Daspletosaurus
Order: Saurischia · Suborder: Theropoda · Infraorder: Tetanurae · Family: Tyrannosauridae
Discovered in Alberta, Canada, Daspletosaurus was a contemporary of Albertosaurus. A marginally smaller, close relative of Tyrannosaurus, Daspletosaurus' possessed the typical tyrannosaurid two-fingered hands, but its powerful jaws were equipped with larger (although fewer) teeth thanTyrannosaurus. It is conjectured that the heavily-built Daspletosaurus preyed upon ceratopsians.
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Reference background: Natural History Museum, London — Dinosaurs; Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History — Dinosaurs; American Museum of Natural History — Dinosaurs & Fossils. Figures are typical published ranges; taxonomy follows the source era and modern consensus is noted where it differs. See our sources & fact-check policy.
Frequently asked questions
What does Daspletosaurus mean?
The name Daspletosaurus means “Frightful Lizard”. It is pronounced dass-PLEE-tuh-SAWR-us.
When did Daspletosaurus live?
Daspletosaurus lived during the Late Cretaceous.
Was Daspletosaurus a carnivore or a herbivore?
Daspletosaurus was a carnivore.
How big was Daspletosaurus?
Daspletosaurus was about 30 feet (9.1 meters) long, around 16 feet (4.9 meters) tall, weighing up to 5,950 lbs (2,700 kg).
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