Types of Dinosaurs.

Dinosaur quick-reference sheet

The three periods, how to read a dinosaur name, and how carnivores and herbivores differ — on one page. Free.

Free, and your email stays private — unsubscribe in one click anytime.
HomeDinosaurs › Elaphrosaurus

Elaphrosaurus

Close view of a tyrannosaur skull showing serrated teeth
Photo: WehaveaTrex, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Pronunciation
ee-LAFF-ruh-SAWR-us
Name means
Lightweight Lizard
Diet
Carnivore
Posture
Bipedal
Period
Late Jurassic
Length
11 feet (3.4 meters)
Height
6.5 feet (2 meters)

Order: Saurischia · Suborder: Theropoda · Infraorder: Tetanurae · Family: Ornithomimidae

Elaphrosaurus was discovered in Africa and North America. One of the earliest members of the ornithomimid family, it was a very lightweight, fast predator. Its hands and feet each had three digits.

Mounted skeleton of Giganotosaurus, a giant carnivorous dinosaur
Photo: Rjcastillo, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

More Jurassic-period dinosaurs →

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 Elaphrosaurus mean?

The name Elaphrosaurus means “Lightweight Lizard”. It is pronounced ee-LAFF-ruh-SAWR-us.

When did Elaphrosaurus live?

Elaphrosaurus lived during the Late Jurassic.

Was Elaphrosaurus a carnivore or a herbivore?

Elaphrosaurus was a carnivore.

How big was Elaphrosaurus?

Elaphrosaurus was about 11 feet (3.4 meters) long, around 6.5 feet (2 meters) tall.

Related dinosaurs

Other dinosaurs from the Ornithomimidae family.

Compare the dinosaurs

See size, diet, period and family for hundreds of dinosaurs side by side.

Compare dinosaurs →

Dinosaur quick-reference sheet

The three periods, how to read a dinosaur name, and how carnivores and herbivores differ — on one page. Free.

Free, and your email stays private — unsubscribe in one click anytime.
We use cookies to measure site traffic. See our Privacy Policy.