Genus List for Holtz (2007) Dinosaurs

Last updated 1/28/11

Primitive Dinosauromorphs—Dinosaurs' Closest Relatives (Chapter 11)
These animals are not true dinosaurs, but they are the closest relatives to the dinosaurs that we know of.
Name
MeaningAgeTimerabbit crocodile
Middle Triassic(237-228 MYA)
Lagosuchus
mara [South American rodent
Marasuchusthat looks and acts like a rabbit] Middle Triassic(237-228 MYA)
crocodile1

Length
1.7 ft (51 cm)

WeightPigeonWhere foundArgentina

Comments
Marasuchus may be the same species.

1.7 ft (51 cm

PigeonArgentina

Originally considered a type of Lagosuchus.
Saltopus is known only from the spaces left in the rock whereits bones had dissolved away: a sort of "negative fossil."

Saltopus

jumping footLate Triassic(216.5-203.6 MYA)

2 ft (60 cm)

PigeonScotland

Scleromochlus

hard fulcrum

Late Triassic(216.5-203.6 MYA)

8 in (20 cm)

Sparrow

ScotlandBrazilSpondylosoma

vertebral body

Middle Triassic(237-228 MYA)?

?

Teyuwasu

big lizard

Late Triassic(228-216.5 MYA)?

BeaverBrazilTrialestes

thief of the Triassic

Late Triassic(228-216.5 MYA)?

TurkeyArgentina

Where foundArizona, New
Mexico, Texas
Argentina** Lagerpetonids—Primitive Types of the Dinosaurs' Closest Relatives (Chapter 11)
Recent work shows that these primitive dinosauromorphs form a distinct group.
Name
Meaning
Age

Time

LengthWeight* Dromomeronrunning femur

Late Triassic(228-216.5 MYA)

2.6 ft (80 cm)

ChickenLagerpeton

rabbit reptile

Middle Triassic(237-228 MYA)

2.6 ft (80 cm)

ChickenThought by some to be the ancestor of the pterosaurs (flying
reptiles).
May actually be a mixture of primitive dinosauromorph, early
dinosaur, and other archosaur bones.
Known only from the thigh and shin of its right leg.
The arm of this skeleton may actually belong to a primitive
crocodile relative.

Comments
Very similar to Argentina's Lagerpeton.
May have hopped like a rabbit.

** Silesaurids—Dinosaurs' Very Closest Relatives (Chapter 11)
Since the book was published, new discoveries show that close relatives of Silesaurus were fairly common in the Triassic. These are, at present, the closest relatives known to the dinosaurs. Recent discoveries show that many
fragmentary fossils thought to be Triassic ornithischian dinosaurs are either from silesaurids or from a newly-discovered group of plant-eating crocodile relatives (the reveultosaurs).
Name
Meaning
Age
Time
LengthWeight
Where foundComments
The oldest dinosauromorph known from bony fossils (there are* Asilisaurus
ancestor reptile
Middle Triassic(245-237 MYA)
3.8ft (1.2 m)
ChickenTanzania
footprints which are older).
Known only from teeth. Thought by some to be an early
Crosbysaurus
Crosby County [Texas] reptile
Late Triassic(228-216.5 MYA)?
Chicken?
Arizona, Texas
ornithischian dinosaur. May actually be from a crocodile relative
rather than a dinosauromorph.
Known only from teeth first thought to be from a prosauropod.
for [American paleontologist
Galtonia
Late Triassic(228-216.5 MYA)?
Turkey?
Pennsylvania
May be from a primitive plant-eating crocodile relative rather
Peter] Galtonthan a dinosauromorph.
true Coelophysis
Late Triassic(228-216.5 MYA)
9.8 ft (3 m)
Beaver
New Mexico
Once thought to be a coelophysoid theropod.
Eucoelophysis
Known only from teeth, very likely from a plant-eating crocodile[American fossil collector Stan]
Late Triassic(228-216.5 MYA)?
?
Arizona, New Mexico
Krzyzanowskisaurus
relative rather than a dinosauromorph.
Krzyzanowski's reptile
Some consider it the same creature as Pseudolagosuchus;[American fossil preparator
Middle Triassic(237-228 MYA)
3.8ft (1.2 m)
ChickenArgentina
Lewisuchus
others think it is a primitive relative of crocodiles.
Arnold] Lewis's crocodile
Known only from teeth. May be from a primitive plant-eating
Luciano Mesa [New Mexico]
Late Triassic(216.5-203.6 MYA)?
Turkey?
New Mexico
Lucianosaurus
crocodile relative rather than a dinosauromorph.
reptileKnown only from teeth. May be from a primitive plant-eating
Pekinosaurus
Pekin Formation reptile
Late Triassic(228-216.5 MYA)?
Chicken?
North Carolina
crocodile relative rather than a dinosauromorph.
Known from teeth, once thought to be from an omnivorousProtecovasaurus
before Tecovasaurus
Late Triassic(228-216.5 MYA)?
Chicken?
Texas
ornithischian. May be from a plant-eating crocodile relative
rather than a dinosauromorph.
false Lagosuchus
Middle Triassic(237-228 MYA)
4.3 ft (1.3 m)
ChickenArgentina
Possibly the same species as Lewisuchus.
Pseudolagosuchus
Similar to Silesaurus; had a toothless front portion to the
Saci [legendary one-legged
Late Triassic(228-216.5 MYA)
7.5 ft (2.3 m)
TurkeyBrazildentary somewhat similar to the predentary bone of* Sacisaurus
creature in Brazilian folklore]
ornithischian dinosaurs
reptileKnown from many individuals. Among the closest relatives ofSilesaurus
Silesia [Poland] reptile
Late Triassic(228-216.5 MYA)
7.5 ft (2.3 m)
TurkeyPolandthe dinosaurs currently known.
Known from a partial skull, a vertebra, and a few other bones.
Technosaurus
Texas Tech University reptile
Late Triassic(228-216.5 MYA)
3.3 ft (1 m)?
BeaverTexas
Once thought to be a primitive ornithischian.
Known only from teeth. Once thought to be from a primitive
France; Arizona,
Tecovasaurus
Tecovas Formation reptile
Late Triassic(228-216.5 MYA)?
Beaver?
ornithischian, but more likely from silesaurs or crocodile
Texas
relatives.

* New genus; ** New grouping; ^ New genus name for previously unnamed dinosaur

Genus List for Holtz (2007) Dinosaurs

Last updated 1/28/11

2

Primitive Saurischians—Early Lizard-Hipped Dinosaurs (Chapter 12)
These dinosaurs are members of the group Saurischia, but it is debatable whether they are the oldest and most primitive members of the group Theropoda or if they instead branched off from the family tree before the common ancestorof theropods and sauropodomorphs (together the Eusaurischia, or "true saurischians").
Name
Meaning
Age
Time
LengthWeight
Where foundComments
Only known from a collection of bones, probably representing
for [British paleontologist] Alick
Alwalkeria
Late Triassic(228-203.6 MYA)
1.6 ft (50 cm)?
TurkeyIndia
more than one type of animal! At least some of the bones are
Walkerprobably from an early saurischian.
Only known from a chunk of jaw with some teeth. May be aSinosaurus
Chinese reptile
Early Jurassic(199.6-183 MYA)
?
?
China
primitive carnivorous saurischian, true theropod, or nondinosaur carnivore.
Herrerasaurs—Most Primitive Theropods (Chapter 12)
These dinosaurs are all members of Herrerasauria, a group of extremely primitive theropods. Some paleontologists once considered them to be outside of Theropoda proper, and simply primitive carnivorous saurischians.
Name
Caseosaurus
Chindesaurus
Herrerasaurus* Sanjuansaurus
Staurikosaurus

Meaning
Age[American paleontologist E. C.]
Late Triassic
Case's reptile
Chinde Point [Arizona] reptile

Late Triassic[Argentine farmer Victorino]Late Triassic
Herrera's reptile
San Juan [Province, Argentina]
Late Triassic
reptileSouthern Cross reptile

Late Triassic

Time

LengthWeight(228-216.5 MYA)

6.6 ft (2 m)?

Wolf?

(228-216.5 MYA)

6.6 ft (2 m)?

Wolf?

(228-216.5 MYA)

13.1ft (4 m)

Grizzly bear

(228-216.5 MYA)

10 ft (3 m)

Sheep(228-216.5 MYA)

6.6 ft (2 m)

Wolf

Where foundComments
May be the same species as Chindesaurus. Very poorly knownat present.
The first specimen found was nicknamed "Gertie," after an
Arizona, New Mexico
early cartoon dinosaur.
A powerful hunter, but was probably eaten by the much larger
Argentina
larger rauisuchian predator Saurosuchus.
A contemporary of Herrerasaurus; unlike that genus, the pubis
Argentina
points fully-forward in Sanjuansaurus.
For many years, this was the oldest and most primitive known
Brazildinosaur.
Texas** Primitive Theropods—Early Carnivorous Dinosaurs (Chapter 12)
These dinosaurs are members of Theropoda, intermediate between the very primitive Herrerasauria and the advanced Neotheropoda (coelophysoids, dilophosaurids, ceratosaurs, and tetanurines).
Name

Meaning

Age

Time

LengthWeight

Where found* Eodromaeus

dawn runner

Late Triassic(228-216.5 MYA)

5 ft (1.5 m)

BeaverArgentina* TawaTawa, sun god of the Puebloan
Late Triassic
Native Americans(216.5-203 MYA)

6.5 ft (2 m)

Wolf

New Mexico

Comments
Known from nearly all the skull and skeleton. More closely
related to Tawa and the advanced theropods than toherrerasaurs.
Known from several excellent skeletons, a transitional form
between primitive theropods like Eodromaeus and theherrerasaurs and advanced theropods. Like coelophysoids anddilophosaurids it has a kink in its snout.

Coelophysoids—Early Kink-Snouted Dinosaurs (Chapter 13)
Coelophysis and its relatives have often been placed in a single group Coelophysoidea. However, it may be that some coelophysoids are closer to dilophosaurids and more advanced theropods than to Coelophysis.
Name
Age
Time
LengthWeight
Where foundComments
MeaningPreviously considered a possible herrerasaurid. Poorly known.
[American paleontologist
Late Triassic(228-216.5 MYA)
9.8 ft (3 m) ?
BeaverArizona
Camposaurus
May be the oldest known dinosaur in North America.
Charles Lewis] Camp's reptile
The most completely known coelophysoid. At "Ghost Ranch"
Coelophysis
hollow form
Late Triassic(228-203.6 MYA)
8.9 ft (2.7 m)
BeaverArizona, New Mexico quarry dozens of skeletons—many of complete—have been
uncovered.

Gojirasaurus

Godzilla reptile

LateTriassic(216.5-203.6 MYA)

18 ft (5.5 m)

Lion

New Mexico

Did not get its name because it was particularly gigantic, nor
did it look like the Japanese movie monster Godzilla that much.
Its describer-American paleontologist Ken Carpenter-is a big
Godzilla fan, so he wanted to name a dinosaur after his "hero."
May be an early dilophosaurid or an intermediate form like
Zupaysaurus rather than a coelophysoid proper.

Liliensternus

for [German paleontologist
Hugo Ruele von] Lilienstern

Late Triassic(216.5-203.6 MYA)

16.9 ft (5.2 m)

LionGermany

Although known for many decades, this dinosaur has yet to becompletely described.

^ Lophostropheus

crested vertebrae

Early Jurassic(199.6-196.5 MYA)

9.8 ft (3 m)

LionFranceOriginally considered to be an early species of Liliensternus* New genus; ** New grouping; ^ New genus name for previously unnamed dinosaur

Genus List for Holtz (2007) Dinosaurs

Last updated 1/28/11

3

Better known by the name "Syntarsus," but that is properly theSouth Africa;
name of a beetle! Considered by some paleontologists to be a
Zimbabwe; England?
late-surviving species of Coelophysis.
The original, and so far only definite specimen of this dinosaur
Massachusetts
was unfortunately destroyed in a museum fire.
A tiny coelophysoid, possibly closely related to Segisaursus
Germany
and Podokesaurus.
Various bones are known, but not enough to determine exactly
Englandwhat it looked like.

Megapnosaurus

big dead reptile

Early Jurassic(199.6-189.6 MYA)

7.2 ft (2.2 m)

BeaverPodokesaurus

swift-footed reptile

Early Jurassic(189.6-175.6 MYA)

4.9 ft (1.5 m)

TurkeyProcompsognathus

Compsognathus

LateTriassic(216.5-203.6 MYA)

3.6 ft (1.1 m)

ChickenSarcosaurus

flesh reptile

Early Jurassic(199.6-196.5 MYA)

?

Sheep

Segisaurus

Segi Canyon [Arizona]

Early Jurassic(189.6-175.6 MYA)

4.9 ft (1.5 m)

TurkeyArizona

No official genus name: formerly "Syntarsus" kayentakatae

Early Jurassic(199.6-189.6 MYA)

7.1ft (2.2 m)

BeaverArizona

No official genus name; formerly "Zanclodon" cambrensis
Not yet officially named

Late Triassic
Early Jurassic(203.6-199.6 MYA(199-189.6) MYA?
3.6 ft (1.1 m)?

