Prehistoric Models: Theropoda
Theropod meaning “beast foot” are a diverse group of dinosaurs that are primarily carnivorous (meat eating). Based on their hip structures, theropods are classified as saurischian meaning “lizard hip” along with the long-necked sauropods. Some of the most famous of this group are Tyrannosaurus rex, Velociraptor, Allosaurus, and Spinosaurus. To see my Theropod fossils and cast replicas click here.
BASAL THEROPODS
Kingdom: Animalia – Phylum: Chordata – Class: Reptilia – Clade: Dinosauria – Order: Saurischia – Suborder: Theropoda – Clade: Neotheropoda
Genus: Tawa “Named after the Puebloan sun god”
Genus pronounced: Tah-wah
Species: T. hallae (type)
Named by: Sterling J. Nesbitt et al -2009
Classification: Order: Theropoda
Time: Late Triassic (Norian)
Locality: USA, New Mexico – Chinle Formation, Ghost Ranch
Size: 2 meters long
Diet: Carnivore
Genus: Coelophysis “Hollow form”
Genus pronounced: See-lo-fie-sis
Species: C. bauri (type), C. kayentakatae, C. rhodesiensis. Possibly C. holyokensis
Named by: Edward Drinker Cope – 1889
Classification: Family: Coelophysidae
Time: Late Triassic (Carnian to Norian)
Locality: USA, New Mexico and Arizona
Size: 3 meters long
Diet: Carnivore
Genus: Liliensternus “Ruhle” von Lilienstern’s one”
Genus pronounced: “Lil-e-en-ster-nus
Species: L. liliensterni (type)
Named by: Samuel Paul Welles – 1984
Classification: Family: Coelophysidae
Time: Late Triassic (Norian)
Locality: Germany – Trossingen Formation
Size: 5.15 meters long
Diet: Caenivore
Genus: Cryolophosaurus “Cold crest lizard”
Genus pronounced: Cry-oh-low-foe-sor-us
Species: C. ellioti (type)
Named by: William R. Hammer and William J. Hickersom -1994
Classification: Family: Dilophosauridae
Time: Early Jurassic (Pliensbachian)
Locality: Antarctica – Hanson Formation
Size: 6.5 meters long
Diet: Carnivore
Genus: Dilophosaurus “Two crested lizard”
Genus pronounced: Di-lo-fo-sore-us
Species: D. wetherilli (type)
Named by: Samuel Paul Welles – 1970
Classification: Family: Dilophosauridae
Time: Early Jurassic (Sinemurian)
Locality: USA, Arizona – Kayenta Formation
Size: 6 meters long
Diet: Carnivore
Genus: Dilophosaurus “Two crested lizard”
Genus pronounced: Di-lo-fo-sore-us
Species: Jurassic Park “Dilophosaurus”
Named by: Samuel Paul Welles – 1970
CLassification: Family: Dilophosauridae
Time: Holocene
Locality: Isla Numblar, Coasta Rica
Size: 6 meters lon
Diet: Carnivore
CERATOSAURS
Kingdom: Animalia – Phylum: Chordata – Class: Reptilia – Clade: Dinosauria – Order: Saurischia – Suborder: Theropoda – Clade: Neotheropoda – Infraorder: Ceratosauria
Genus: Ceratosaurus “Horned lizard”
Genus pronounced: See-rat-oh-sire-us
Species: C. nasicornis (type), C. dentisulcatus, C. magnicornis, C. stechowi
Named by: Othniel Charles Marsh – 1884
lassification: Family: Ceratosauridae
Time: Late Jurassic (Kimmeridgian to Tithonian)
Locality: USA, Morrison Formation, Portugal. Tanzania.
Size: 6 meters long
Diet: Carnivore
Genus: Genyodectes “Jaw biter”
Genus pronounced: Jen-yo-dek-teez
Species: G. serus (type)
Named by: Arthur S. Woodward - 1901
Classification: Family: Ceratosauridae
Time: Early Cretaceous (Aptian/Albian?)
Locality: Argentina - Cerro Barcino Formation, Cerro Castaño Member
Size: Unknown meters long – only partial skull found
Diet: Carnivore
ABELISAURS
Kingdom: Animalia – Phylum: Chordata – Class: Reptilia – Clade: Dinosauria – Order: Saurischia – Suborder: Theropoda – Clade: Neotheropoda – Family: Abelisauridae
Genus: Carnotaurus “Meat eating bull”
Genus pronounced: Car-no-tore-us
Species: C. sastrei (type)
Named by: Jose Bonaparte – 1985
Classification: Subfamily: Carnotaurinae
Time: Late Cretaceous (Campanian to Maastrichtian)
Locality: Argentina, Chubut Province – La Colonia Formation
Size: 8 meters long
Diet: Carnivore
Genus: Rajasaurus”Princely lizard”
Genus pronounced: Rah-jah-sore-us
Species: R. narmadensis (type)
Named by: J. A. Wilson, P. C. Sereno, S. Srivastava, D. K. Bhatt, A. Khosla, and A. Sahni – 2003
Classification: Subfamily: Carnotaurinae
Time: Late Cretaceous (Maastrichtian)
Locality: India – Lameta Formation
Size: 6 to 9 meters long
Diet: Carnivore
Genus: Rugops “Wrinkle face”
Genus pronounced: Roo-gops
Species: R. primus (type)
Named by: P. C. Sereno, J. A. Wilson, and J. L. Conrad – 2004
Classification: Subfamily: Carnotaurinae
Time: Cretaceous (Cenomanian)
Locality: Africa, Niger – Echkar Formation
Size: 5 meters long
Diet: Carnivore
Genus: Quilmesaurus
Genus pronounced: Kwil-me-sor-us
Species: Q. curriei (type)
Named by:R. A. Coria - 2001
Classification: Subfamily: Carnotaurinae
Time: Late Cretaceous (Campanian)
Locality: Argentina - Allen Formation
Size: Estimated 4.5 to 5 meters long
Diet: Carnivore
Genus: Skorpiovenator “Scorpion hunter“
Genus pronounced: Skor-pee-oh-ven-ah-tor
