Dilophosaurus

Dilophosaurus is a genus of theropod dinosaur from the Early Jurassic of what is now North America.

Dilophosaurus is a genus of theropod dinosaur that lived during the Early Jurassic in what is now North America. It is recognized for the paired bony crests on its skull and is considered one of the earliest large predatory dinosaurs in the region. Its scientific name means "two-crested lizard," reflecting this distinctive feature.

Discovery and naming

Dilophosaurus was first described from fossils found in the southwestern United States, particularly in Arizona and the Kayenta Formation. Its scientific name means "two-crested lizard," a reference to the paired skull crests that make the genus distinctive. The commonly cited single species is Dilophosaurus wetherilli.

Physical characteristics

The animal was a bipedal theropod with a lightly built body, sharp teeth, and prominent head crests. Estimates place it at roughly 6 to 7 metres long.

Palaeoecology

Dilophosaurus lived in Early Jurassic ecosystems in what is now North America, roughly 190–193 million years ago. It was a carnivore and is often described as one of the region's earliest large predators.

In popular culture

The species became widely known through film portrayals, especially depictions that gave it a frill and venom-spitting ability. Those features are not supported by fossil evidence and are considered fictional embellishments.