?
Chicken?

England
Arizona** Dilophosaurids and relatives—Larger Kink-Snouted Dinosaurs (Chapter 13)
Once most of these were considered either coelophysoids or primitive tetanurines, but now all but Zupaysaurus are recognized to form a natural group.
Name
Age
Time
LengthWeight
Where foundMeaning

Known from a nearly complete skeleton lacking a skull. Once
mistakenly thought to have solid bones; further examinationshows that they are hollow, just like those of other theropods.
Originally thought to be a species of "Syntarsus" (nowMegapnosaurus). Had a pair of small crests.
Known only from a jawbone.
Not yet described; a small coelophysoid.

Comments
Initially described as the oldest known definite ceratosaur, andthought either to an abelisaur or a very primitive ceratosaur.
Now seems to be a dilophosaurid.
Had an unusual flared crest on its head. Once considered aprimitive carnosaur or primitive tetanurine.
Despite some movie portrayals, this dinosaur did not have afrill, nor is there any evidence that it could shoot poison.
A close relative of Dilophosaurus from South Africa.
Originally described (and mentioned in the published version ofthis list) as possibly the oldest known tetanurine; it is more
likely a dilophosaurid, and possibly the juvenile ofDilophosaurus itself. Alternatively, it might be the same animalas "Syntarsus" kayentakatae.

* Berberosaurus

Berber (people of northern
Africa) reptile

Early Jurassic(183-175.6 MYA)

20.3 ft (6.2 m)

Lion

MoroccoCryolophosaurus

frozen-crested reptile

Early Jurassic(189.6-183 MYA)

20 ft (6.1 m)

Horse

Antarctica

Dilophosaurus

double-crested reptile

Early Jurassic(199.6-189.6 MYA)

23 ft (7 m)

Grizzly bear

Arizona* Dracovenatordragon hunter

Early Jurassic(199.6-189.6 MYA)

23 ft (7 m)

Grizzly bear

South Africa^ Kayentavenator

hunter of the Kayenta
Formation

Early Jurassic(199.6-189.6 MYA)?

BeaverArizona

Zupaysaurus

devil reptile

Late Triassic(216.5-l99.6MYA)

16.9 ft (5.2 m)

Lion

Argentina

A medium-size crested theropod once thought to be the oldest
known tetanurine. Intermediate between coelophysoids andmore advanced theropods like dilophosaurids.

Early Jurassic(199.6-183 MYA)

19.7 ft (6 m)

Grizzly bear

China

Originally thought to be a new species of Dilophosaurus
because it, too, has a pair of crests on its head.

No official genus name; formerly "Dilophosaurus" sinensis** Elaphrosaurs—Early Swift-Running Ceratosaurs (Chapter 13)
Not yet formally named, a group of primitive ceratosaurs with long slender legs. It is not known if all of them had the toothless beaks (and likely herbivorous diet) of Limusaurus, as we do not yet have skulls for the others.
Name
Chuandongocoelurus

Meaning
Chuandong [China] Coelurus

Age
Middle Jurassic

Time(167.7-161.2 MYA)

Length?

Weight?

Where found
China

Comments
Possibly a close relative of Elaphrosaurus.

Elaphrosaurus

fleet reptile

Late Jurassic(155.7-150.8 MYA)

20.3 ft (6.2 m)

Lion

Tanzania; possibly
ColoradoLong thought to be the most primitive ornithomimosaur, and stillthought by some to be the last of the coelophysoids.
Unfortunately, its skull is not known. North American specimens
may eventually be recognized as a new genus.

* Limusaurus

slime reptile (referring to the
mud in which it was trapped)

Late Jurassic(161.2-155.7 MYA)

5.6 ft (1.7 m)

BeaverChina

The most completely known elaphrosaur, with a toothless beakvery similar to ornithomimids. Almost certainly a herbivore. Its
hands are greatly reduced. Specimens have been foundtrapped in the muddy footprints of a giant sauropod!

Spinostropheus

spine vertebrae

Middle Jurassic(167.7-164.7MYA)

20.3 ft (6.2 m)

Lion

Niger

Originally considered a species of Elaphrosaurus. Oncethought to be Early Cretaceous, but new geological studies
show it is much older.

* New genus; ** New grouping; ^ New genus name for previously unnamed dinosaur

Genus List for Holtz (2007) Dinosaurs

Last updated 1/28/11**Ceratosaurids—Long-Toothed Ceratosaurs (Chapter 13)
Ceratosaurus and its closest kin have relatively long broad teeth.
Name
Meaning

Age

Time

LengthWeight4

Where foundComments

Ceratosaurus

horned reptile

Late Jurassic(155.7-150.8 MYA)

20 ft (6.1 m)

Horse

Colorado, Utah;
Portugal; Tanzania

The most completely known ceratosaur. Had a distinctive
narrow horn on its nose and smaller crests in front of each eye.
The first large theropod known from a complete skeleton.

Genyodectes

jaw biter

Early Cretaceous(125-99.6 MYA)?

Rhino?

Argentina

One of the first dinosaurs discovered in South America. It
seems to be a close relative of Ceratosurus, but is known only
from partial jaws.

Late Jurassic or Early(155.7-130 MYA)
Cretaceous

?

Horse

Uruguay

Only partial remains are known.

Primitive Ceratosaurs—Early Ceratosaurs (Chapter 13)
These dinosaurs are members of Ceratosauria, but they are not part of the "elaphrosaurs", Ceratosauridae, Noasauridae or Abelisauridae.
Name
Meaning
Age
Time
LengthWeight

Where found* Austrocheirus

southern hand

Late Cretaceous(70.6-65.5 MYA)

24.1 ft (6.5 m)?

Horse?

Argentina

Comments
Unlike most other Late Cretaceous ceratosaurs its hands are
not highly reduced.

Bahariasaurus

Bahariya [Egypt] reptile

Early to Late
Cretaceous(112-93.5 MYA)

39.4 ft (12 m)?

Rhino

Egypt; Niger?

May be the same as Deltadromeus.

Betasuchus"B" crocodile

Late Cretaceous(70.6-65.5 MYA)?

?

Netherlands

Originally thought to be an ornithomimosaur. May be an
abelisaurid.

Deltadromeus

delta runner

Early to Late
Cretaceous(112-93.5 MYA)

26.2 ft (8 m)

Rhino

Morocco; Egypt?

Its skull is not known. "Deltadromeus teeth" are sold in rockshops, but we have no idea if those are actually Deltadromeus
teeth! Once thought to be a coelurosaur, then a gigantic
noasaurid, but now interpreted as a primitive ceratosaur. It may
turn out to be a giant elaphrosaur.

llokelesia
Jubbulpuria* Kemkemia

flesh-eating reptile
from Jabalpur [India]
Kem Kem [Beds]

Late Cretaceous
Late Cretaceous
Late Cretacoues(97-93.5 MYA)
(70.6-65.5 MYA)
(99.6-93.6 MYA)

?
?
?

?
?
?

Argentina
India
MoroccoLukousaurus

Lukou Bridge [China] reptile

Early Jurassic(199.6-183 MYA)

?

?

China

Ozraptor

thief of Oz [nickname ofAustralia]

Middle Jurassic(171.6-167.7 MYA)

6.6 ft (2 m)?

Australia

Length?
9.8 ft (3 m)?
?

Weight?
?
?

Where foundIndia
FranceIndia

Comments
Known only from a neck vertebra.
Once thought to be from an abelisaurid.
Little is known of this small theropod.

2.3 ft (70 cm)?

Argentina

One of the oldest noasaurids.

* No official name yet

Noasaurids—Slender Ceratosaurs (Chapter 13)
The dinosaurs in Noasauridae were a diverse group of slim-legged, fast-running ceratosaurs.
Name
Age
Time
Meaning
delicate crocodile
Late Cretaceous(70.6-65.5 MYA)
Compsosuchus
Early Cretaceous(112-99.6 MYA)
Genusaurus
knee reptile
Late Cretaceous(70.6-65.5 MYA)
Laevisuchus
light crocodile[Italian dinosaur hunter
Early Cretaceous(130-120 MYA)
Ligabueino
Giancarlo] Ligabue's reptile

Some consider this to be a true abelisaurid.
Known from two small vertebrae. May be a noasaurid.
Known only from tail bones.
Known only from a small front end of a skull. Not necessarily
even a dinosaur!
Known only from an ankle; once thought to be a primitive
tetanurine, but now thought to be a ceratosaur close tonoasaurids and abelisaurids.

Masiakasaurus

vicious reptile

Late Cretaceous(70.6-65.5 MYA)

4.9 ft (1.5 m)

BeaverMadagascar

The most completely known noasaurid, with very unusual
teeth.

Noasaurus

northwest Argentina reptile

Late Cretaceous(70.6-65.5 MYA)

7.9 ft (2.4 m)

BeaverArgentina

A large claw on this dinosaur was once thought to be adeinonychosaur-like foot claw, but it is actually a hand claw.

Velocisaurus

swift reptile* Not yet officially named

Late Cretaceous(86-83 MYA)?

ChickenArgentina

Early Cretaceous(125-112 MYA)

?

?

Niger

Not much is known beyond its feet.
Even more complete than Masiakasaurus, although lacking askull.

Abelisaurids—Stump-Armed Ceratosaurs (Chapter 13)
Abelisauridae consists of the top predators of the Late Cretaceous Epoch in the southern continents. They were characterized by short snouts, relatively small teeth, and very stumpy arms.
Name
Meaning
Age
Time
LengthWeight
Where foundComments
The first abelisaurid recognized as belonging to a distinct[Argentine museum director
Late Cretaceous(83.5-70.6 MYA)
36.3 ft (11 m)?
Rhino
Argentina
Abelisaurus
group. Known only from a large, nearly complete skull.
Roberto] Abel's reptile* New genus; ** New grouping; ^ New genus name for previously unnamed dinosaur

Genus List for Holtz (2007) Dinosaurs

Last updated 1/28/11

5

Aucasaurus

Auca Mahuevo [site inArgentina] reptile

Late Cretaceous(83-78 MYA)

13.8 ft (4.2 m)

Grizzly bear

Argentina

Carnotaurus

meat[-eating] bull

Late Cretaceous(83.5-65.5MYA)

26.2 ft (8 m)

Rhino

Argentina

Coeluroides

like Coelurus

Late Cretaceous(70.6-65.5 MYA)

?

?

India

Dryptosauroides

like Dryptosaurus

Late Cretaceous(70.6-65.5 MYA)?

Elephant?

India

Ekrixinatosaurus

explosion-born reptile

Late Cretaceous(99.6-97 MYA)

36.3 ft (11 m)

Rhino

Argentina

Indosaurus

Indian reptile

Late Cretaceous(70.6-65.5 MYA)?

Grizzly bear? India

Indosuchus

Indian crocodile

Late Cretaceous(70.6-65.5 MYA)?

Horse?

India* Kryptops

hidden face

Early Cretaceous(125-112 MYA)

20 ft (6.1 m)

Rhino

Niger

Lametasaurus

Lameta Formation reptile

Late Cretaceous(70.6-65.5 MYA)?

Horse?

India

Majungasaurus

Majunga District [Madagascar]
reptileLate Cretaceous(70.6-65.5 MYA)

29.5 ft (9 m)RhinoMadagascar

Ornithomimoides

like Ornithomimus

Late Cretaceous(70.6-65.5 MYA)

?

?

India

Pycnonemosaurus

dense-forest reptile

Late Cretaceous(70.6-65.5 MYA)

19.7 ft (6 m)

Rhino

BrazilQuilmesaurus

Quilmes [an ancient native
people of Argentina] reptile

Late Cretaceous(72.8-66.8 MYA)

19.7 ft (6 m)

Rhino

Argentina* Rahiolisaurus

Rahioli Village reptile

Late Cretaceous(70.6-65.5 MYA)

26.2 ft (8 m)

Rhino

India

Rajasaurus

regal reptile

Late Cretaceous(70.6-65.5 MYA)

19.7 ft (6 m)

Rhino

India

Rugopsrough face

Late Cretaceous(99.6-93.5 MYA)

19.7 ft (6 m)

Rhino

Niger

* Skorpiovenator

scorpion hunter

Late Cretaceous(99.6-93.5 MYA)

29.5 ft (9 m)Rhino

Argentina

Tarascosaurus

Tarasque [legendary medieval
French monster] reptile

Late Cretaceous(83.5-80 MYA)

19.7 ft (6 m)

RhinoFranceVitakridindra

Vitakri [location in Pakistan]beast

Late Cretaceous(70.6-65.5 MYA)

19.7 ft (6 m)?

Rhino?

Pakistan

Xenotarsosaurus

strange-ankle reptile

Late Cretaceous(99.6-93.5 MYA)

19.7 ft (6 m)?

Rhino?