Species: S. bustingorryi (type)
Named by: Canale et al – 2009
Classification: Subfamily: Carnotaurinae
Time: Late Cretaceous (Cenomanian )
Locality: Argentina – Huincul Formation
Size: 6 meters long
Diet: Carnivore
Genus: Majungasaurus “Majunga dome lizard“
Genus pronounced: Ma-jung-ah-thole-us
Species: M. crenatissimus (type)
Named by: Rene Lavocat – 1955
Classification: Subfamily: Carnotaurinae
Time: Late Cretaceous (Maastrichtian)
Locality: Madagascar – Maevarano Formation
Size: 7 meters long
Diet: Carnivore
Genus: Masiakasaurus“Vicious lizard”
Genus pronounced: Mah-shee-ah-kah-sore-us
Species: M. knopfleri (type)
Named by: Scott D. Sampsom, Matthew Carrano, and Catherine A. Forster – 2001
Classification: Family: Noasauridae
Time: Late Cretaceous (Maastrichtian)
Locality: Madagascar, Maevarano Formation
Size: 1.8 to 2 meters long
Diet: Carnivore
Genus: Deltadromeus “Delta runner”
Genus pronounced: Del-tah-dor-me-us
Species: D. agilis (type)
Named by: Paul Sereno et al. – 1996
Classification: Family: Noasauridae
Time: Cretaceous (Cenomanian)
Locality: Morocco – Bahariya Formation and Kem Kem Beds
Size: 8 meters long
Diet: Carnivore
Genus: Elaphrosaurus “Lightweight lizard“
Genus pronounced: E-laf-roe-sore-us
Species: E. bambergi (type)
Named by: Werner Janensch - 1920
Classification: Family: Noasauridae
Time: Jurassic (Kimmeridgian to Tithonian)
Locality: Tanzania - Tendaguru Formation
Size: 6.2 meters long
Diet: Carnivore
Tetanurae
Kingdom: Animalia – Phylum: Chordata – Class: Reptilia – Clade: Dinosauria – Order: Saurischia? – Suborder: Theropoda? – Clade: Neotheropoda? – Clade: Tetanurae?
Genus: Chilesaurus “Chile lizard”
Genus pronounced: Chill- e-sore-us
Species: C. diegosuarezi (type)
Named by: F. E. Novas, L. Salgado, M. Suárez, F. L. Agnolín, M. D. Ezcurra, N. R. Chimento, R. Cruz, M. P. Isasi, A. O. Vargas & D. Rubilar-Rogers - 2015
Classification: Unsure?
Time: Jurassic (Tithonian)
Locality: Chile – Togui Formation
Size: 3.2 meters long
Diet: Herbivore
MEGALOSAURS
Kingdom: Animalia – Phylum: Chordata – Class: Reptilia – Clade: Dinosauria – Order: Saurischia – Suborder: Theropoda – Clade: Neotheropoda – Clade: Tetanurae – Clade: Orionides – Superfamily Megalosauroidea
Genus: Moolophosaurus “Single crested lizard”
Genus pronounced: Mon-o-low-fo-sore-us
Species: M. jiangi (type)
Named by: Zhao and Currie – 1993
Classification: Family Megalosauridae
Time: Early Jurassic (Callovian)
Locality: China, Xinjiang – Shishugou Formation
Size: 5 meters long
Diet: Carnivore
Genus: Megalosaurus “Great lizard”
Genus pronounced: Meg-ah-lo-sore-us
Species: M. bucklandii (type)
Named by: William Buckland -1824, Gideon Mattell – 1827
Classification: Family Megalosauridae
Time: Jurassic (Bathonian)
Locality: England
Size: 9 meters long
Diet: Carnivore
Genus: Eustreptospondylus “Well curved vertebra”
Genus pronounced: Yoo-strp-to-spon-di-lus
Species: E. oxoniensis (type)
Named by: Alick Walker – 1964
Classification: Family Megalosauridae
Time: Jurassic (Callovian)
Locality: England
Size: 4.6-6 meters long
Diet: Carnivore
Genus: Sciurumimus “squirrel mimic”
Genus pronounced: Se-ur-u-my-mus
Species: S. albersdoerferi (type)
Named by: Oliver W. M. Rauhut, Christian Foth, Helmut Tischlinger, Mark A. Norell - 2012
Classification: Family Megalosauridae
Time: Jurassic (Kimmeridgian)
Locality: Germany – Rygol Quarry
Size: 70 centimetres long for the holotype, but this is of a juvenile, adults would have grown bigger
Diet: Carnivore/Insectivore?
Genus: Afroventor “African hunter”
Genus pronounced: Af-ro-vee-nay-tor
Species: A. abakensis (type)
Named by: Paul Sereno, Jeffrey Wilson, Hans Larsson, Didier Dutheil, and Hans-Dieter Sues – 1994
Classification: Family Megalosauridae
Time: Cretaceous (Hauterivian to Barremian)
Locality: Africa, Niger, Abaka – Tiouraren Formation
Size: 7 to 8 meters long
Diet: Carnivore
SPINOSAURS
Kingdom: Animalia – Phylum: Chordata – Class: Reptilia – Clade: Dinosauria – Order: Saurischia – Suborder: Theropoda – Clade: Neotheropoda – Clade: Tetanurae – Clade: Orionides – Superfamily: Megalosauroidea – Family Spinosauridae
Genus: Ichthyovenator “Fish hunter”
Genus pronounced: Ik-thee-o-ven-ah-tor
Species: I. laosensis (type)
Named by: Ronan Allain, Tiengkham Xeisanavong, Philippe Richir, and Bounsou Khentavonh – 2012
Classification: Subfamily: Baryonychinae
Time: Early Cretaceous (Aptian)
Locality: Laos, Savannakhet Province – Gres superieurs Formation
Size: 7.5 to 9 meters long
Diet: Piscivore
Genus: Baryonyx “Heavy claw”
Genus pronounced: Bah-ree-on-ix
Species: B. walkeri (type)
Named by: Alan Charig and Angela Milner – 1986
Classification: Subfamily: Baryonychinae
Time: Early Cretaceous (Hauterivian to Barremian)
Locality: England, Surrey. Spain. Porugal. Possibly North Africa.
