# Dilophosaurus (*Dilophosaurus wetherilli*)

Dilophosaurus was a prehistoric dinosaur known for its distinctive features. Scientists study its bones to learn about how dinosaurs lived.

- **Category:** [Ancient](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/ancient)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low
- **Habitat:** Mesozoic forests and floodplains

![Dilophosaurus](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/DilophosaurusROM1.JPG&width=800)

Photo: Eduard Solà, CC BY-SA 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:DilophosaurusROM1.JPG)

## Appearance

The Dilophosaurus is a slender, bipedal dinosaur with two distinctive bony crests atop its skull. Its skin might have been mottled greens and browns for camouflage, helping it blend into lush ancient forests. It features a long, powerful tail and strong legs.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Animalia

## Interesting facts

- It was one of the earliest and largest predators of its time, a true ancient titan!
- Its name means "two-crested lizard" because of its awesome head crests!
- Scientists think its crests might have been brightly colored for showing off to others!
- The movie version of Dilophosaurus was much smaller and inaccurate compared to reality!

## Special abilities

- **Crested Display:** Dilophosaurus has two large head crests that help them communicate or attract a mate by showing off their unique features.
- **Swift Hunter:** Dilophosaurus can run very fast because of its strong, agile legs, helping them chase down and catch quick prey.
- **Powerful Grab:** Dilophosaurus has strong, sharp teeth that help them grasp and hold onto struggling prey, preventing escape.

## Measurements & details

- **Length:** 6-7 m
- **Weight:** 300-500 kg
- **Era:** Early Jurassic Period
- **Extinct Millions Years Ago:** 183

## Diet & Feeding

A speedy meat-eater that hunted smaller animals and fish using its sharp teeth.

- **Primary Foods:** Smaller dinosaurs, Early mammals, Lizards, Fish, Carrion
- **Foraging Method:** Pursuit

## Ecological connections

- **Hunts:** Scutellosaurus (*Scutellosaurus lawleri*) — Preyed upon this small, armored plant-eater.
- **Hunts:** Sarahsaurus (*Sarahsaurus aurifontanalis*) — Young juveniles likely fell prey to Dilophosaurus.
- **Eats:** Kayentatherium (*Kayentatherium wellesi*) — Hunted this small, mammal-like reptile.

## Traits

- [Feathered](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/feathered): Feathered describes animals, primarily birds, possessing a covering of feathers.
- [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
- [Ancient](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/ancient): Ancient refers to organisms, objects, or geological formations that have existed for an extremely long period.
- [Artifact](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/artifact): An artifact is an object made or modified by human culture, typically of historical or archaeological interest.
- [Fossil](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/fossil): A fossil is the preserved remains or traces of an ancient organism embedded in rock or other geological deposits.

## Collections

- [Ancient](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/ancient)

## Safety

**Danger:** 1/5 · Very low

While extremely dangerous in their time, this creature is now extinct.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Dilophosaurus?

Compare skull shape, horns, plates, limbs, posture and tail. Museum models and toys can mix features or follow outdated reconstructions. Dinosaur Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### How long is Dilophosaurus?

6-7 m

### How much does Dilophosaurus weigh?

300-500 kg

### What does Dilophosaurus eat?

A speedy meat-eater that hunted smaller animals and fish using its sharp teeth.

### Where is Dilophosaurus usually found?

Mesozoic forests and floodplains

### How does Dilophosaurus hunt?

Pursuit

### What geologic era did Dilophosaurus live in?

Early Jurassic Period

### When did Dilophosaurus go extinct?

183

## More Ancient

- [Tyrannosaurus rex](https://www.snappit.app/explore/tyrannosaurus-rex) (*Tyrannosaurus rex*)
- [Triceratops](https://www.snappit.app/explore/triceratops) (*Triceratops horridus*)
- [Stegosaurus](https://www.snappit.app/explore/stegosaurus) (*Stegosaurus stenops*)
- [Brachiosaurus](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brachiosaurus) (*Brachiosaurus altithorax*)

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Source: [Dilophosaurus: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/dilophosaurus)