Argentina

Primitive Tetanurines—Early Stiff-Tailed Dinosaurs (Chapter 14)
These dinosaurs are members of Tetanurae, but they are not clearly members of the more advanced tetanurine groups Spinosauroidea, Carnosauria, or Coelurosauria.
Name
Age
Time
LengthWeight
Where foundMeaning

Known from a very complete, but not yet fully described,
skeleton.
The first abelisaurid known from a relatively complete skeleton(with skin impressions); it showed the highly reduced nature of
their forelimbs of these dinosaurs.
Tail vertebrae similar to, but larger than, those of Jubbulpuria(which is possibly a juvenile of this species).
Known from tail vertebrae of an abelisaurid larger than
Carnotaurus.
Discovered when people were blasting rocks with dynamite:hence the name! Had an extremely broad skull. One of thelargest abelisaurids, and particularly short legged.
Originally known only from a partial skull; a new, more
complete skull and skeleton have been discovered but not fully
described. Similar to Abelisaurus.
Like Indosaurus, it was known for a long time, but was thought
to be either a carnosaur or a tyrannosauroid until the discovery
of Abelisaurus and Carnotaurus showed that there was a
distinct group of southern giant theropods.
Known from a partial skeleton.
Named for a mixture of crocodilian and titanosaur armor foundwith some abelisaurid bones.
Sometimes called "Majungatholus." Originally thought to be apachycephalosaur when the thick dome on its head was
discovered. Nearly the entire skeleton is known from individualsof different sizes.
Known from tail vertebrae of an abelisaurid.
The fossil was collected in the 1950s but was not describeduntil 2002.
Known only from a partial leg.
From the same time and place as Rajasaurus, Rahiolisaurus islarger but more slender. Known from individuals of different
growth stages.
Possibly the same dinosaur as Lametasaurus and/orIndosaurus but known from much better fossils.
An early abelisaurid. Holes for blood vessels on its facesuggest its head was covered by horny masses.
Known from a nearly complete skeleton. The discoverers do
not think that it hunted scorpions; instead, the name "honors"
the fact that the dig site where they found it was crawling with
scorpions!
Only some vertebrae and a femur are known, which might not
all belong to the same species.
Many bones are known, but they are not fully prepared. It is notcertain if this is a unique new genus, or instead the same as
one of the named species from nearby India (such as
Indosaurus).
Some vertebrae and a nearly complete leg are known. Despite
the name, its ankle is actually similar to those of otherceratosaurs.

Comments* Cruxicheiros

Cross Hands [Quarry]

Middle Jurassic(167.7-164.7 MYA)

29.5 ft (9 m)?

Rhino

EnglandKnown from very fragmentary remains. A large tetanurine, but it
is uncertain if it is a megalosauroid, a carnosaur, or neither.

Iliosuchus

ilium crocodile

Middle Jurassic(167.7-164.7 MYA)

4.9 ft (1.5 m)?

BeaverEnglandKnown only from a pair of ilia (upper hip bones).

* New genus; ** New grouping; ^ New genus name for previously unnamed dinosaur

Genus List for Holtz (2007) Dinosaurs

Last updated 1/28/11

6

Kaijiangosaurus

Kai River [China] reptile

Middle Jurassic(167.7-161.2 MYA)

19.7 ft (6 m)?

Horse?

China

Kelmayisaurus

Karamay City [China] reptile

Early Cretaceous(time very uncertain)

?

?

China

Razanandrongobe

ancestor of the large lizards

Middle Jurassic(167.7-164.7 MYA)?

?

Madagascar* Shidaisaurus[Jin] Shidai [Company, which
financed the dig] reptile

Middle Jurassic(175.6=167.7 MYA)

19.7 ft (6 m)?

Horse?

China

Valdoraptor

thief of the Wealden Group

Early Cretaceous(130-125 MYA)

16.4 ft (5 m)?

Lion?

England

Not yet officially named

Middle Jurassic(167.7-161.2 MYA)

26.2 ft (8 m)

Horse

China

Not yet officially named

Early Jurassic(196.5-189.6 MYA)

26.2 ft (8 m)

Rhino

Italy

Not yet officially named

Late Jurassic(167.7-161.2 MYA)

39.4 ft (12 m)

Elephant

Germany

It could be a primitive carnosaur.
Known from some poorly described jaws. Some consider this tobe a ceratosaur rather than a tetanurine.
Known from a very fragmentary specimen with extremely thickteeth. Probably a crocodile relative rather than a dinosaur!
A partial skeleton of an early primitive tetanurine, found buried
underneath the skeleton of a sauropod!
Known only from an incomplete foot. Most likely from acarnosaur or coelurosaur.
Known from a good skeleton and other material, it istraditionally called Szechuanosaurus. Unfortunately, that nameproperly belongs to a set of teeth that isn't definitely related tothis particular primitive tetanurine.
Known from a partial skeleton of a very large meat-eater.
An as-yet undescribed skeleton of a heavily built giant predator
nicknamed "the Monster of Minden". May turn out to be a
Torvosaurus-like spinosauroid.

** Primitive Megalosauroids—Primitive Long-Snouted Carnivorous Dinosaurs (Chapter 14)
Megalosauroidea (also called Spinosauroidea) is one of the main branches of Tetanurae. Most megalosauroids belong to either Megalosauridae or Spinosauridae, but these genera lie outside both these branches.
Name
Meaning
Age
Time
LengthWeight
Where foundComments
Many isolated bones, probably from just one individual, arethief of Cerro Condor [locality
Condorraptor
Middle Jurassic(164.7-161.2 MYA)?
BeaverArgentina
known. Once thought to be a primitive coelurosaur. Closely
where found]
related to Piatnitzkysaurus.
Incompletely known, it has some traits like those of[American paleontologist
megalosauroids, some like those of carnosaurs, and some like
Marshosaurus
Late Jurassic(155.7-150.8 MYA)
16.4 ft (5 m)
Lion
Utah
Othniel Charles] Marsh's reptile
those of primitive coelurosaurs. Current analyses place it as aprimitive long-snouted megalosauroid.
Had a large, hollow crest along the top of its skull. Once
Monolophosaurus
single-crested reptile
Middle Jurassic(167.7-161.2MYA)
16.4 ft (5 m)
Grizzly bear China
thought to be a primitive carnosaur, but recent studies show it
is a primitive megalosauroid.
Piatnitzkysaurus[Argentine geologist Alejandro
Mateievich] Piatnitzky's reptile

Middle Jurassic(164.7-161.2 MYA)

19.7 ft (6 m)

Grizzly bear

Argentina

One of the most completely known primitive tetanurines.
Closely related to Condorraptor.

Xuanhanosaurus

Xuanhan County [China] reptile Middle Jurassic(167.7-161.2 MYA)

19.7 ft (6 m)

Grizzly bear

China

Known from some good forelimbs and some other bones.

** Megalosaurids—Primitive Long-Snouted Dinosaurs (Chapter 14)
New work shows that Megalosauridae (Megalosaurus and dinosaurs more closely related to it than to Spinosaurus) were a successful group of Jurassic theropods.
Name
Age
Time
LengthWeight
Where foundMeaning

Comments
Lived at the same time as the giant sauropod Jobaria and may
have hunted young Jobaria for food. The rocks it came fromwere originally thought to have been formed in the Early
Cretaceous, but are now known to be much older.

Afrovenator

African hunter

Middle Jurassic(167.7-164.7MYA)

24.9 ft (7.6 m)

Horse

Niger

^ Duriavenator

hunter of Dorset

Middle Jurassic(175.6-167.7 MYA)

23 ft (7 m)

LionEnglandKnown only from jawbones similar to those of true
Megalosaurus; previously considered a species of that genus(Megalosaurus hesperis). One of the oldest of tetanurines.

Dubreuillosaurus

Dubreuil [family that discovered
Middle Jurassic
the dinosaur] reptile(167.7-164.7MYA)

24.9 ft (7.6m)

Horse

FranceOriginally thought to be a new species of the much moreheavily built sinraptorid Poekilopleuron.

Edmarkafor [University of Colorado
scientist Bill] Edmark

Late Jurassic(155.7-150.8 MYA)

36 ft (11 m)

Rhino

Wyoming

Many paleontologists consider this to be the same dinosaur as
Torvosaurus, but others think that some Edmarka fossils
should be regarded as a third megalosarid, called"Brontoraptor."

Eustreptospondylus

well-curved vertebrae

Middle Jurassic(164.7-161.2 MYA)

23 ft (7 m)

LionEnglandKnown from the nearly complete skeleton of a young individual.
Considered by some to be a species of Magnosaurus.

Magnosaurus

great reptile

Middle Jurassic(175.6-167.7 MYA)

?

Lion

EnglandSome consider it to be the same as Eustreptospondylus.

* New genus; ** New grouping; ^ New genus name for previously unnamed dinosaur

Genus List for Holtz (2007) Dinosaurs

Last updated 1/28/11

7

Megalosaurus

big reptile

Middle Jurassic(175.6-155.7 MYA)

29.5 ft (9 m)

RhinoEngland

Recent restudy of its skeleton has helped to clear up what
fossils truly belong to this first named of Mesozoic dinosaurs,
and what are simply other theropods of various sorts.

Piveteausaurus[French paleontologist Jean]
Piveteau's reptile

Middle Jurassic(164.7-161.2 MYA)

36 ft (11 m)?

Rhino?

FranceA braincase with some similarities to that of Ceratosaurus.
However, studies show that it is a megalosaurid.

Streptospondylus

reversed vertebrae

Middle to Late
Jurassic(164.7-155.7 MYA)?

?

FranceOriginally thought to be fossils of a crocodilian.

Elephant

Colorado, Utah;
Portugal?

A large, heavily built megalosaurid with very powerful arms.

Torvosaurus

savage reptile

Late Jurassic(155.7-150.8 MYA)

39.4 ft (12 m)

Spinosaurids—Crocodile-Mimic Dinosaurs (Chapter 14)
These dinosaurs, members of Spinosauridae, are characterized by long crocodile-like snouts with huge cone-shaped teeth. As with modern crocodiles, their diet probably included both fish and land animals.
Name
Meaning
Age
Time
LengthWeight
Where foundComments
Known only from a partial skull. May be the same dinosaur as
Angaturama
noble one
Early Cretaceous(112-99.6 MYA)
26.2 ft (8 m)?
Rhino?
BrazilIrritator.
heavy claw
Early Cretaceous(140.2-112 MYA)
32.8 ft (10 m)
Rhino
England; Spain
The original specimen was nicknamed "Claws."
Baryonyx
Known from only a few bones. Possibly the same dinosaur as
Cristatusaurus
crested reptile
Early Cretaceous(125-112 MYA)
32.8 ft (10 m)?
Rhino?
Niger
Suchomimus and/or Baryonyx.
Known only from a partial skull. It got its name because the
Irritator
irritator
Early Cretaceous(112-99.6 MYA)
26.2 ft (8 m)?
Rhino?
Brazilpaleontologists who studied it were irritated that the collectors
had added fake bones to the skull!
Known originally from teeth, which some thought might have
Siam [old name for Thailand]
been from a fish rather than a dinosaur! Newer material shows
Siamosaurus
Early Cretaceous(145.5-125 MYA)?
?
Thailand
reptilethat there was indeed a spinosaurid in Early CretaceousThailand.
One of the largest of all theropods. The original specimen was
Early to Late
Egypt; Morocco;
destroyed during World War II, but more recently several
Spinosaurus
spine reptile(112-93.5 MYA)
52.5 ft (16 m)
Elephant
Cretaceous
Kenya?; Tunisia?
specimens have been discovered (although none arecomplete).
(125-112 MYA)
36 ft (11 m)
Rhino
Niger
Some consider this simply an African species of Baryonyx.
Suchomimus
crocodile mimic
Early Cretaceous
Originally considered a crocodile. May be the same dinosaur as
Suchosaurus
crocodile reptile
Early Cretaceous(140.2-125 MYA)
32.8 ft (10 m)?
Rhino?
England
Baryonyx.
Primitive Carnosaurs—Early Giant Meat-Eating Dinosaurs (Chapter 15)
The top predators of the Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous epochs were the members of Carnosauria.
Name
Meaning
Age
Time

LengthWhere foundComments

Rhino?

EnglandKnown only from some tall-spined vertebrae; once thought tocome from Megalosaurus.

?

Lion

France(145.5-125 MYA)

19.7 ft (6 m)?

Horse?

Thailand(99.6-93.5 MYA)

?

Rhino

Morocco; Egypt?

Considered to be the same dinosaur as Carcharodontosaurus
by some. Originally thought to be a species of Spinosaurus.

Sinraptorids—Chinese Giant Meat-Eating Dinosaurs (Chapter 15)
The dinosaurs of Sinraptoridae were once known only from the Middle and Late Jurassic Epochs of China, but are now known from Europe as well.
Name
Age
Time
LengthWeightMeaninggas reptile
Middle Jurassic(167.7-161.2 MYA)
11.5 ft (3.5 m)
Lion
Gasosaurus
Late Jurassic(161.2-155.7 MYA)
18.5 ft (5.5 m)
Grizzly bear
* Leshansaurus
Leshan [Prefecture] reptile

Where found
China
China

Comments
A primitive sinraptorid.
Either a primitive sinraptorid or a megalosaurid.