Size: 9 meters long
Diet: Carnivore
Genus: Suchomimus “Crocodile mimic”
Genus pronounced: Su-ko-mie-mus
Species: S. tenerensis (type)
Named by: Paul Sereno et ai. – 1998
Classification: Subfamily: Baryonychinae
Time: Early Cretaceous (Aptian)
Locality: Niger – Elhraz Formation
Size: 10 meters long
Diet: Carnivore
Genus: Irritator “Irritation”
Genus pronounced: Ih-re-tay-tor
Species: I. challengeri (type)
Named by: D. M. Martill, A. R. I. Cruikshank, E. Frey, P. G. Small, and M. Clarke – 1996
Classification: Subfamily: Spinosaurinae
Time: Early Cretaceous (Albian)
Locality: Brazil – probably the Santana Formation
Size: 8 meters long
Diet: Carnivore
Genus: Spinosaurus “Spine lizard”
Genus pronounced: Spine-oh-sore-0-us
Species: S. aegyptiacus (type), possibly S. maroccanus
Named by: Ernst Stromer – 1915
Classification: Subfamily: Spinosaurinae
Time: Cretaceous (Albian to Cenomanian)
Locality: North Africa, particularly Egypt – Bahariya Formation, and Morocco – Kem Kem Beds
Size: 12.6 to 18 meters long
Diet: Piscivore/Carnivore
Genus: Spinosaurus “Spine lizard”
Genus pronounced: Spine-oh-sore-0-us
Species: Jurassic Park “Spinosaurus”
Named by: Ernst Stromer – 1915
Classification: Subfamily: Spinosaurinae
Time: Holocene
Locality: Isla Sorna, Coasta Rica
Size: 12.6 to 18 meters long
Diet: Piscivore/Carnivore
Genus: Siamosaurus
Genus pronounced: Sy-am-o-sore-us
Species: S. suteethorni (type)
Named by:Buffetaut & Ingavat - 1986
Classification: Subfamily: Spinosauridae
Time: Early Cretaceous (Barremian to Aptian)
Locality: Thailand
Size: Unknown meters long – known for teeth
Diet: Piscivore/Carnivore
CARNOSAURS
Kingdom: Animalia – Phylum: Chordata – Class: Reptilia – Clade: Dinosauria – Order: Saurischia – Suborder: Theropoda – Clade: Neotheropoda – Clade: Tetanurae – Clade: Orionides – Clade: Avetheropoda – Clade: Avetheropoda – Infraorder: Carnosauria
Genus: Becklespinax “Beckle’s spine”
Genus pronounced: Beck-el-spy-nax
Species: B. altispinax (type)
Named by: George Olshevsky – 1991
Classification: Infraorder: Carnosauria
Time: Early Cretaceous
Locality: England – Sussex
Size: 8 meters long
Diet: Carnivore
Genus: Allosaurus “Different lizard”
Genus pronounced: Al-loh-sore-us
Species: A. fragilis (type), A. europaeus, A. jimmadseni
Named by: Othniel Charles Marsh – 1877
Classification: Superfamily: Allosauroidea – Family: Allosauridae
Time: Late Jurassic (Kimmeridgian to Tithonian)
Locality: USA, Portugal, possibly Tanzania
Size: 8.5 to 12 meters long
Diet: Carnivore
Genus: Saurophaganax “Lizard-eating master”
Genus pronounced: Sore-oh-fag-ah-nax
Species: S. maximus (type)
Named by: Daniel Chure – 1995
Classification: Subperfamily: Allosauroidea – Family: Allosauridae
Time: Late Jurassic (Kimmeridgian)
Locality: USA, Oklahoma – Morrison Formation. Possbily New Mexico as well
Size: 13 meters long
Diet: Carnivore
Genus: Metriacanthosaurus “Moderately spined lizards”
Genus pronounced: Met-ree-ah-can-thoe-sore-us
Species: M. parkeri (type)
Named by: Alick Walker – 1964
Classification: Subperfamily: Allosauroidea – Family: Metriacanthosauridae
Time: Middle Jurassic (Oxfordian)
Locality: England – Oxford Clay
Size: 6 meters long
Diet: Carnivore
Genus: Yangchuanosaurus “Yangchuan lizard”
Genus pronounced: Yang-chwan-oh-sore-us
Species: Y. shangyouensis (type), Y. zigongensis
Named by: Dong et al - 1978
Classifiaction: Superfamily: Allosauridea – Family: Metriacanthosauridae
Time: Jurassic (Bathonian to Callovian)
Locality: China – Shaximiao Formation
Size: 10.8 meters long
Diet: Carnivore
Genus: Sinraptor “Chinese thief”
Genus pronounced: Sin-rap-tor
Species: S. dongi (type), S. hepingensis
Named by: Currie and Zhao – 1994
Classification: Infraorder: Carnosauria – Subperfamily: Allosauroidea – Family: Sinraptoridae
Time: Late Jurassic
Locality: China – Shishugou Formation
Size: 7.6 meters long
Diet: Carnivore
Genus: Lourinhanosaurus “Lourinha lizard”
Genus pronounced: Lore-in-han-o-sore-us
Species: L. antunesi (type)
Named by: Mateus – 1998
Classification: Subperfamily: Allosauroidea – Family: Sinraptoridae
Time: Late Jurassic (Kimmeridgian to Tithonian)
Locality: Portugal – Lourinha Formation
Size: 4.5-8 meters long
Diet: Carnivore
CARCHARODONTOSAURS
Kingdom: Animalia – Phylum: Chordata – Class: Reptilia – Clade: Dinosauria – Order: Saurischia – Suborder: Theropoda – Clade: Neotheropoda – Clade: Tetanurae – Clade: Orionides – Clade: Avetheropoda – Clade: Avetheropoda – Infraorder: Carnosauria – Superfamily: Allosauroidea – Clade: Carcharodontosauria
Genus: Giganotosaurus “Giant southern lizard”
Genus pronounced: Gee-gah-note-oh-sore-us
Species: G. carolinii (type)
Named by: Rodolfo Coria and Leonard Salagado – 1995
Classification: Clade: Carcharodontosauria – Family: Carcharodontosauridae
Time: Cretaceous (Cenomanian)
Locality: Argentina – Candeleros Formation
Size: 12 to 13 meters long
Diet: Carnivore
Genus: Carcharodontosaurus “Shark toothed lizard”
Genus pronounced: Car-kah-roe-don-to-sore-us
Species: C. saharicus (type), C. iguidensis
Named by: Ernst Stromer – 1931
Classification: Clade: Carcharodontosauria – Family: Carcharodontosauridae
Time: Cretaceous (Albian to Cenomanian)
Locality: Algeria – Continental Intercalaire Formaton, Brazil – Alcantara Formation?, Egypt – Baharije Formation, Mut Formation, Morocco – Aoufous Formation, Kem Kem Formation, Niger – Continental Intercalaire Formation, Echkar Fomation, and Tunisia – Chenini Formation, Continental Intercalaire Formation.
