(dye-LO-fuh-sawr-us)

This animal belonged to the megalosaurid (great lizard) family that appeared very early in the Jurassic period, around 200 million years ago. It was related to Megalosaurus. Diplophosaurus had a large head and two thin bony crest running from the top of its nose to the back of its head. these gave it its name, which means "two-ridged lizard."

When first discovered, scientists thought the crest belonged to another animal because it was found some distance away from the skull. Later discoveries proved the crest came from this dinosaur.

Dilophosaurus had five fingers on each hand. The two inner fingers were very small. The outer fingers had long claws like fangs. These would have been used to lash out at victims, easily ripping into flesh. Its powerful jaws would have easily crushed flesh and bone as it sank its huge teeth into the animal's body. On its feet were three clawed toes and a small "big" toes turned backward.

Location: USA, China

Diet: Herbivorous dinosaurs

Size: Length 6m

      Weight 500kg

Classification:

Family Coelophysidae

Infraorder Ceratosauria

Suborder Theropoda

Order Saurischia

Time (million years ago): 200