Dacentrurus
Herbivore·Late Jurassic - Early Cretaceous·England·Quadrupedal
Dacentrurus was a large, herbivorous dinosaur belonging to the stegosaur family, known for its distinctive tail spikes. It lived during the Late Jurassic and possibly the Early Cretaceous periods in Europe, with its fossils primarily discovered in England. Dacentrurus is notable for being one of the largest stegosaurs, estimated to be around 8-9 meters long.
Key Facts
- ›Dacentrurus lived during the Late Jurassic and possibly Early Cretaceous periods.
- ›It is estimated to have been 8-9 meters (26-30 ft) long and weighed 5-7.4 metric tons.
- ›Fossils have been found in Europe, primarily England, France, Spain, and Portugal.
- ›It possessed a broad gut and a massive rump, indicated by exceptionally wide dorsal vertebrae.
- ›Dacentrurus likely had both plates on its back and spikes on its tail for defense.
- ›Its scientific name, meaning "tail full of points," refers to its spiky tail.
Estimated Length: 8-9 Meters, Estimated Weight: 5-7.4 Metric Tons, Broad Gut and Massive Rump, Short Hindlimbs and Relatively Long Forelimbs, Possessed Tail Spikes and Back Plates
Miragaia Longicollum, Stegosaurus, Lexovisaurus, Kentrosaurus
Europe, England, France, Spain, Portugal
About Dacentrurus
Dacentrurus is an extinct genus of stegosaurian dinosaur that roamed Europe during the Late Jurassic and possibly into the Early Cretaceous periods, approximately 154 to 140 million years ago. Its name, derived from Greek, translates to "tail full of points," a fitting description given the distinctive spikes found on its tail.
Discovery and Naming
The type species, Dacentrurus armatus, was originally described in 1875 as Omosaurus armatus based on a partial skeleton discovered in a clay pit in Swindon, England. The genus Omosaurus was later renamed Dacentrurus in 1902 because the former name had already been used for a different type of fossil reptile. While several other species were named under the Omosaurus and later Dacentrurus genera, Dacentrurus armatus is generally considered the only valid species today.
Physical Characteristics and Size
Dacentrurus is recognized as one of the largest known stegosaurs. Estimates suggest individuals could reach lengths of 8 to 9 meters (26 to 30 feet) and weigh between 5 to 7.4 metric tons (5.5 to 8.2 short tons). The dinosaur is characterized by a particularly broad gut and a massive rump, evidenced by exceptionally wide dorsal vertebrae. Its hindlimbs were relatively short, while the forelimbs were longer, partly due to a long upper arm. For defense, Dacentrurus likely possessed rows of small plates along its neck and back, along with a pair of long spikes on its tail, forming a thagomizer.
Diet and Habitat
As a herbivore, Dacentrurus fed on plant material. Its robust build and large size would have required a substantial intake of vegetation. While specific habitat details are scarce, its presence across various European fossil sites suggests it inhabited diverse terrestrial environments during its time.
Fossil Distribution and Significance
Fossils attributed to Dacentrurus have been found across Europe, including significant sites in England, France, Spain, and Portugal. These finds have contributed to understanding the diversity and distribution of stegosaurs on the continent. Dacentrurus represents one of the best-known stegosaurian species from Europe, with early discoveries providing crucial insights into the anatomy of these armored dinosaurs.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Dacentrurus mean?
The name Dacentrurus is derived from Greek words meaning "very" or "full of" (da~), "point" (kentron), and "tail" (oura). This name translates to "tail full of points," referring to the prominent spikes found on its tail.
How large was Dacentrurus?
Dacentrurus was one of the largest known stegosaurs. It is estimated to have reached lengths of around 8 to 9 meters (26 to 30 feet) and could weigh between 5 to 7.4 metric tons (5.5 to 8.2 short tons).
Where were Dacentrurus fossils found?
The primary discoveries of Dacentrurus fossils have been made across Europe. Key locations include England (specifically Swindon and Dorset), France (Normandy and Charente), Spain, and Portugal.
What did Dacentrurus eat?
Dacentrurus was a herbivore, meaning it fed on plants. Its large size and robust build suggest it consumed significant amounts of vegetation.
What is known about Dacentrurus's appearance?
While much of its appearance is uncertain due to limited fossil finds, Dacentrurus is thought to have had a broad gut and a massive rump. It possessed distinctive tail spikes and likely had plates along its back.
When did Dacentrurus live?
Dacentrurus lived during the Late Jurassic period and potentially into the Early Cretaceous period. This time span is estimated to be between 154 and 140 million years ago.
Related Dinosaur species
Acanthopholis
Acanthopholis is a genus of herbivorous ankylosaurian dinosaur belonging to the family Nodosauridae. It lived during the Late Cretaceous Period in England and is characterized by its distinctive armor, including keeled plates and prominent spikes along its neck and shoulders. The genus name translates to "spiny scales."
Cetiosauriscus
Cetiosauriscus was a herbivorous sauropod dinosaur that lived in England during the Middle Jurassic period, approximately 166 to 164 million years ago. Characterized by a moderately long tail and forelimbs as long as its hindlimbs, it reached an estimated length of 15 meters and a weight of 4 to 10 tonnes. Its fossils were discovered in the Oxford Clay Formation.
Cetiosaurus
Cetiosaurus, meaning 'whale lizard', is a genus of herbivorous sauropod dinosaur that lived during the Middle Jurassic Period, approximately 171 to 165 million years ago. It is notable for being the first sauropod to have its bones described and is the most complete sauropod discovered in England. Despite its name, originally reflecting a mistaken belief it was a marine creature, Cetiosaurus was a quadrupedal, long-necked land-dweller.