Size: 12 to 13 meters long
Diet: Carnivore
Genus: Mapusaurus “Earth lizard”
Genus pronounced: Mah-puh-sore-us
Species: M. roseae (type)
Named by: Rodolfo Coria and Philip J. Currie – 2006
Classification: Clade: Carcharodontosauris – Family: Carcharodontosauridae
Time: Cretaceous (Cenomanian)
Locality: Argentina – Huincul Formation
Size: 10.2 to 12.6 meters long
Diet: Carnivore
Genus: Acrocanthosaurus “High spined lizard”
Genus pronounced: Ak-row-can-fo-sore-us
Species: A. atokensis (type)
Named by: John Willis Stovall and Wann Langston,. Jr – 1950
Classification: Clade: Carcharodontosauria – Family: Carcharodontosauridae
Time: Cretaceous (Aptian to Albian)
Locality: USA, Oklahoma, Antlers Formation, and the Texas, Twin Mountains Formation
Size: 11.5 meters long
Diet: Carnivore
Genus: Eocarcharia “Dawn shark“
Genus pronounced: E-oh-kar-ka-ree-ah
Species: E. dinops (type)
Named by:P. C. Sereno & S. L. Brusatte - 2008
Classification: Clade: Carcharodontosauria – Family: Carcharodontosauridae
Time: Cretaceous (Aptian to Albian)
Locality: Niger - Elrhaz Formation
Size: 6 to 8 meters long
Diet: Carnivore
Genus: Concavenator “Hump backed hunter from Cuenca”
Genus pronounced: Con-ca-ven-ah-tor
Species: C. corocovatus (type)
Named by: Francisco Ortega, Fernando Escaso, and Jose Luis Sanz – 2010
Classification: Clade: Carcharodontosauria – Family: Carcharodontosauridae
Time: Cretaceous (Barremian)
Locality: Spain, Las Hoyas – La Huerguina Formation
Size: 5.8 to 6 meters long
Diet: Carnivore
Genus: Neovenator “New hunter”
Genus pronounced: Nee-oh-ven-ah-tor
Species: N. salerii (type)
Named by: Hutt, Martill and Barker – 1996
Classification: Clade: Carcharodontosauria – Family: Neovenatoridae
Time: Cretaceous (Barremian)
Locality: United Kingdom, Isle of Wright
Size: 7.5 meters long
Diet: Carnivore
NEOVENATOR/MEGARAPTORS?
Kingdom: Animalia – Phylum: Chordata – Class: Reptilia – Clade: Dinosauria – Order: Saurischia – Suborder: Theropoda – Clade: Neotheropoda – Clade: Tetanurae – Clade: Orionides – Clade: Avetheropoda – Clade: Megaraptora
Genus: Australovenator “Southern hunter”
Genus pronounced: Aw-strah-low-ven-ah-tor
Species: A. wintonensis (type)
Named by: Scott Kocknull et al. 2009
Classification: Clade: Megaraptora – Family: Megaraptoridae
Time: Cretaceous (Aptian)
Locality: Australia, Queensland, Winton Formation
Size: 6 meters long
Diet: Carnivore
Genus: Fukuiraptor “Fukui thief”
Genus pronounced: Foo-kwee-rap-tor
Species: F. kitadaniensis (type)
Named by: Azuma and Currie – 2000
Classification: Clade: Megaraptora
Time: Cretaceous (Barremian)
Locality: Japan, Honshu Island, Fukui Prefecture – Kitadani Formation
Size: 4.2 meters long
Diet: Carnivore
Genus: Siats “after a creature from Ute Native American Mythology“
Genus pronounced: Se-ats
Species: S. meekerorum (type)
Named by: L. E. Zanno & P. J. Makovicky - 2013
Classification: Family: Neovenatoridae – Clade: Megaraptora?
