Sauropelta
Order: Ornithischia · Suborder: Thyreophora · Infraorder: Ankylosauria · Family: Nodosauridae
Sauropelta was one of the earliest known nodosaurs from North America. It is the one of the most numerous members of thenodosaur family of ankylosaurs, many specimens having been recovered.
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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 Sauropelta mean?
The name Sauropelta means “Lizard Shield”. It is pronounced SAWR-oh-PEL-tah.
When did Sauropelta live?
Sauropelta lived during the Early Cretaceous.
Was Sauropelta a carnivore or a herbivore?
Sauropelta was a herbivore.
How big was Sauropelta?
Sauropelta was about 24 feet (7.3 meters) long, around 8 feet (2.4 meters) tall, weighing up to 6,000 pounds (2,720 kg).
Related dinosaurs
Other dinosaurs from the Nodosauridae family.
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