Sarcolestes
Order: Ornithischia · Suborder: Thyreophora · Infraorder: Ankylosauria · Family: Nodosauridae
Found in England, Sarcolestes is the oldest known armoreddinosaur, protected by bony plates, slabs, and spikes. The logic behind Sarcolestes' misleading name is unknown.
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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 Sarcolestes mean?
The name Sarcolestes means “Flesh Robber”. It is pronounced sar-ko-LESS-teez.
When did Sarcolestes live?
Sarcolestes lived during the Middle Jurassic.
Was Sarcolestes a carnivore or a herbivore?
Sarcolestes was a herbivore.
How big was Sarcolestes?
Sarcolestes was about 18 feet (5.5 meters) long, around 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall.
Related dinosaurs
Other dinosaurs from the Nodosauridae family.
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