Staurikosaurus
Order: Saurischia (not confirmed) · Suborder: Theropoda (not confirmed)
Found in southern Brazil and Argentina, Staurikosaurusis one of the earliest known and most primitive dinosaurs. It appears to predate the saurischian and ornithiscian orders, having characteristics of neither. However, new studies suggest that Staurikosaurus, Eoraptor and Herrerasaurus are definitetheropods and probably do not predate a split between the two orders.
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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 Staurikosaurus mean?
The name Staurikosaurus means “(Southern) Cross Lizard”. It is pronounced stor-IK-uh-SAWR-us.
When did Staurikosaurus live?
Staurikosaurus lived during the Late Triassic.
Was Staurikosaurus a carnivore or a herbivore?
Staurikosaurus was a carnivore.
How big was Staurikosaurus?
Staurikosaurus was about 6 feet (1.8 meters) long, around 2.5 feet (0.8 meters) tall, weighing up to 66 pounds (30 kg).
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