Nodosaurus
Order: Ornithischia · Suborder: Thyreophora · Infraorder: Ankylosauria · Family: Nodosauridae
Nodosaurus has been found in Texas, Kansas and Wyoming. Nodosaurus was completely armored with shell-like, knobby plates. Its tail, unlike that of an ankylosaur, was without a club. It is thought that when it was threatened, Nodosaurus would hug the ground, presenting the predator with nothing but bony armor.
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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 Nodosaurus mean?
The name Nodosaurus means “Toothless Lizard, Node Lizard, or Knob Lizard”. It is pronounced no-doe-SAWR-us.
When did Nodosaurus live?
Nodosaurus lived during the Early Cretaceous.
Was Nodosaurus a carnivore or a herbivore?
Nodosaurus was a herbivore.
How big was Nodosaurus?
Nodosaurus was about 16 feet (4.9 meters) long, around 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall, weighing up to 6,000 pounds (2,700 kg).
Related dinosaurs
Other dinosaurs from the Nodosauridae family.
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