Time: Cretaceous (Cenomanian)
Locality: USA, Utah - Cedar Mountain Formation
Size: 9 to 12 meters long
Diet: Carnivore
Genus: Megaraptor “Giant Thief“
Genus pronounced: Meg-ah-rap-tor
Species: M. namunhuaiquii (type)
Named by: Novas - 1998
Classification: Family: Neovenatoridae – Clade: Megaraptora
Time: Late Cretaceous (Turonian)
Locality: Argentina – Portezuelo Formation
Size: 8 meters long
Diet: Carnivore
COELUROSAURS
Kingdom: Animalia – Phylum: Chordata – Class: Reptilia – Clade: Dinosauria – Order: Saurischia – Suborder: Theropoda – Clade: Neotheropoda – Clade: Tetanurae – Clade: Orionides – Clade: Avetheropoda – Infraorder: Coelurosauria
Genus: Coelurus “Hollow tail”
Genus pronounced: See-lur-us
Species: C. fragilis (type)
Named by: Othniel Charles Marsh – 1879
Classification: Family: Coeluridae
Time: Jurassic (Kimmeridgian)
Locality: USA, Wyoming – Morrison Formation
Size: 2.4 meters long
Diet: Carnivore
Genus: Compsognathus “Pretty jaw”
Genus pronounced: Komp-sog-nath-us
Species: C. longipes (type)
Named by: Johann Andreas Wagner – 1861
Classification: Family: Compsognathidae
Time: Jurassic (Tithonian)
Locality: Germany, France, Possibly Portugal
Size: 125 centimeters long
Diet: Carnivore
Genus: Sinosauropteryx “Chinese lizard wing”
Genus pronounced: Sigh-no-sore-op-eh-ryx
Species: S. prima (type)
Named by: Ji, Q. and Ji, S. – 1996
Classification: Family: Compsognathidae
Time: Cretaceous (Barremian to Aptian)
Locality: China, Liaoning Province – Yixian Formation
Size: 107 centimeters long
Diet: Carnivore
TYRANNOSAURS
Kingdom: Animalia – Phylum: Chordata – Class: Reptilia – Clade: Dinosauria – Order: Saurischia – Suborder: Theropoda – Clade: Neotheropoda – Clade: Tetanurae – Clade: Orionides – Clade: Avetheropoda – Clade: Avetheropoda – Infraorder: Coelurosauria – Superfamily: Tyrannosauroidea
Genus: Proceratosaurus “Before Ceratosaurus”
Genus pronounced: Pro-se-rat-o-sore-us
Species: P. bradleyi (type)
Named by: Friedrich von Huene – 1926
Classification: Family: Proceratosauridae
Time: Jurassic (Bathonian)
Locality: England, Gloucestershire, Minchinhampton
Size: 3 meters long
Diet: Carnivore
Genus: Guanlong “Crown dragon”
Genus pronounced: Gwon-long
Species: G. wucaii (type)
Named by: Xu et al. – 2006
Classification: Family: Proceratosauridae
Time: Jurassic (Oxfordian)
Locality: China – Shishugou Formation
Size: 3 meters long
Diet: Carnivore
Genus: Sinotyrannus “Chinese tyrant”
Genus pronounced: Sigh-noe-tie-ran-nus
Species: S. kazuoensis (type)
Named by:Q. Ji, S. A. Ji & L.-J.Zhang – 2009
Classification: Superfamily: Proceratosauroidea
Time: Cretaceous (Aptian)
Locality: China, Liaoning Province - Jiufotang Formation
Size: 9 to 10 meters long
Diet: Carnivore
Genus: Yutyrannus “Feathered tyrant”
Genus pronounced: You-ty-ran-nus
Species: Y. huali (type)
Named by: Xu Xing, Wang Kebai, Zhang Ke, Ma Qingju, Xing Lida, Corwin Sullivan, Hu Dongyu, Cheng Shuqing & Wang Shuo - 2012.
Classification: Superfamily: Tyrannosauroidea
Time: Cretaceous (Aptian)
Locality: China, Liaoning Province – Yixian Formation
Size: 9 meters long
Diet: Carnivore
Genus: Dilong “Emperor dragon”
Genus pronounced: Die-long
Species: D. paradoxus
Named by: Xu Xing et al. – 2004
Classification: Superfamily: Tyrannosauroidea
Time: Cretaceous (Barremian)
Locality: China, Liaoning Province, Yixian Formation
Size: 2 meters long
Diet: Carnivore
Genus: Eotyrannus “Dawn Tyrant”
Genus pronounced: E-oh-ty-ran-us
Species: E. lengi (type)
Named by: Steve Hutt et al. – 2001
Classification: Superfamily: Tyrannosauroidea
Time: Cretaceous (Barremian)
Locality: United Kingdom, Isle of Wight – Wessex Formation
Size: 4 meters long
Diet: Carnivore
Genus: Xiongguanlong “Xiongguan dragon”
Genus pronounced: Zhong-gwan-long
Species: X. baimoensis (type)
Named by: Li et al. – 2009
Classification: Superfamily: Tyrannosauroidea
Time: Cretaceous (Aptian to Albian)
Locality: China, Gansu Province
Size: 4 to 4.5 meters long
Diet: Carnivore
Genus: Dryptosaurus “Tearing lizard“
Genus pronounced: Drip-toe-sore-us
Species: D. aquilunguis (type)
Named by:Othniel Charles Marsh - 1877 (Originally named by Edward Drinker Cope in 1866 as Laelaps aquilunguis)
Classification: Superfamily: Tyrannosauroidea – Family:Dryptosauridae
Time: Cretaceous (Maastrichtian)
Locality: Eastern USA
Size: 7.5 meters long
Diet: Carnivore
Genus: Bistahieversor “Bistahi Destroyer”
Genus pronounced: Bis-tah-hee-eh-ver-sore
Species: B. sealeyi (type)
Named by: Thomas Carr and Thomas Williamson – 2010
Classification: Superfamily: Tyrannosauroidea
Time: Late Cretaceous (Campanian)
Locality: USA, New Mexico – Kirkland Formation
Size: 9 meters long
Diet: Carnivore
Genus: Gorgosaurus “Fierce lizard”
Genus pronounced: Gor-go-sore-us
Species: G. libratus (type)
Named by: Lawrence Lambe – 1914
Classification: Family: Tyrannosauridae – Subfamily: Albertosaurinae
Time: Cretaceous (Campanian)
Locality: Canada, Alberta and possibly US state of Mantana
Size: 8 to 9 meters long
Diet: Carnivore
Genus: Albertosaurus “Alberta lizard”
Genus pronounced: Al-ber-to-sore-us
Species: A. sarcpohagus (type)
Named by: Henry Fairfield Osborn – 1905
lassification: Family: Tyrannosauridae – Subfamily: Albertosaurinae
Time: Cretaceous (Campanian)
Locality: USA and Canada
Size: 10 meters long
Diet: Carnivore
Genus: Qianzhousaurus “Ganzhou lizard”
Genus pronounced: Ke-an-su-sor-us
Species: Q. sinensis (type)
Named by: J. Lu, L. Yi, and S. L. Brusatte, L., Yang, H. Li, & L. Chen - 2014
Classification: Family: Tyrannosauridae – Subfamily: Tyrannosaurinae
Time: Cretaceous (Maastrichtian)
Locality: China – Nanxiong Formation
Size: 6.3 – 7 meters long
Diet: Carnivore
Genus: Alioramus “Different branch”