Lourinhanosaurus

Lourinha [Portugal] reptile

Late Jurassic(150.8-145.5 MYA)

16.4 ft (5 m)

LionPortugal

Many eggs and embryos of this dinosaur are known because anest site of Lourinhanosaurus was discovered. Once thought tohave been a spinosauroid rather than a sinraptorid carnosaur.

Metriacanthosaurus

medium-spined reptile

Late Jurassic(161.2-155.7 MYA)

26.2 ft (8 m)?

Rhino

EnglandOnce considered a megalosauroid.

Becklespinax[British fossil collector Samuel
Husband] Beckles's spine

Early Cretaceous(130-125 MYA)

26.2 ft (8 m)?

Erectopus

erect footEarly Cretaceous(112-99.6 MYA)

Siamotyrannus

tyrant of Siam [old name for
Thailand]

Early Cretaceous

Sigilmassasaurus

Sijilmassa [Morocco] reptile

Late Cretaceous

Weight* New genus; ** New grouping; ^ New genus name for previously unnamed dinosaur

The original specimens were destroyed in World War II, but
casts remain for study.
Originally thought to be a tyrannosauroid. May be amegaraptoran.

Genus List for Holtz (2007) Dinosaurs

Last updated 1/28/11

8

Poekilopleuron

varied ribs

Middle Jurassic(167.7-164.7 MYA)

29.5 ft (9 m)RhinoFranceOne of the first dinosaurs discovered; the original fossil wasdestroyed during World War II. Previously thought to be amegalosaurid.

Sinraptor

Chinese thief

Middle to Late
Jurassic(167.7-155.7 MYA)

29 ft (8.8 m)

Rhino

China

Known from some very complete skeletons.

Yangchuanosaurus

Yangchuan County [China]
reptileLate Jurassic(161.2-155.7 MYA)

34.4 ft (10.5 m)

Rhino

China

The largest sinraptorid, and one of the largest Jurassic
theropods.

Time

LengthWeight

Where foundPortugal; Colorado,
New Colorado, New
mexico, Utah, andWyoming
Oklahoma

The best-known Jurassic theropod, and one of the moststudied of all dinosaurs. Known from dozens of skeletons, fromembryos to adults.

Allosaurids—American and European Giant Meat-Eating Dinosaurs (Chapter 15)
Allosaurus, the best known of all carnosaurs, is a member of the group Allosauridae.
Name
Meaning
Age
Allosaurus

strange [vertebra] reptile

Late Jurassic(155.7-150.8 MYA)

39.4 ft (12 m)

Rhino

Saurophaganax

king of the reptile-eaters

Late Jurassic(155.7-150.8 MYA)

42.7 ft (13 m)

Elephant

Carcharodontosaurids—Gigantic Shark-Toothed Dinosaurs (Chapter 15)
Carcharodontosauria includes two branches: Neovenatoridae and Carcharodontosauridae. The carcharodontosaurids were (in general) larger and more powerfully-built.
Name
Meaning
Age
Time
LengthWeight
Where foundOklahoma, Texas,
Acrocanthosaurus
high-spined reptile
Early Cretaceous(125-99.6 MYA)
39.4 ft (12 m)
Rhino
Utah, possibly
MarylandComments

Thought by some to be a giant species of Allosaurus.

Comments
The largest North American theropod before the evolution of
the tyrannosaurids. Footprint trackways show that it huntedsauropods.

Carcharodontosaurus

Carcharodon [scientific namefor great white shark] reptile

Early to Late
Cretaceous(112-93.5 MYA)

39.4 ft (12 m)

Elephant

Algeria; Egypt;
Morocco; Niger

Although no good single skeleton is known, a nearly complete
skull and various other isolated bones have been found.

* ConcavenatorCuenca [Province] hunter

Early Cretaceous(130-125 MYA)

20 ft (6.1 m)

Rhino

Spain

Known from a nearly complete skeleton with skin impressions.
Has a tail pointed hump in front of the hips. Bumps on its arms
are thought by some to indicate feathers or quills on theforeams, but may simply be muscle attachment surfaces.

* Eocarcharia

dawn carcharodontosaurid

Early Cretaceous(125-112 MYA)

20 ft (6.1 m)

Rhino

Niger

Giganotosaurus

giant southern reptile

Late Cretaceous(99.6-97 MYA)

43.3 ft (13.2 m)

Elephant

Argentina

Mapusaurus

earth reptile

Late Cretaceous(97-93.5 MYA)

41.3 ft (12.6 m)

Elephant

Argentina^ Shaochilong

shark tooth dragon

Late Cretaceous(93.6-89.3 MYA)

19.7 ft (6 m)?

Horse

China

Previously considered a species of the primitive tetanurine
Chilantaisaurus or as a possible primitive tyrannosauroid (thatis what it was considered in the published version of this book!)

Tyrannotitan

giant tyrant

Early Cretaceous(125-112 MYA)

40 ft (12.2 m)

Elephant

Argentina

A very large carcharodontosaurid.

** Primitive Neovenatorids—Advanced Shark-Toothed Dinosaurs (Chapter 14)
One of the two branches of Carcharodontosauria, Neovenatoridae includes the forms here as well as the advanced, slender-bodied Megaraptora listed afterwards.
Name
Meaning
Age
Time
LengthWeight
Where found
Chilantaisaurus

Jilantai [Inner Mongolia] reptile

Early Cretaceous(125-99.6 MYA)

42.7 ft (13 m)?

Elephant

China

Neovenatornew hunter

Early Cretaceous(130-125 MYA)

24.6 ft (7.5 m)

Horse

England

Newly discovered. Closely related to Acrocanthosaurus.
One of the largest of all theropods. A partial jawbone is known
that is 8 percent bigger than that of the original Giganotosaurus
skeleton.
Before it was described, Mapusaurus was thought by some to
be a new species of Giganotosaurus. Known from a series ofskeletons of different-size individuals, suggesting that they lived
in packs.

Comments
A giant theropod with enormous curved claws. Once thought topossibly be related to the megalosauroids, but now found to bea giant primitive neovenatorid.
First thought to be an allosaurid, it has small crests on its
snout.

** Megaraptors—Giant Clawed Dinosaurs (Chapter 14)
Once only poorly known and thought to be close to the spinosaurids, Megaraptora are now found to be a group of slender big-thumb-clawed neovenatorid carcharodontosaurian carnosaurs.
Name
Meaning
Age
Time
LengthWeight
Where foundComments
Mentioned in the book on p. 104 as one of the last of the^ Aerosteon
air bone
Late Cretaceous(83-78 MYA)
37.7 ft (11.5 m)
Rhino
Argentina
carcharodontosaurids. Its bones are very hollow.

* New genus; ** New grouping; ^ New genus name for previously unnamed dinosaur

Genus List for Holtz (2007) Dinosaurs

Last updated 1/28/11

9

A slender carnivore with a huge thumb claw. This skeletonalthough incomplete-helped show that dinosaurs once thought
to be in different parts of the theropod tree actually formed agroup "Megaraptora". Isolated bones from this were once usedas evidence of a late suriving dwarf Allosaurus-like form. The
original skeleton was nicknamed "Banjo".

* Australovenator

Australian hunter

Early Cretaceous(112-99.6 MYA)

20.1 ft (6 m)HorseAustralia

Fukuiraptor

thief of Fukui Prefecture [Japan] Early Cretaceous(136.4-125 MYA)

16.4 ft (5 m)

Lion

Japan

Megaraptor

big thief(91-88 MYA)

29.5 ft (9 m)Rhino

Argentina* Orkoraptor

Toothed River [Orr Korr in local
Late Cretaceous
language] thief(70.6-65.5 MYA)

21.5 ft (6.5 m)

HorseArgentina

Rapatorplunderer

Early Cretaceous(112-99.6 MYA)?

Grizzly bear

Australia

Early Cretaceous(125-99.6 MYA)

29.5 ft (9 m)?

Rhino?

Australia

When only a few bones, including a giant claw, were found, thiswas thought to be an enormous dromaeosaurid raptor. But as
additional specimens were discovered, that '"foot claw" turned
out to be a hand claw.
Originally thought to have a dromaeosaurid-like sickle footclaw, but it turns out that it was a slender carnosaur withenormous hand claws.
Only poorly known, and initially thought to be a primitive
maniraptoran. The very youngest known carnosaur.
Known only from a hand bone, I once suggested that this wasan early, and very large, alvarezsaurid. Instead it is almost
certainly the hand bone of a something very closely related toAustralovenator.
Known only from an arm bone.

Age

Time

LengthWeight

Where foundComments* No official genus nameLate Cretaceous

Primitive Coelurosaurs—Early Fuzzy Dinosaurs (Chapter 16)
These small dinosaurs are early members of Coelurosauria.
Name
Meaning
Spring reptile [because it was
found on September 21st, the* Aniksosaurus
first day of Spring in theSouthern Hemisphere]
little predator
Bagaraatan

Late Cretaceous(99.6-93.5 MYA)

6.6 ft (2 m)

Wolf

Argentina

Heavily built for a small theropod.

Late Cretaceous(70.6-68.5 MYA)

11.2 ft (3.4 m)

SheepMongolia

Juravenator

Jurassic hunter

Late Jurassic(155.7-150.8 MYA)

2.6 ft (80 cm)

ChickenGermany

Possibly a tyrannosauroid.
Originally thought to be a compsognathid. Impressions ofpatches of scaly skin are preserved, but with some
protofeathers impressions as well.

Nedcolbertia

for [American paleontologist
Edwin] "Ned" Colbert

Early Cretaceous(130-125 MYA)?

BeaverUtah

A long-legged theropod, still not completely known.

Nqwebasaurus

Nqweba [South Africa] reptile

Early Cretaceous(145.5-136.4 MYA)

12 in (30 cm)

ChickenSouth Africa

Possibly an early relative of the ornithomimosaurs or of thealvarezsauroids.

Ornitholestes

bird thief

Late Jurassic(155.7-150.8 MYA)

6.6 ft (2 m)

BeaverWyoming and Utah

Possibly a primitive tyrannosauroid, possibly a primitive
maniraptoran, possibly a very early branch of Coelurosauria.
Shorter and stockier legs than those of Coelurus.

Phaedrolosaurus

nimble reptile

Early Cretaceous(time very uncertain)

23 ft (7 m)?

Rhino?

China

Proper Phaedrolosaurus is known only from a single tooth.
Most of the bones that were once considered to belong to thisgenus are now given their own name: Xinjiangovenator.

Richardoestesia

for [American paleontologist]
Richard Estes

Late Cretaceous(83.5-65.5 MYA)?

?

Throughout theAmerican andCanadian West

The original specimen is known only from a pair of lower jaws,
but teeth from this dinosaur are found in nearly every Rocky
Mountain state and province. A real mystery dinosaur because
we don't yet know what the rest of its body looks like!

Scipionyx

Scipio's [both Italian geologist
Scipione Breislak and Roman
general Publius Cornelius
Scipio Africanus] claw

Early Cretaceous(112-99.6 MYA)

12 in (30 cm)

PigeonItaly

Known only from a hatchling, so no one knows how big thisdinosaur would grow. The only known specimen had fossilized
soft tissues. It may be a maniraptoran.

Teinurosaurus

stretched-tail reptile

Late Jurassic(155.7-150.8 MYA)?

?

FranceTimimus

Tim [Rich]'s mimic

Early Cretaceous(112-99.6 MYA)

9.8 ft (3 m)?

Wolf?

Australia

Tugulusaurus

Tugulu Group reptile

Early Cretaceous(time very uncertain)

?

Wolf

China

* New genus; ** New grouping; ^ New genus name for previously unnamed dinosaur

Known only from a single vertebra, which was destroyed in
World War II.
Known from a single femur. Possibly an ornithomimosaur.
Once thought to be an ornithomimosaur, it seems to be a
coelurosaur with a mixture of traits of different groups.

Genus List for Holtz (2007) Dinosaurs

Last updated 1/28/11

Xinjiangovenator

hunter of Xinjiang [China]

Early Cretaceous* Zuolong[ancient Chinese General] Zuo's
Late Jurassic
dragon10(time very uncertain)

13.1 ft (4 m)

Wolf

China

(161.2-155.2 MYA)

9.8 ft (3 m)?

Wolf?

China

Compsognathids—-Small Early Coelurosaurs (Chapter 16)
One common group of primitive coelurosaurs is the short-armed Compsognathidae.
Name
Meaning
Age
Early Cretaceous
Aristosuchus
superior crocodileTime(130-125 MYA)

Length
6.6 ft (2 m)

WeightBeaver

Where foundEnglandCompsognathus

delicate jaw

Late Jurassic(155.7-145.5 MYA)

4.1 ft (1.3m)

TurkeyFrance; Germany

Huaxiagnathus

Chinese jaw

Early Cretaceous(125-120 MYA)

5.9 ft (1.8 m)

BeaverChina

Known from an incomplete fossil with some traits like those of
Bagaraatan and others like those of maniraptorans.
Almost certainly not fully grown, one of the most primitive
coelurosaurs known from a good skeleton. The General Zuo
after whom it is named is sometimes spelled "General Tso",and is probably most famous in the Western world not for his
military accomplishment but instead for the tasty chicken dishnamed after him.

