Dilophosaurus

Dilophosaurus was one of the largest meat-eating dinosaurs of the early Jurassic Period. It had two thin, bony crests on top of its head. Its name means "two-crested lizard." It lived about 193 million years ago.

The Real Dilophosaurus

In the movie Jurassic Park, Dilophosaurus is shown as small and spitting venom. But the real Dilophosaurus was very different! It was about 20 feet long, much larger than shown in the movie. There is no evidence it could spit venom or had a neck frill.

A Crested Hunter

The two crests on its head were thin and fragile. They were probably too delicate for fighting. Scientists think the crests were used to attract mates, like a peacock's feathers. Dilophosaurus was a fast runner and may have been one of the top predators of its time.

Fun Facts

• The real Dilophosaurus did not spit venom or have a neck frill like in the movies.
• It was actually about 20 feet long — much bigger than shown in Jurassic Park.
• Its crests were too thin and fragile to use for head-butting.

Did You Know?

Dilophosaurus footprints have been found in many places. Some of the best tracks are in Arizona, where the Navajo Nation has preserved important Dilophosaurus fossils and footprints!