Genus pronounced: Ah-lee-oh-ray-mus
Species: A. remotus (type), A. altai
Named by: Sergei Kurzanov – 1976
Classification: Family: Tyrannosauridae
Time: Cretaceous (Maastrichtian)
Locality: Mongolia
Size: 6 meters long
Diet: Carnivore
Genus: Lythronax “Gore king”
Genus pronounced: Ly-fron-ax
Species: L. argestes (type)
Named by: M. A. Loewen, R. B. Irmis, J. J. W. Sertich, P. J. Currie & S. D. Sampson - 2013
Classification: Family: Tyrannosauridae – Subfamily: Tyrannosaurinae
Time: Cretaceous (Early Campanian)
Locality: USA, Utah – Kaiparowits Formation
Size: 7.3 meters long
Diet: Carnivore
Genus: Daspletosaurus “Frightful lizard”
Genus pronounced: Das-pleet-oh-sore-us
Species: D. torosus (type), D. horneri
Named by: Dale Alan Russel – 1970
Classification: Family: Tyrannosauridae
Time: Cretaceous (Campanian)
Locality: Canada, Alberta, Judith River Group - USA, Montana, Judith River Formation
Size: 8 to 9 meters long
Diet: Carnivore
Genus: Tarbosaurus “Terrifying lizard”
Genus pronounced: Tar-bo-sore-us
Species: T. bataar (type)
Named by: Evgeny Maleev – 1955
Classification: Family: Tyrannosauridae – Subfamily: Tyrannosaurinae
Time: Cretaceous (Maastrichtian)
Locality: Mongolia
Size: 10 to 12 meters long
Diet: Carnivore
Genus: Tyrannosaurus “Tyrant lizard”
Genus pronounced: Ty-ran-no-sore-us
Species: T. rex (type)
Named by: Henry Fairfield Osborn – 1905
Classification: Family: Tyrannosauridae
Time: Cretaceous (Maastrichtian)
Locality: Western North America
Size: 12.3 meters long
Diet: Carnivore
Genus: Moros “ancient Greek for ‘impending doom’“
Genus pronounced: Mo-ross
Species: M. intrepidus (type)
Named by: Lindsay E. Zanno, Ryan T. Tucker, Aurore Canoville, Haviv M. Avrahami, Terry A. Gates & Peter J. Makovicky - 2019
Classification: Family: Tyrannosauridae
Time: Cretaceous (Cenomanian )
Locality: USA, Utah - Cedar Mountain Formation
Size: 6 meters long
Diet: Carnivore
ORNITHOMIMOSAURS
Kingdom: Animalia – Phylum: Chordata – Class: Reptilia – Clade: Dinosauria – Order: Saurischia – Suborder: Theropoda – Clade: Neotheropoda – Clade: Tetanurae – Clade: Orionides – Clade: Avetheropoda – Clade: Avetheropoda – Infraorder: Coelurosauria – Clade: Ornithomimosauria
Genus: Gallimimus “Chicken mimic”
Genus pronounced: Gal-lee-mine-us
Species: G. bullatus (type)
Named by: Halszka Osmólska, Ewa Roniewics & Rinchen Barsbold - 1972.
Classification: Family: Ornithomimidae
Time: Cretaceous (Maastrichtian)
Locality: ongolia – Nemegt Formation
Size: 8 meters long
Diet: Omnivore?
Genus: Struthiomimus “Ostrich mimic”
Genus pronounced: Stru-fee-oh-mine-us
Species: S. altus (type), S. sedens
Named by: Henry Fairfield Osborn – 1917
Classification: Family: Ornithomimidae
Time: Cretaceous (Late Campanian to Early Maastrichtian)
Locality: Canada, Alberta - Dinosaur Park Formation and Horseshoe Canyon Formation. USA - Hell Creek Formation.
Size: 4.3 meters long
Diet: Omnivore?
Genus: Ornithomimus “Bird mimic”
Genus pronounced: Or-nith- oh-mine-us
Species: O. velox (type), O. edmontonicus
Named by: Othniel Charles Marsh – 1890
Classification: Family: Ornithomimidae
Time: Cretaceous (Campanian to Maastrichtian)
Locality: USA and Canada
Size: 3.8 meters long
Diet: Omnivore?
Genus: Deinocheirus “Terrible hand”
Genus pronounced: Die-noe-ky-rus
Species: D. mirificus (type)
Named by: Osmolska and Roniewicz – 1970
Classification: Family: Deinocheiridae
Time: Cretaceous (Campanian to Maastrichtian)
Locality: Mongolia, Nemegt Formation
Size: 10 to 11 meters long
Diet: Omnivore?
MANIRAPTORS
Kingdom: Animalia – Phylum: Chordata – Class: Reptilia – Clade: Dinosauria – Order: Saurischia – Suborder: Theropoda – Clade: Neotheropoda – Clade: Tetanurae – Clade: Orionides – Clade: Avetheropoda – Clade: Avetheropoda – Infraorder: Coelurosauria – Clade: Maniraptor
Genus: Ornitholestes “Bird robber”
Genus pronounced: Or-nith-oh-less-tees
Species: O. hermanni (type)
Named by: Henry Fairfield Osborn – 1903
Classification: Subfamily: Ornitholestinae
Time: Jurassic (Kimmeridgian)
Locality: USA, Morrison Formation
Size: 2 meters long
Diet: Carnivore
THERIZINOSAURS
Kingdom: Animalia – Phylum: Chordata – Class: Reptilia – Clade: Dinosauria – Order: Saurischia – Suborder: Theropoda – Clade: Neotheropoda – Clade: Tetanurae – Clade: Orionides – Clade: Avetheropoda – Clade: Avetheropoda – Infraorder: Coelurosauria – Clade: Maniraptor – Superfamily: Therizinosauroidea
Genus: Falcarius “sickle cutter”
Genus pronounced: Fal-ca-ree-us
Species: F. utahensis (type)
Named by: Kirkland – 2005
Classification: Superfamily: Therizinosauroidea
Time: Cretaceous (Barremian)
Locality: USA, Utah, Cedar Mountain Formation
Size: 3.7 -4 meters long
Diet: Herbivore
Genus: Beipiaosaurus “Beipiao lizard”
Genus pronounced: Bat-pee-oh-sore-us
Species: B. inexpectus (type)
Named by: Xu, tang, Wang – 1999
Classification: Superfamily: Therizinosauroidea
Time: Cretaceous (Aptian)
Locality: China, liaoning province – Yixian Formation
Size: 2.2 meters long
Diet: Herbivore
Genus: Nothronychus “slothful claw”
Genus pronounced: Noth-ron-e-kus
Species: N. mckinleyi (type), N. graffami
Named by: J. I kirkland and D. G. Wolfe – 2001
Classification: Superfamily: Therizinosauroidea
Time: Cretaceous (Late Cenomanian to Early Turonian)
Locality: USA, New Mexico – Moreno Hill Formation, and Utah – Tropic Shale Formation
Size: 4.5 to 6 meters long
Diet: Herbivore
Genus: Nanshiungosaurus “Nanshiung lizard”
Genus pronounced: Nan-she-ung-o-sore-us
Species: N. brevispinus (type)
Named by: Z. Dong – 1979
Classification: Superfamily: Therizinosauroidea
Time: Cretaceous (Barremian to Campanian)
Locality: China - Chijinbao Formation, Nanxiong Formation, Yuanpu Formation.