Comments
One of the larger compsognathids.
One of the first small Mesozoic dinosaurs known from a nearlycomplete skeleton.
When it was discovered, some thought it was a large
Sinosauropteryx.

Mirischia

wonderful pelvis

Early Cretaceous(112-99.6 MYA)

6.9 ft (2.1 m)

BeaverBrazil

The left and right side of this dinosaur's hips are asymmetrical.

* Sinocalliopteryx

Chinese beautiful feather

Early Cretaceous(125-121.6 MYA)

6.9 ft (2.1 m)

BeaverChina

Sinosauropteryx

Chinese feathered reptile

Early Cretaceous(125-120 MYA)

4.3 ft (1.3 m)

TurkeyChina

A fairly large compsognathid.
The first dinosaur other than avialians for which feathers (or atleast protofeathers) were discovered.

** Coelurids—-Small Slender Early Coelurosaurs (Chapter 16)
Coeluridae is a clade of slender, long-limbed early coelurosaurs. They may be close to maniraptorans, primitive tyrannosauroids, or may have branched off even earlier.
Name
Meaning
Age
Time
LengthWeight
Where foundCoelurus

hollow tail

Late Jurassic(155.7-150.8 MYA)

6.6 ft (2 m)

BeaverUtah and Wyoming

Tanycolagreus

long-limbed hunter

Late Jurassic(155.7-150.8 MYA)

10.8 ft (3.3m)

Wolf

Colorado, Utah,
Wyoming

Comments
A long-legged, fast-running theropod. Coelurosauria is named
after this genus.
Probably a very primitive tyrannosauroid. First thought to be a
new species of Coelurus.

** Proceratosaurids—Primitive Early Tyrant Dinosaurs (Chapter 17)
Tyrannosauroidea includes the primitive Proceratosauridae, the extremely specialized Tyrannosauridae, and a series of genera in between the two. Proceratosaurids are generally smaller and more lightly built than the advanced forms,
and several have crests on their skulls.
Name
Meaning
Age
Time
LengthWeight
Where foundComments
The most complete skeleton of an early tyrannosauroid, with aGuanlongcrowned dragon
Late Jurassic(161.2-155.7 MYA)
9.8 ft (3 m)
Sheep
China
spectacular skull crest.
Known from fragmentary material which is very similar to* Kileskus
lizardMiddle Jurassic(167.7-164.7 MYA)
9.8 ft (3 m)?
Wolf
China
Proceratosaurus.
Known from a single incomplete skull. As the name suggests,
Proceratosaurus
before Ceratosaurus
Middle Jurassic(167.7-164.7 MYA)
9.8 ft (3 m)?
Wolf
Englandwas once thought to be related to Ceratosaurus, but is now
considered one of the oldest tyrannosauroids.
A giant proceratosaurid. Estimates of its body size may be too* Sinotyrannus
Chinese tyrant
Early Cretaceous(125-120 MYA)
33 ft (10 m)?
Rhino
China
high; it might be closer to 20.1 ft (6 m), still much larger thanany other proceratosaurid.
Primitive Tyrannosauroids—Early Tyrant Dinosaurs (Chapter 17)
These coelurosaurs are members of Tyrannosauroidea but not the more advanced Tyrannosauridae nor the primitive Proceratosauridae.
Name
Meaning
Age
Time
LengthWeight

Where foundPortugal; South
Dakota?

Aviatyrannis

grandmother of the tyrants

Late Jurassic(155.7-150.8 MYA)

13.1 ft (4 m)?

Lion

Calamosaurus

reed reptile

Early Cretaceous(130-125 MYA)?

?

England

Dilongemperor dragon

Early Cretaceous(125-120 MYA)

4.9 ft (1.5 m)

BeaverChina

Dryptosaurus

tearing reptile

Late Cretaceous(71-68 MYA)

19.7 ft (6 m)

Rhino

New Jersey(130-125 MYA)

14.8 ft (4.5 m)
possibly larger

Lion, maybe
grizzly bear

England

Eotyrannus

dawn tyrant

Early Cretaceous* New genus; ** New grouping; ^ New genus name for previously unnamed dinosaur

Comments
Known only from a few bones and teeth.
Often confused with Calamospondylus and Aristosuchus, thisseems to be an Eotyrannus-like early tyrannosauroid.
One of the most complete skeletons of a primitive tyrant
dinosaur, and the first to show that they had protofeathers.
When discovered, its skeleton showed that theropods were
bipedal.
A long-legged, long-armed early tyrant dinosaur.

Genus List for Holtz (2007) Dinosaurs

Last updated 1/28/11

11

Labocania

after the La Boca Rioja
Formation

Late Cretaceous(83.5-70.6 MYA)

24.6 ft (7.5 m)?

Rhino

MexicoFirst theropod named from Mexico.

Santanaraptor

thief of the Santana Formation

Early Cretaceous?

(112-99.6 MYA)

4.1 ft (1.3 m)

BeaverBrazilKnown only from a partial skeleton, but one that has fossilizedmuscle tissue! May be some other branch of coelurosaur rather
than a tyrannosauroid.

Stokesosaurus[American paleontologist
William Lee] Stokes's reptile

Late Jurassic(155.7-150.8 MYA)

13.1ft (4 m)?

Lion?

England; Utah

Some studies show it to be close to the younger Eotyrannus.

** Near Tyrannosaurids—Closest Kin to the Giant Tyrant Dinosaurs (Chapter 17)
These are genera which share many of the same adaptations as Tyrannosauridae, but are not in that advanced group.
Name
Meaning
Age
Time
LengthWeight

Where found

Alectrosaurus

mateless reptile

Late Cretaceous(95-80 MYA)

16.4 ft (5 m)?

Horse

China; Mongolia

Appalachiosaurus

Appalachian Mountain reptile

Late Cretaceous(83.5-76 MYA)

21.3 ft (6.5m)

Horse

AlabamaComments
Only known from partial skeletons; a primitive fast-runningtyrant dinosaur. A very close relative to Tyrannosauridae
proper.
One of the most complete dinosaurs ever found in theAmerican South. Very close to Tyrannosauridae.

* Bistahieversor

destroyer of Bistahi [region of
New Mexico]

Late Cretaceous(80-72.8 MYA)

29.7 ft (9 m)Rhino

New Mexico

Previously considered a species of Daspletosaurus. Currently
the closest known relative to Tyrannosauridae. Close to thesplit between Albertosaurinae and Tyrannosaurinae.

* Raptorex

thief king

Early Cretaceous(125-120 MYA)?

19 ft (3 m)

Wolf

China? Mongolia?

Known from an excellent skeleton, but unfortunately bought at
a rock show where the collection site information was lost. In
terms of its anatomy it is very similar to Tyrannosauridae (shortarms, arctometatarsus, etc.), but at a much smaller body size.

* Xiongguanlong

Jiayuguan [City] dragon

Early Cretaceous(125-99.6 MYA)

13.1 ft (4 m)

Lion

China

Close to the origins of Tyrannosauridae. Had a long slenderskull.

Early Cretaceous(125-99.6 MYA)

19.7 ft (6 m)?

Rhino?

Australia

Known only from pubic bones, the first fairly secure evidence ofadvanced tyrannosauroids from the southern continents.

* Not yet officially named

Albertosaurines—Slender Giant Tyrant Dinosaurs (Chapter 17)
Tyrannosauridae is comprised to two major branches: the slender Albertosaurinae and the robust Tyrannosaurinae. Albertosaurines are currently known only from western North America.
Name
Meaning
Age
Time
LengthWeight
Where foundComments
Fossils show that they probably lived in family groups and may
Albertosaurus
Alberta [Canada] reptile
Late Cretaceous(72.8-66.8 MYA)
28.2 ft (8.6 m)
Rhino
Alberta; Montana
have even hunted in packs.
Sometimes considered a second species of the genus
Gorgosaurus
fierce reptile
Late Cretaceous(80-72.8 MYA)
28.2 ft (8.6 m)
Rhino
Alberta; Montana
Albertosaurus; known from many skeletons.
Tyrannosaurines—Massive, Giant Tyrant Dinosaurs (Chapter 17)
These were the top predators of western North America and eastern and central Asia at the end of the Age of Dinosaurs.
Name
Meaning
Age
Time
LengthWeight

Where foundComments
Known from a couple of very nice skulls, some very scrappy
other bones, and now a very excellent skeleton! Had a row ofsmall bumps on its nose. Some think it might be a juvenile
Tarbosaurus. The smallest member of Tyrannosaurinae.

Alioramus

other branch

Late Cretaceous(70.6-68.5 MYA)

19.7 ft (6 m)

HorseMongolia

Daspletosaurus

frightful reptile

Late Cretaceous(80-72.8 MYA)

29.5 ft (9 m)

Rhino

Alberta; Montana

Nanotyrannus

dwarf tyrant

Late Cretaceous(66.8-65.5 MYA)

19.7 ft (6 m)

HorseMontana

Tarbosaurus

dreadful reptile

Late Cretaceous(70.6-68.5 MYA)

32.8 ft (10 m)

Rhino

China; Mongolia

Elephant

Saskatchewan,
Alberta; Colorado,
Montana, Wyoming,South Dakota, New
Mexico, ?Texas

Tyrannosaurus

tyrant reptile

Late Cretaceous(66.8-65.5 MYA)

40.7ft (12.4 m)* New genus; ** New grouping; ^ New genus name for previously unnamed dinosaur

The Montana specimens might represent a new species ofDaspletosaurus.
Many paleontologists consider this is nothing more than ajuvenile Tyrannosaurus.
The largest theropod known from China; sometimes considereda species of Tyrannosaurus.

The largest tyrannosauroid, the largest coelurosaur, and thelargest known theropod in North America.

Genus List for Holtz (2007) Dinosaurs

Last updated 1/28/11* No official genus nameLate Cretaceous(80-72.8 MYA)

32.8 ft (10 m)

Rhino

12

Montana

Only known from a single skull bone; may be directly ancestral
to Tyrannosaurus

Primitive Ornithomimosaurs—Early Ostrich Dinosaurs (Chapter 18)
Ornithomimosauria—the ostrich dinosaurs—were slender, small-headed, omnivorous or herbivorous theropods. The following were members of Ornithomimosauria but not part of the advanced group Ornithomimidae.
Name
Meaning
Age
Time
LengthWeight
Where foundComments
Northern Mountain dragon
Early Cretaceous(125-99.6 MYA)
23.1 ft (7 m)
Grizzly bear China
A large primitive ornithomimosaur.
* Beishanlong
Known only from its enormous 8-foot arms and a few
Deinocheirus
terrible hands
Late Cretaceous(70.6-68.5 MYA)
39.4 ft (12 m)?
Elephant
Mongolia
vertebrae, this seems to be a Tyrannosaurus-size
ornithomimosaur.
Garuda [mythological Indian
Late Cretaceous(99.6-89.3 MYA)
13.1 ft (4 m)
SheepMongolia
A nearly complete skull and partial skeleton are known.
Garudimimusbird] mimic
Harpymimus

Harpy [mythological Greek bird]
Early Cretaceous
mimic(136.4-125 MYA)

16.4 ft (5 m)

SheepMongolia

Known from a crushed, but nearly complete, skeleton,
Harpymimus was the first toothed ornithomimosaur discovered.

^ Kinnareemimus

Kinnaree [Thai mythologicalcreatures with the body of a
Early Cretaceous
woman but feet of a bird] mimic(145.5-125 MYA)

9.8 ft (3 m)?

Sheep?

ThailandKnown from a few isolated parts of the skeleton, including an
arctometatarsus.

Pelecanimimus

pelican mimic

Early Cretaceous(130-125 MYA)

5.9 ft (1.8 m)

WoIf

Spain

Shenzhousaurus

China reptile

Early Cretaceous(125-120 MYA)

6.6 ft (2 m)

Sheep

China

Sinornithomimus

Chinese Ornithomimus

Late Cretaceous(85.8-83.5 MYA)

8.2 ft (2.5 m)

Sheep

China

Ornithomimids—Advanced Ostrich Dinosaurs (Chapter 18)
These were among the fastest dinosaurs of the Mesozoic Era.
Name
Meaning
goose mimic
Anserimimus
Archaeornithomimus
ancient Ornithomimus

Age
Late Cretaceous
Late CretaceousTime(70.6-68.5 MYA)
(99.6-85.8 MYA)

Length
9.8 ft (3 m)
11.2 ft (3.4 m)

WeightSheep
Sheep

Where foundMongolia
China

Gallimimus

Late Cretaceous(70.6-68.5 MYA)

19.7 ft (6 m)

HorseMongolia

chicken mimic

Ornithomimus

bird mimic

Late Cretaceous(80-65.5 MYA)

11.5 ft (3.5 m)

LionAlberta,
Saskatchewan;
Montana, Wyoming,
Utah, Colorado,
South Dakota* Qiupalong

Quipa [Formation] dragon

Late Cretaceous(time uncertain)

9.8 ft (3 m)

Sheep

China

Struthiomimus

ostrich mimic

Late Cretaceous(80-65.5 MYA)

16.4 ft (5 m)

LionAlberta; Wyoming

Late Cretaceous(80-72.8 MYA)

19.7 ft (6 m)

HorseMontana* No official genus nameWith 220 tiny teeth, Pelecanimimus has more teeth than any
other known theropod.
Known from the front end of an individual.
Many individuals, including nearly complete skeletons, were
found together suggesting that Sinornithomimus lived in herds.

