Dryptosaurus
Order: Saurischia · Suborder: Theropoda · Infraorder: Tetanurae · Family: Dryptosauridae
Dryptosaurus was the first meat-eating dinosaur to be discovered in North America. Its most striking feature is the 8-inch (20-cm), talon-like claw with which each hand was equipped. Although Dryptosaurus is generally pictured as looking like Tyrannosaurus, recent thought makes it acoelurosaur.
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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 Dryptosaurus mean?
The name Dryptosaurus means “Tearing Lizard, or Wounding Lizard”. It is pronounced DRIP-tuh-SAWR-us.
When did Dryptosaurus live?
Dryptosaurus lived during the Late Cretaceous.
Was Dryptosaurus a carnivore or a herbivore?
Dryptosaurus was a carnivore.
How big was Dryptosaurus?
Dryptosaurus was about 20 feet (6.1 meters) long, around 9 feet (2.7 meters) tall, weighing up to 3,000 pounds (1,360 kg).
Related dinosaurs
Other dinosaurs from the Dryptosauridae family.
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