What type of dinosaur was Dilophosaurus?
Dilophosaurus was a theropod dinosaur, belonging to the group of bipedal, mostly carnivorous dinosaurs. More specifically, it's classified in the family Dilophosauridae and represents one of the earlier large theropod predators from the Jurassic period.
Was Dilophosaurus related to birds?
Yes, as a theropod dinosaur, Dilophosaurus was distantly related to modern birds. Theropods are the group from which birds evolved, though Dilophosaurus lived much earlier than the first known birds and represents a more primitive branch of the theropod family tree.
How many Dilophosaurus fossils have been found?
Several Dilophosaurus specimens have been discovered since the 1940s, including at least three partial skeletons and various isolated bones. The fossils range from juvenile to adult specimens, and scientists have also found trackways and resting traces attributed to this dinosaur, providing a relatively good understanding of its anatomy and behaviour.