Size: 5 meters long
Diet: Herbivore
Genus: Therizinosaurus “Scythe lizard”
Genus pronounced: Ther-ih-zine-oh-sore-us
Species: T. cheloniformis (type)
Named by: Evgeny Maleev – 1954
Classification: Superfamily: Therizinosauroidea
Time: Cretaceous (Campanian)
Locality: Mongolia
Size: 10 meters long
Diet: Herbivore?
Genus: Therizinosaurus “Scythe lizard”
Genus pronounced: Ther-ih-zine-oh-sore-us
Species: T. cheloniformis (type)
Named by: Evgeny Maleev – 1954
Classification: Superfamily: Therizinosauroidea
Time: Cretaceous (Campanian)
Locality: Mongolia
Size: 10 meters long
Diet: Herbivore?
OVIRAPTOROSAURS
Kingdom: Animalia – Phylum: Chordata – Class: Reptilia – Clade: Dinosauria – Order: Saurischia – Suborder: Theropoda – Clade: Neotheropoda – Clade: Tetanurae – Clade: Orionides – Clade: Avetheropoda – Clade: Avetheropoda – Infraorder: Coelurosauria – Clade: Maniraptor – Clade: Oviraptorosauria
Genus: Caudipteryx “tail feather”
Genus pronounced: Caw-dip-teh-rix
Species: C. zoui (type), C. dongi
Named by: Q. Ji, P. J. Currie, M. A. Norrel & S. Ji - 1998
Classification: Family: Caudipteridae
Time: Cretaceous (Aptian)
Locality: China, Liaoning Province – Yixian Formation
Size: 1 meters long
Diet: Omnivore?
Genus: Citipati “Funeral Pyre Lord”
Genus pronounced: Sih-tee-pah-tee
Species: C. osmolskae (type)
Named by: Rinchen Barsbold, James M. Clark & Mark Norell - 2001
Classification: Family: Oviraptoridae
Time: Cretaceous
Locality: Mongolia – Djadochta Formation
Size: 2.9 to 3 meters long
Diet: Carnivore
Genus: Gigantoraptor “Giant thief”
Genus pronounced: Gee-gan-to-rap-tor
Species: G. erlianensis (type)
Named by: Xu Xing, Tan Qingwei, Wang Jianmin, Zhao Xijin, Tan Lin - 2007
Classification: Family: Oviraptoridae
Time: Cretaceous (Campanian)
Locality: Mongolia – Iren Dabasu Formation
Size: 8 meters long
Diet: Omnivore?
Genus: Oviraptor “egg thief”
Genus pronounced: Oh-vee-rap-tor
Species: O. philoceratops (type)
Named by: Henry Fairfield Osborn – 1924
Classification: Family: Oviraptoridae – Subfamily: Oviraptorinae
Time: Cretaceous (Campanian)
Locality: Mongolia – Djadochta Formation
Size: 2 meters long
Diet: Carnivore
Genus: Anzu “named after mythical creature that appears in Sumerian and Akkadian mythology“
Genus pronounced: An-zoo
Species: A. wyliei (type)
Named by: M. C. Lamanna, H. D. Sues, E. R. Schachner & T. R. Lyson - 2014
Classiification: Family: Caenagnathidae – Subfamily: Caenagnathinae
Time: Cretaceous (Late Maastrichtian)
Locality: USA, Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota (all Hell Creek Formation)
Size: 1.5 meters long
Diet: Omnivore?