Comments
Little is known of this straight-clawed ornithomimid.
One of the more poorly known ornithomimids.
The most completely known ostrich dinosaur, with skeletons ofbabies, half-grown individuals, and large adults.
First known from very incomplete fossils, but nearly complete
skulls and skeletons have been discovered. The dinosaur once
called "Dromiceiomimus" is now considered a species ofOrnithomimus.
Known from a single skeleton so far. Seems to be more closely
related to the North American ornithomimids than to the other
Asian ones.
The first ornithomimid known from nearly complete skeletons,
and the one that showed how ostrich-like they really were. A
skeleton nicknamed "Claws" found in Wyoming may be a late
representative of this genus.
A Gallimimus-sized ornithomimid from Canada. Only known
from a few isolated bones.

** Primitive Alvarezsauroids—Early Thumb-Clawed Dinosaurs (Chapter 18)
Until recently, the only known representatives of Alvarezsauroidea were the Cretaceous advanced forms Alvarezsauridae. However, we now know of even more primitive Jurassic genera.
Name
Meaning
Age
Time
LengthWeight
Where foundComments
The most primitive (and one of the largest) alvarezsauroids. Its
name refers to the fact that its hand is much more like those of* Haplocheirus
simple hand
Late Jurassic(161.2-155.7 MYA)
6.6 ft (2 m)
BeaverChina
primitive coelurosaurs rather than the bizarre hands ofalzarezsaurids.

* New genus; ** New grouping; ^ New genus name for previously unnamed dinosaur

Genus List for Holtz (2007) Dinosaurs

Last updated 1/28/11

13

Primitive Alvarezsaurids—Primitive Thumb-Clawed Dinosaurs (Chapter 18)
Alvarezsauridae is a group of bizarre, small coelurosaurs of the Cretaceous Period. The more specialized forms belong to the subgroup Parvicursorinae.
Name
Meaning
Age
Time
LengthWeight
Where found[legendarily fast Greek hero]
Late Cretaceous(86-83 MYA)
4.6 ft (1.4 m)?
TurkeyArgentina* Achillesaurus
Achilles' reptile[historian Don Gregorio]
Late Cretaceous(86-83 MYA)
4.6 ft (1.4 m)?
TurkeyArgentina
Alvarezsaurus
Alvarez's reptile
Bradycneme

heavy shin

Late Cretaceous(70.6-65.5 MYA)?

TurkeyRomania* Ceratonykus

horned claw

Late Cretaceous(85.8-70.6 MYA)

6.6 ft (2 m)

BeaverMongolia

Heptasteornis

seven-towns bird

Late Cretaceous(70.6-65.5 MYA)?

TurkeyRomania

Patagonykus

claw of Patagonia [Argentina]

Late Cretaceous(91-88 MYA)

5.6 ft (1.7m)

BeaverArgentina** Parvicursorines—Advanced Thumb-Clawed Dinosaurs (Chapter 18)
The alvarezsaurids with a specialized pinched foot are grouped into Parvicursorinae (also called "Mononykinae").
Name
Meaning
Age
Time
LengthWeight

Where found* Albertonykus

Alberta claw

Late Cretaceous(72.8-66.8 MYA)

3 ft (90 cm)

TurkeyAlberta

* Kol

foot

Late Cretaceous(85.8-70.6 MYA)

6.6 ft (2 m)

BeaverMongolia

Mononykus

one claw

Late Cretaceous(85.8-70.6 MYA)

3 ft (90 cm)

TurkeyMongolia

Parvicursor

small runner

Late Cretaceous(85.8-70.6 MYA)

12 in (30 cm)

PigeonMongolia

Shuvuuia

bird

Late Cretaceous(85.8-70.6 MYA)

2 ft (60 cm)

ChickenMongolia* Xixianykus

Xixia [region] claw

Late Cretaceous(89.3-85.8 MYA)

19.7 in (50 cm)

ChickenChina* No official genus nameLate Cretaceous(85.8-70.6 MYA)

2 ft (60 cm)

ChickenMongolia

No official genus name; formerly"Ornithomimus" minutus

Late Cretaceous(66.8-65.5 MYA)

12 in (30 cm)

PigeonColorado

Comments
Known from only a partial skeleton.
Known from only a partial skeleton.
This specimen has also been considered a fossil owl and atroodontid.
Known from a partial skeleton.
Like Bradycneme, it was once considered a fossil owl or atroodontid.
This dinosaur was the link that let paleontologists connect
Alvarezsaurus with the parvicursorines (previously thought tobe only distantly related).

Comments
The most complete known North American alvarezsaur(although still very incomplete).
One of the largest parvicursorines, currently known only from afoot.
The first alvarezsaurid known from relatively complete
skeletons, it was once considered an early bird or a bizarre
ornithomimosaur.
Known from a partial skeleton, this is a small relative of
Shuvuuia and Mononykus.
Known from excellent fossils, including the best-preserved
alvarezsaurid skull.
A small early parvicursorine.
An excellent skeleton is known, and described as being from
Shuvuuia. However, new studies suggest it is actually a closer
relative of Parvicursor.
Isolated bones of a North American parvicursorine were once
thought to belong to a tiny species of Ornithomimus.

Primitive Maniraptorans—Early Feathered Dinosaurs (Chapters 19 and 20)
Maniraptora is the group of dinosaurs that includes the most advanced coelurosaurs. The following genera are maniraptorans but not alvarezsaurids, oviraptorosaurs, therizinosauroids, deinonychosaurs, or avialians.
Name
Meaning
Age
Time
LengthWeight
Where foundComments
Known only from teeth. Similar teeth have been found from theEuronychodon
European claw tooth
Late Cretaceous(83.5-65.5 MYA)?
?
Portugal
Late Cretaceous of Uzbekistan.
Known only from a lower tibia and a toe bone, which may
Kakuruancestral serpent
Early Cretaceous(125-112 MYA)
4.9 ft (1.5 m)?
TurkeyAustralia
actually be from an oviraptorosaur or an abelisauroid.
Nuthetesmonitor
Early Cretaceous(145.5-140.2 MYA)
5.9 ft (1.8 m)?
TurkeyEngland
Possibly a dromaeosaurid.
Known only from hip bones and a femur. Maybe an early bird or
Palaeopteryx
ancient wing
Late Jurassic(155.7-150.8 MYA)
12 in (30 cm)?
Pigeon?
Coloradoan early deinonychosaur.
Montana, New
Known only from teeth.
Paronychodon
near-claw tooth
Late Cretaceous(83.5-65.5 MYA)?
?
Mexico, Wyoming
A small theropod with hollow chambers in many of its bones.
* Pneumatoraptor
air pocket thief
Late Cretaceous(85.8-83.5 MYA)
2.4 ft (73 cm)?
Chicken
Hungary
Close to avialians and deinonychosaurs.
Known only from a top of a skull, originally thought to be from afrom Yaverland Battery [Isle of
Early Cretaceous(130-125 MYA)?
BeaverEngland
Yaverlandia
pachycephalosaur!
Wight]
Early Cretaceous(125-120 MYA)?
TurkeyChina
Known from an incomplete skeleton with very long hands.
Yixianosaurus
Yixian Formation reptile
Primitive Therizinosaurs—Early Sloth Dinosaurs (Chapter 19)
These are the early members of Therizinosauria. Therizinosauria includes both Falcarius and the more advanced Therizinosauroidea.
Name
Meaning
Age
Time
LengthAlxa Desert [Inner Mongolia]
Early Cretaceous(125-112 MYA)
12.4 ft (3.8 m)
Alxasaurus
reptileWeight

Where foundGrizzly bear

China

* New genus; ** New grouping; ^ New genus name for previously unnamed dinosaur

Comments
The first primitive therizinosauroid known, showing that theseweird dinosaurs were in fact maniraptoran theropods.

Genus List for Holtz (2007) Dinosaurs

Last updated 1/28/11

14

Beipiaosaurus

Beipiao City [China] reptile

Early Cretaceous(125-120 MYA)

6.1 ft (1.9 m)

Sheep

China

Falcarius

sickle blade

Early Cretaceous(130-125 MYA)

13.1 ft (4 m)

Grizzly bear

Utah

Nothronychus

sloth claws

Late Cretaceous(93.5-89.3 MYA)

17.3 ft (5.3 m)

Rhino

New Mexico, Utah

* Suzhousaurus

Suzhou [ancient name for
Jiuquan area of China] reptile

Early Cretaceous(145.5-125 MYA)

23 ft (7 m)

Rhino

China

Therizinosaurids—Advanced Sloth Dinosaurs (Chapter 19)
The dinosaurs of Therizinosauridae were the more specialized therizinosaurs of the Late Cretaceous Epoch.
Name
Meaning
AgeTime
Enigmosaurus
Erliansaurus

LengthWeight

Where foundenigmatic reptile

Late Cretaceous(99.6-85.8 MYA)

16.4 ft (5 m)HorseMongolia

The first therizinosauroid found with feather impressions.
Known from a mass accumulation of dozens, possibly
hundreds, of individuals. Unlike the more advanced
therizinosauroids, this therizinosaur has relatively long legs withslender three-toed feet.
The first-discovered North American therizinosauroid, it has an
oddly flared-out pelvis.
A large Chinese therizinosauroid, closely related toNothronychus.

Comments
Known only from a pelvis, and quite possibly the samedinosaur as Erlikosaurus.
A link between the more primitive therizinosaurs and theadvanced therizinosaurids.

Erlian [China] reptile

Late Cretaceous(99.6-85.8 MYA)

8.4 ft (2.6 m)

Lion

China

Late Cretaceous(99.6-85.8 MYA)

11.2 ft (3.4 m)

Grizzly bear

China; Mongolia

The original specimen includes a very well-preserved skull.

Nanshiungosaurus
Neimongosaurus

Erlik [Mongolian death god]reptileNanxiong Formation reptile
Inner Mongolia reptile

Late Cretaceous
Late Cretaceous(70.6-68.5 MYA)
(99.6-85.8 MYA)

14.4 ft (4.4 m)
7.6 ft (2.3 m)

Horse
Lion

China
China

Segnosaurus

slow reptile

Late Cretaceous(99.6-85.8 MYA)

23 ft (7 m)

Rhino

China; Mongolia

Therizinosaurus

scythe reptile

Late Cretaceous(70.6-68.5 MYA)

31.5 ft (9.6 m)

Elephant

Mongolia

First thought to be a very weird small sauropod.
A long-necked therizinosauroid with a deep lower jaw.
The first therizinosaurid known from more than its arms. First
considered a fish-eating theropod.
The largest known therizinosauroid, known from its enormous,
powerful arms. Partial hind limbs from the same rocks probably
belong to this species.

Primitive Oviraptorosaurs—Early Egg-Thief Dinosaurs (Chapter 19)
Oviraptorosauria was a diverse group of short-beaked omnivorous theropods.
Name
Meaning
Age
Caenagnathus from Asia
Late Cretaceous
CaenagnathasiaTime(93.5-89.3 MYA)

Length
3.3 ft (1 m)?

WeightTurkeyWhere foundUzbekistan

Comments
Known from toothless jaws.

Caenagnathus

recent jaws

Late Cretaceous(80-72.8 MYA)

6.6 ft (2 m)?

Wolf

Alberta

Known only from jaws. Once thought to be the same dinosaur
as Chirostenotes, but this is much less certain now.

Calamospondylus

reed vertebrae

Early Cretaceous(130-125 MYA)?

?

England

Caudipteryx

tail wing

Early Cretaceous(125-110.6 MYA)

3 ft (90 cm)

TurkeyChina

Incisivosaurus

incisor reptile

Early Cretaceous(128.2-125 MYA)

3 ft (90 cm)?

TurkeyChina

Protarchaeopteryx

first Archaeopteryx

Early Cretaceous(125-120 MYA)

2.3 ft (70 cm)

TurkeyChina

Shanyangosaurus

Shanyang Formation reptile

Late Cretaceous(70.6-65.5 MYA)

5.6 ft (1.7m)

BeaverChina* Similicaudipteryx

similar to Caudipteryx

Early Cretaceous(125-110.6 MYA)

3 ft (90 cm)

TurkeyChina

Thecocoelurus

sheathed Coelurus

Early Cretaceous(130-125 MYA)

23 ft (7 m)?

Grizzly bear

England

Erlikosaurus

Isolated vertebrae suggest it is either an early oviraptorosaur ora relative of both oviraptorosaurs and therizinosauroids.
One of the most common dinosaurs from the Yixian Formationof China.
Known only from a skull, which may be the head ofProtarchaeopteryx or a close relative.
Known from an incomplete skeleton, which may actually be thebody of Incisivosaurus or a close relative.
Known from an incomplete skeleton. May be some other kindof maniraptoran.
A close relative of (and perhaps simply one or more new
species of) Caudipteryx. Some impressions suggest a change
in its plumage between juvenile and adult phases, as seen in
many modern birds.
Known only from an incomplete vertebra. Possibly atherizinosauroid rather than an oviraptorosaur.