DROMAEOSAURS
“raptors”
Kingdom: Animalia – Phylum: Chordata – Class: Reptilia – Clade: Dinosauria – Order: Saurischia – Suborder: Theropoda – Clade: Neotheropoda – Clade: Tetanurae – Clade: Orionides – Clade: Avetheropoda – Clade: Avetheropoda – Infraorder: Coelurosauria – Clade: Maniraptor – Family: Dromaeosauridae
Genus: Hesperonychus “western claw”
Genus pronounced: Hes-per-non-i-kus
Species: H. elizabethae (type)
Named by:
Classification: Clade: Microraptoria
Time: Cretaceous (Campanian)
Locality: Dinosaur Park Formation, Alberta, Canada
Size: 1 meters long
Diet: Carnivore
Genus: Microraptor “small thief”
Genus pronounced: My-crow-rap-tor
Species: M. zhaoianus (type), M. gui, M. hanqingi
Named by: Xu Xing et all – 2000
Classification: Clade: Microraptoria
Time: Cretaceous (Aptian)
Locality: China, Liaoning Province
Size: 1 meters long
Diet: Carnivore
Genus: Microraptor “small thief”
Genus pronounced: My-crow-rap-tor
Species: M. zhaoianus (type), M. gui, M. hanqingi
Named by: Xu Xing et all – 2000
Classification: Clade: Microraptoria
Time: Cretaceous (Aptian)
Locality: China, Liaoning Province
Size: 1 meters long
Diet: Carnivore
Genus: Velociraptor “swift thief”
Genus pronounced: Vell-oss-e-rap-tor
Species: Jurassic Park Velociraptor
Named by: Henry Fairfield Osborn – 1924
Classification: Family: Dromaeosauridae
Time: Holocene
Locality: Isla Nublar, Coasta Rica
Size: 3 meters long
Diet: Carnivore
Genus: Velociraptor “swift thief”
Genus pronounced: Vell-oss-e-rap-tor
Species: V. mongoliensis, V. osmolskae
Named by: Henry Fairfield Osborn – 1924
Classification: Family: Dromaeosauridae
Time: Cretaceous (Campanian)
Locality: Mongolia, Barun Goyot Formation, Djadochta Formation
Size: 2 meters long
Diet: Carnivore
Genus: Deinonychus “terrible claw”
Genus pronounced: Die-non-e-cus
Species: D. antirrhopus
Named by: Ostrom – 1969
Classification: Family: Dromaeosauridae
Time: Cretaceous (Aptian to Albian)
Locality: USA, Antlers Formation and Cloverly Formation
Size: 3.4 meters long
Diet: Carnivore
Genus: Utahraptor “Utah’s hunter”
Genus pronounced: You-tah-rap-tor
Species: U. ostrommaysorum
Named by: James Kirkland, Robert Gaston, & Donald Burge – 1993
Classification: Family: Dromaeosauridae – Clade: Eudromaeosauria
Time: Cretaceous (Barremian)
Locality: USA, Utah
Size: 7 meters long
Diet: Carnivore
Genus: Saurornitholestes “lizard bird thief”
Genus pronounced: Sore-or-nith-o-les-teez
Species: S. langstoni (type), S. robustus, S. sullivani.
Named by: Hans-Dieter Sues - 1978.
Classification: Family: Dromaeosauridae – Clade: Eudromaeosauria
Time: Cretaceous (Campanian)
Locality: Canada, Alberta - Dinosaur Park Formation, Oldman Formation. USA, Montana - Two Medicine Formation, New Mexico - Kirtland Formation
Size: 1.8 meters long
Diet: Carnivore
Size: 1.8 meters long
Diet: Carnivore
Genus: Pyroraptor “fire thief”
Genus pronounced: Pie-roe-rap-tor
Species: P. olympius (type
Named by: Allain & Taquet - 2000
Classification: Family: Dromaeosauridae
Time: Cretaceous (Late Campanian/Early Maastrichtian)
Locality: France, Provence
Size:Uncertain due to incomplete remains
Diet: Carnivore
Genus: Atrociraptor “Cruel thief”
Genus pronounced: Ah-tross-e-rap-tor
Species: A. marshalli (type)
Named by: Philip Currie & David Varricchio - 2004
Classification: Family: Dromaeosauridae – Clade: Eudromaeosauria – Subfamily: Saurornitholestinae
Time: Cretaceous (Maastrichtian )
Locality: Canada, Alberta - Horseshoe Canyon Formation
Size:Uncertain due to low amount of fossil remains
Diet: Carnivore
Genus: Austroraptor “Southern thief”
Genus pronounced: Aw-stro-rap-tor
Species: A. cabazai (type)
Named by:Novas, Pol, Canale, Porfiri & Calvo - 2008
Classification: Family: Dromaeosauridae – Subfamily: Unenlagiinae
Time: Cretaceous (Maastrichtian )
Locality: Argentina, Río Negro Province - Allen Formation
Size: 5 meters long
Diet: Carnivore
TROODONTS
Kingdom: Animalia – Phylum: Chordata – Class: Reptilia – Clade: Dinosauria – Order: Saurischia – Suborder: Theropoda – Clade: Neotheropoda – Clade: Tetanurae – Clade: Orionides – Clade: Avetheropoda – Clade: Avetheropoda – Infraorder: Coelurosauria – Clade: Maniraptor – Family: Troodontidae
Genus: Troodon “wounding tooth”
Genus pronounced: Tru-don
Species: T. formosus (type)
Named by: Joseph Leidy – 1856
Classification: Tribe: Troodontinae
Time: Cretaceous (Campanian)
Locality: USA, Montana – Judith Formation
Size: 1.8 meters long
Diet: Carnivore
ALVAREZSAURS
Kingdom: Animalia – Phylum: Chordata – Class: Reptilia – Clade: Dinosauria – Order: Saurischia – Suborder: Theropoda – Clade: Neotheropoda – Clade: Tetanurae – Clade: Orionides – Clade: Avetheropoda – Clade: Avetheropoda – Infraorder: Coelurosauria – Clade: Maniraptor – Family: Alvarezsauridae
Genus: Mononykus “one claw”
Genus pronounced: Mo-non-e-kus
Species: M. olecranus (type)
Named by: A. Perle, M. A. Norell, L. M. Chiappe & J. M. Clark - 1993
Classification: Tribe: Mononykini
Time: Cretaceous (Campanian)
Locality: Mongolia – Nemegt Formation
Size: 1 meter long
Diet: Insectivore?
AVES
“avian dinosaurs”
Kingdom: Animalia – Phylum: Chordata – Class: Aves
Genus: Archaeopteryx “Ancient wing”
Genus pronounced: Ar-kay-op-teh-rix
Species: A. lithographica (type), A. albersdoerferi
Named by: Christian Erich Hermann von Meyer - 1861
Classification: Family: Archaeopterygidae
Time: Jurassic (Tithonian)
Locality: Germany
Size: 50 centimeters long
Diet: Carnivore/Insectivore
Genus: Archaeopteryx “Ancient wing”
Genus pronounced: Ar-kay-op-teh-rix
Species: A. lithographica (type), A. albersdoerferi
Named by: Christian Erich Hermann von Meyer - 1861
Classification: Family: Archaeopterygidae
Time: Jurassic (Tithonian)
Locality: Germany
Size: 50 centimeters long
Diet: Carnivore/Insectivore