** Primitive Oviraptorids—Primitive Members of the Advanced Egg-Thief Dinosaurs (Chapter 19)
New analyses have reorganized our understanding of the relationships among the oviraptorosaurs. Among the advanced group (Oviraptoridae), some group into the Elmisaurinae, some into the Oviraptorinae, and others lie outside thesetwo. This last batch are the ones listed here.
Name
Meaning
Age
Time
LengthWeight
Where foundComments
By far the largest of oviraptorosaurs, about the size of thetyrannosaurid Albertosaurus. Has the longest legs known of* Gigantoraptor
giant thief
Late Cretaceous(95-80 MYA)
28.2 ft (8.6 m)
Rhino
China
any theropod. Giant theropod nests known from Late
Cretaceous China and Mongolia may have been laid by
Gigantoraptor or its closest relatives.

* New genus; ** New grouping; ^ New genus name for previously unnamed dinosaur

Genus List for Holtz (2007) Dinosaurs

Last updated 1/28/11

15* Luoyanggia

Ruyan [Basin]

Late Cretaceous(99.6-93.6 MYA)

4.9 ft (1.5 m)

TurkeyChina

Microvenatorsmall hunter

Early Cretaceous(118-110 MYA)

4.3 ft (1.3 m)

TurkeyMontana(70.6-68.5 MYA)

4.9 ft (1.5 m)

TurkeyMongolia(70.6-65.5 MYA)

4.9 ft (1.5 m)?

Turkey?

China

Nomingia
Shixinggia

from the Nomingiin region [GobiLate Cretaceous
Desert]for Shixing County [China]
Late Cretaceous

One of the oldest oviraptorids.
Known from a fragmentary skeleton. Was going to be called"Megadontosaurus" (big-tooth reptile) because it was once
thought that the teeth of the much larger Deinonychus
belonged to it! Some analyses place it as an elmisaurine.
Only the hind end of this dinosaur is known, showing that it had
a stump tail (pygostyle) like advanced avialians.
Only a partial skeleton is known.

** Elmisaurines—Shorter-Armed, Long-Legged Egg-Thief Dinosaurs (Chapter 19)
Called "Caenagnathidae" in the book, but new analyses show that Caenagnathus was likely a more primitive type of oviraptorosaur. The elmisaurines was a group of fast-running oviraptorosaurs with an arctometatarsus.
Name
Avimimus

Meaningbird mimic

Age

Time

Late Cretaceous(99.6-70.6 MYA)

Length
4.9 ft (1.5 m)

Weight

Where foundComments

TurkeyChina; Mongolia

A weird, fat-bodied, long-necked, short-tailed, long-legged earlyoviraptorosaur. Trackways suggest that it lived in big herds.

Alberta
Mongolia; Alberta;
Montana
Utah
Montana, South
DaktoaChirostenotes

narrow-handed one

Late Cretaceous(80-66.8 MYA)

6.6 ft (2 m)?

Wolf

Elmisaurus

hind-foot reptile

Late Cretaceous(80-68.5 MYA)

6.6 ft (2 m)?

Wolf

Hagryphusclaws of the western desert

Late Cretaceous(80-72.8 MYA)

9.8 ft (3 m)?

Sheep

Late Cretaceous(66.8-65.5 MYA)

16.4 ft (5 m)

Lion

Not yet officially named** Oviraptorines—Strong-Armed, Stout-Legged Egg-Thief Dinosaurs (Chapter 19)
These oviraptorids typically have more powerful arms and shorter, stouter legs than elmisaurines.
Name
Meaning
Age
Time

LengthWeight

Where found* Banji

striped crest(time very uncertain)

4.9 ft (1.5 m)

TurkeyChina

Citipati

Citipati [Tantric Buddhist lord of
Late Cretaceous
the cemeteries](85.8-70.6 MYA)

8.9 ft (2.7 m)

Wolf

Mongolia

Conchoraptor

shellfish thief(85.8-70.6 MYA)

4.9 ft (1.5 m)

TurkeyMongolia

Late Cretaceous

Late Cretaceous

Heyuannia

for Heyuan City [China]

Late Cretaceous(time very uncertain)

4.9 ft (1.5 m)

Turkey

China

Khaan

ruler

Late Cretaceous(85.8-70.6 MYA)

4.9 ft (1.5 m)

TurkeyMongolia* Machairasaurus

knife reptile
good mother of the Nemegt
Formation

Late Cretaceous(83.5-68 MYA)

4.9 ft (1.5 m)

TurkeyChina

Late Cretaceous(70.6-68.5 MYA)

4.9 ft (1.5 m)

TurkeyMongolia

Oviraptor

egg thief

Late Cretaceous(85.8-70.6 MYA)

4.9 ft (1.5 m)

TurkeyMongolia

Rinchenia

for Rinchen [Barsbold,
Mongolian paleontologist]

Late Cretaceous(70.6-68.5 MYA)

4.9 ft (1.5 m)

TurkeyMongolia

No official genus name; formerly "Ingenia" yanshini

Late Cretaceous(85.8-68.5 MYA)

5.9 ft (1.8 m)

TurkeyMongolia* Not yet officially named

Late Cretaceous(85.8-70.6 MYA)

4.9 ft (1.5 m)

TurkeyMongolia

Nemegtomaia

Primitive Dromaeosaurids—Early Raptor Dinosaurs (Chapter 20)
The group of raptor dinosaurs—Deinonychosauria—contains two major divisions. One of these, the Dromaeosauridae, has heavier, shorter legs and longer arms.
Name
Meaning
Age
Time
LengthWeight
Where foundDromaeosauroides
like Dromaeosaurus
Early Cretaceous(145.5-136.4 MYA)?
?
Denmark
thief of Luanchuan County
Late Cretaceous(time very uncertain) 5.9 ft (1.8 m)?
TurkeyChina* Luanchuanraptor[China]Mahakala [a protector god in
Late Cretaceous(85.8-70.6 MYA)
2.3 ft (70 cm)
ChickenMongolia* Mahakala
Tibetan Buddhism]* New genus; ** New grouping; ^ New genus name for previously unnamed dinosaur

The first oviraptorosaur known from North America.
First known from hand and feet.
A newly discovered large North American oviraptorosaur.
Was the largest known oviraptorosaur until Gigantoraptor was
found.

Comments
Known only from a crested skull with side ridges. Probably not
an adult.
Known from several nearly complete skulls and skeletons. Oneof the skulls of this crested dinosaur was often labeled"Oviraptor" in older drawings, before it was recognized as a
distinct genus. Several individuals have been found lying on
their nests.
Had only a small crest. Its name was given based on the ideathat it was a shellfish-eater (small clams are known from thedeposits in which it was found).
Known from some very good skeletons.
Known from several nearly complete skulls and skeletons.
Similar to Conchoraptor and "Ingenia."
Had relatively lightly-built claws for an oviraptorosaur.
First known as "Nemegtia," but that name was already used fora crustacean.
Had a somewhat longer skull than other oviraptorids. The
original specimen was found associated with a nest of eggs,
which were mistakenly thought to be Protoceratops eggs.
A very tall, crested oviraptorid.
Originally called "Ingenia," but that name actually belongs to an
insect.
A crested elmisaurine oviraptorid, once thought to be a
specimen of Oviraptor.

Comments
Known only from teeth.
First dromaeosaurid found in China outside of either the Gobi
Desert or the northeastern region.
Very primitive (and very small) dromaeosaurid for the time inwhich it lived.

Genus List for Holtz (2007) Dinosaurs

Last updated 1/28/11

16

Ornithodesmus
Pyroraptor

bird linkfire thief

Early Cretaceous
Late Cretaceous(130-125 MYA)
(72.8-66.8 MYA)?
?

TurkeyWolf?

EnglandFrance* Tianyuraptor[Shandong] Tianyu [Museum of
Early Cretaceous
Natural History] thief(120-110 MYA)

5.3 ft (1.6 m)

BeaverChina

Variraptor

thief of Var Department [France] Late Cretaceous(72.8-66.8 MYA)

8.9 ft (2.7 m)

Wolf?

FranceVery fragmentary. Possibly the same as Pyroraptor.

Comments
A giant unenlagiine, nearly as big as Utahraptor. Had very shortarms for a dromaeosaurid.

Unenlagiines—Long-Snouted Southern Raptor Dinosaurs (Chapter 20)
Unenlagiinae is a recently discovered group of long-snouted dromaeosaurids mostly from the southern continents.
Name
Meaning
Age
Time
Length^ Austroraptor
Buitreraptor
Neuquenraptor

southern thief
vulture roost [location where
discovered] hunter
Neuquén Province [Argentina]
thief

Weight

Where foundLate Cretaceous(78-65.5 MYA)

19.7 ft (6 m)

LionArgentina

Late Cretaceous(99.6-97 MYA)

4.3 ft (1.3 m)

TurkeyArgentina

Late Cretaceous(91-88 MYA)

5.9 ft (1.8 m)

TurkeyArgentina

Late Cretaceous(70.6-65.5 MYA)

2.3 ft (70 cm)

ChickenMadagascar

Rahonavis

menace-from-the-cloud bird

* ShanagShanag [black hatted dancers in
Early Cretaceous
the Buddhist Tsam festival](145.5-125 MYA)

2.3 ft (70 cm)

ChickenMongolia

Unenlagia

half bird

Late Cretaceous(91-88 MYA)

7.5 ft (2.3 m)

BeaverArgentina

Unquillosaurus

Unquillo River [Argentina]
reptileLate Cretaceous(83.5-70.6 MYA)

9.8 ft (3 m)?

Wolf

Argentina

Microraptorines—Small Raptor Dinosaurs (Chapter 20)
Microraptorinae is a group of small, tree-climbing raptors best known from the Early Cretaceous Epoch of China.
Name
Age
Time
Meaning

LengthWeight

Where foundGraciliraptor

3 ft (90 cm)

TurkeyChina

slender thief

Early Cretaceous(125-120 MYA)

* Hesperonychus

western claws

Late Cretaceous(80-72.8 MYA)

3 ft (90 cm)

TurkeyAlberta

Microraptor

small thief

Early Cretaceous(120-110 MYA)

3 ft (90 cm)

TurkeyChina

Sinornithosaurus

Chinese bird reptile

Early Cretaceous(125-120 MYA)

3 ft (90 cm)

TurkeyChina** Saurornitholestines—Slender Raptor Dinosaurs (Chapter 20)
Saurornitholestes and its kin form the group Saurornitholestinae within the dromaeosaurids. Some analyses place these genera within Velociraptorinae.
Name
Meaning
Age
Time
LengthWeight
Where foundKnown only from hip vertebrae.
Very fragmentary. Possibly the same as Variraptor.
Its arms are very short for a dromaeosaurid. Seems to fit
evolutionarily between Microraptorinae and the more advanced
clades of Saurornitholestinae, Velociraptorinae, andDromaeosaurinae.

The most completely known unenlagiine.
Incompletely known, and possibly the same dinosaur as
Unenlagia.
Bumps on its forearms show that powerful flight feathers wereattached there.
A tiny dromaeosaurid, and the first unenlagiine identified
outside of the southern continents.
Originally thought to be an early bird (or at least more closely
related to birds than to dromaeosaurids).
Once thought to be a carnosaur or other large theropod. Manybooks and Web sites have mistakenly stated that this was a 36ft (11 m) giant! Known only from the pelvis and a few otherbones.

Comments
Known from a skeleton that is less complete than those of theother microraptorines but of the same general form.
A very late-surviving microraptorine.
Known from many skeletons. Includes the specimen formerly
called "Cryptovolans".
The first deinonychosaur found with feathers. Had odd wrinkles
on its facial bones.

Comments

Bambiraptor

thief the size of Bambi [fictional
Late Cretaceous
baby deer](80-72.8 MYA)

3 ft (90 cm)

TurkeyMontana

Saurornitholestes

birdlike reptile thief(80-72.8 MYA)

5.9 ft (1.8 m)?

TurkeyAlberta, New Mexico Possibly a dromaeosaurine.

LengthWeight

Where found

6.6 ft (2 m)

Wolf

Romania

Late Cretaceous

Velociraptorines—Slender Raptor Dinosaurs (Chapter 20)
Velociraptor, Deinonychus, and their kin form the group Velociraptorinae within the dromaeosaurids.
Name
Meaning
Age
Time* Balaur

Balaur [dragon of Romanianlegend]Late Cretaceous(70.6-65.5 MYA)

* New genus; ** New grouping; ^ New genus name for previously unnamed dinosaur

Considered by some to be a late-surviving microraptorine.
Originally thought to be a North American fossil of Velociraptor.

Comments
The double-barreled dromaeosaurid of Transylvania! Had two
sickle-claws on each foot; short, two-fingered arms; and an
extremely backwards-pointing pubis. Elopteryx, Pyroraptor, andother Late Cretaceous European dromaeosaurids may berelatives.

Genus List for Holtz (2007) Dinosaurs

Last updated 1/28/11

Deinonychus

terrible claws

Early Cretaceous(118-110MYA)

13.1ft (4 m)

Wolf

?

Itemirus

after the Itemir site [Uzbekistan] Late Cretaceous(93.5-89.3 MYA)?

* Linheraptor

Linhe [District] thief

Late Cretaceous(80-72.8 MYA)

5.9 ft (1.8 m)

BeaverTsaaganwhite

Late Cretaceous(85.8-70.6 MYA)

5.9 ft (1.8 m)?

BeaverVelociraptor

swift thief

Late Cretaceous(85.8-70.6 MYA)

5.9 ft (1.8 m)

Beaver

17

The first dromaeosaurid known from relatively complete
Montana, Oklahoma, skeletons. One of the most important dinosaur discoveries of all
Wyoming, andbecause it got paleontologists thinking about dinosaur warmpossibly Maryland
bloodedness and about the relationship between dinosaurs andbirds.
Known only from a braincase. Once thought to possibly be a
Mongolia
primitive tyrannosauroid.
China
Very similar to Tsaagan. Known from an exquisite skeleton.
Known from a good skull and some vertebrae. Had a more
Mongolia
powerful snout than most velociraptorines.
The most famous dromaeosaurid (thanks to Jurassic Park),
China; Mongolia
and known from many good skulls and skeletons!

Dromaeosaurines—Heavy Raptor Dinosaurs (Chapter 20)
Dromaeosaurinae includes the most heavily built raptor dinosaurs.
Name
Meaning
Age

Time

LengthWeight

Where found

Achillobator

Achilles [tendon] hero

Late Cretaceous(99.6-85.8 MYA)

19.7 ft (6 m)

LionMongolia

Adasaurus

Ada [Mongolian evil spirit]
reptileLate Cretaceous(70.6-68.5 MYA)

5.9 ft (1.8 m)

BeaverMongolia

Very little is known in detail of this Mongolian dinosaur.

Atrociraptor

atrocious hunter

Late Cretaceous(72.8-66.8 MYA)

5.9 ft (1.8 m)

BeaverAlberta

A deep-snouted dromaeosaurid, still only partially known. May
be a saurornitholestine.

Dromaeosaurus

swift reptile

Late Cretaceous(80-72.8 MYA)

5.9 ft (1.8 m)?

BeaverAlberta, Montana

When it was discovered, it was thought to be a small
tyrannosauroid. Only the discovery of Deinonychus revealed
how distinctive dromaeosaurids were from other theropods.

Utahraptor

Utah thief

Early Cretaceous(130-125 MYA)

23 ft (7 m)

Grizzly bear

Utah

At present, the largest known dromaeosaurid.

Troodontids—Long-Legged Raptor Dinosaurs (Chapter 20)
Close relatives of the dromaeosaurids, the dinosaurs in Troodontidae make up the other group of deinonychosaurs.
Name
Meaning
Age
Time
LengthWeight

Where found* Anchiornis

Comments
Originally thought to be an Archaeopteryx-like avialian.
Analysis of its feathers show that it had a dark body cover withwhite bands on its arm feathers and a red crest.
Known only from an incomplete skull, once thought to be froma hatchling Tarbosaurus.

Archaeornithoides
Borogovia

Byronosaurus

near to the birds
similar to Archaeornis [former
name for Archaeopteryx]
borogove [fictional creaturefrom Lewis Carroll's"Jabberwocky"]
Byron's reptile [for Byron Jaffe,
who helped support the
expedition]

Comments
Only incompletely known, this is one of the largest and mostheavily built dromaeosaurids.

Late Jurassic(161.2-155.7 MYA)

13.8 in (35 cm)

PigeonChina

Late Cretaceous(85.8-70.6 MYA)?

?

Mongolia

Late Cretaceous(85.8-70.6 MYA)

6.6 ft (2 m)?

BeaverMongolia

Known from hind-limb material, and thought by some to be a
species of Saurornithoides.

Late Cretaceous(85.8-70.6 MYA)

4.9 ft (1.5 m)?

TurkeyMongolia

Known from a snout and several other bones.

Elopteryx

marsh wing

Late Cretaceous(70.6-65.5 MYA)?

?

Romania

Once thought to be a bird, and later to be a dromaeosaurid.

* Geminiraptor

twin thief [honoring the twin
paleontologists Celina andMarina Suarez]

Early Cretaceous(130-125 MYA)

4.9 ft (1.5 m)?

TurkeyUtahKnown from only limited material, but demonstrates thattroodontids were present in Early Cretaceous North America.

Jinfengopteryx

golden phoenix feather

Late Jurassic or Early(exact age uncertain) 2.3 ft (70 cm)
Cretaceous

Chicken

China

Koparion

scalpelLate Jurassic(155.7-150.8 MYA)

?

?

Utah

Mei

sleeping [dragon]

Early Cretaceous(125-120 MYA)

2.3 ft (70 cm)

Chicken

China

Saurornithoides
Sinornithoides

birdlike reptile
Chinese and birdlike

Late Cretaceous
Early Cretaceous(85.8-70.6 MYA)
(130-125 MYA)

6.6 ft (2 m)?
3.9 ft (1.2 m)

Wolf
ChickenMongolia; China
China

Originally called a primitive bird but is more likely a primitive
troodontid.
Known only from teeth. A newly discovered Wyoming skeleton
may turn out to be from Koparion.
Known from a nearly complete skeleton, curled up as if
sleeping (although it was more likely protecting itself fromvolcanic ash!).
Known from several partial skulls and skeletons.
Like Mei, known from a fossil in "sleeping" position.

Sinovenator

Chinese hunter

Early Cretaceous(125-120 MYA)

3.9 ft (1.2 m)

ChickenChina

A primitive troodontid with some dromaeosaurid-like features.

Sinusonasus
Tochisaurus

curved nose
ostrich [foot] reptile

Early Cretaceous
Late Cretaceous(125-120 MYA)
(70.6-68.5 MYA)

3.9 ft (1.2 m)?

Chicken?

China
Mongolia

The nose bones were found to be curved, hence the name.
Known only from a foot.

* New genus; ** New grouping; ^ New genus name for previously unnamed dinosaur

Genus List for Holtz (2007) Dinosaurs

Last updated 1/28/11

Troodon* Urbacodon* Xixiasaurus* Zanabazar

wounding tooth

Late Cretaceous

URBAC[Uzbek/Russian/British/America
n/Canadian Joint
Late Cretaceous
Paleontological Expeditions]
tooth
Late Cretaceous
Xixia [County] reptile
Zanabazar [first head of Tibetan
Late Cretaceous
Buddhism in Mongolia]

Not yet officially named

Late Jurassic

18(80-72.8 MYA)

7.9 ft (2.4 m)

Wolf

Alberta; Montana,
Wyoming

All Late Cretaceous troodontid fossils from North America getcalled "Troodon", but when more skeletons are discovered, it
may turn out that there were several different troodontids in that
region. If so, the old names "Stenonychosaurus" and"Pectinodon" might be restored.

(99.6-89.3 MYA)

4.9 ft (1.5 m)?

TurkeyUzbekistan

Known from teeth and jaws.

(89.3-70.6 MYA)

6.6 ft (2 m)?

BeaverChina

Known from a partial skull and some few other bones.

(70.6-68.5 MYA)

6.6 ft (2 m)?

BeaverMongolia

Based on specimens originally considered to be the younger
species of Saurornithoides.

(155.7-150.8 MYA)?

?

Wyoming

Known from an incomplete skeleton. The oldest North
American troodontid known from bones.

** Archaeopterygids--Long-Tailed, Long-Armed Protobirds (Chapter 21)
Avialae includes modern birds and their ancient relatives. Archaeopterygidae is a group comprised of Archaeopteryx and its closest relatives. In at least some analyses these dinosaurs were found not to be avialians at all. These forms
were probably not particularly good fliers.
Name
Meaning
Age
Time
LengthWeight
Where foundComments
For many decades the best-known primitive bird. May actually
Archaeopteryx
ancient wing
Late Jurassic(150.8-145.5 MYA)
1.3 ft (40 cm)
ChickenGermany; Portugal? be less closely related to modern birds than aredeinonychosaurs.
for [German paleontologist
Late Jurassic(150.8-145.5MYA)
1.5 ft (45 cm)
ChickenGermany
Very similar to, and possibly the same as, Archaeopteryx.
WellnhoferiaPeter] Wellnhofer** Scansoriopterygids—Tiny Long-Fingered Avialians (Chapter 21)
An early branch of Avialae, Scansoriopterygidae are not particularly "birdy". Many have quite long fingers, which may have been used to probe for insects underneath bark.
Name
Meaning
Age
Time
LengthWeight
Where found

Epidendrosaurus

upon-a-branch reptile

Middle Jurassic(171.6-164.7MYA?)

12 in (30 cm)

PigeonChina* Epidexipteryx

display feather

Middle Jurassic(171.6-164.7MYA?)

10 in (25 cm)

PigeonChina

Comments
The original Epidendrosaurus was a hatchling. A second
specimen was given a separate name ("Scansoriopteryx"), but
it is probably just an adult Epidendrosaurus.The age of fhis
dinosaur is uncertain; it may actually be from the Early
Cretaceous.
A close relative of (if not the same as) Epidendrosaurus.

Long-Tailed Avialians—Primitive Long-Tailed "Birds" (Chapter 21)
These avialians are more closely related to modern birds than to Archaeopterygidae or Scansoriopterygidae, but were still also poor fliers.
Name

Meaning

Age

Time

LengthWeight

Where found

Dalianraptor

Dalian City [China] thief

Early Cretaceous(121.6-110.6 MYA)

2.6 ft (80 cm)

TurkeyChina

Jeholornis

Jehol Group [China] bird

Early Cretaceous(120-110 MYA)

2.5 ft (75 cm)

TurkeyChina

Jixiangornis[Chinese geologist Yin] Jixiang's
Early Cretaceousbird(120-110 MYA)

2.6 ft (80 cm)

TurkeyChina

Pedopennafeather footMiddle Jurassic(171.6-164.7 MYA?)

2 ft (60 cm)?

Chicken?

China

Shenzhouraptor
Yandangornis

China thief
Yandang [China] bird

Early Cretaceous
Late Cretaceous(120-110 MYA)
(85.8-83.5 MYA)

2.6 ft (80 cm)
2.6 ft (80 cm)

TurkeyTurkey

China
China

* Zhongjianornis

Jianchang [locality] bird

Early Cretaceous(120-110 MYA)?

PigeonChina* New genus; ** New grouping; ^ New genus name for previously unnamed dinosaur

Comments
A short-armed (and therefore flightless) dinosaur. Somesimilarities to Jeholornis, but others to Confuciusornis.
However, it might not even be a bird but a more primitive
maniraptoran.
One of the most completely known long-tailed birds of theCretaceous. Known to eat both seeds and fish.
Very likely the same as Jeholornis.
Known from a partial arm and leg with feathers.The age of therocks that this dinosaur was found in is very uncertain; it may
be from the Earlv Cretaceous.
Very likely the same as Jeholornis.
A toothless, long-tailed bird or close relative.
Despite its inclusion here, this is a short-tailed bird. It seems to
be close to the evolutionary split between omnivoropterygids,
confuciusornithids, and the more advanced birds.

Genus List for Holtz (2007) Dinosaurs

Last updated 1/28/11* Zhongornis

intermediate bird

Early Cretaceous(130-125 MYA)

4.7 in (12 cm)

Sparrow19

China

A bird with a tail intermediate in length between the typical longtailed forms and the stump-tailed forms. Since it is only ahatchling, it might be the baby of some other already-known
avialian.

** Omnivoropterygids—Large Handy Short-Tailed Avialians (Chapter 21)
These avialians—and all more advanced ones—have a stubby pygostyle instead of a long, bony tail. But like their primitive relatives (and unlike more advanced birds), these had fully developed hands and claws. Omnivoropterygids (alsocalled "sapeornithids") were fairly large for avialians, and were likely not very good fliers.
Name

Meaning

Age

Time

LengthWeight

Where found* Didactylornis

two-fingered bird

Early Cretaceous(120-110 MYA)

12 in (30 cm)

TurkeyChina

Omnivoropteryx

winged omnivore

Early Cretaceous(120-110 MYA)

12 in (30 cm)

TurkeyChina

Comments
Known from several specimens. Might very likely belong to
Sapeornis.
Very similar to, and possibly the same as, Sapeornis.

Sapeornis

Society for Avian Paleontology
and Evolution bird

Early Cretaceous(120-110 MYA)

3.9 ft (1.2 m)

TurkeyChina

A fairly large early bird.

* Shenshiornis

Shenyang Normal University
bird

Early Cretaceous(120-110 MYA)

3.9 ft (1.2 m)

TurkeyChina

Might very well be another genus that is just a new specimen of
Sapeornis.

** Confuciusornithids—Toothless Handy Short-Tailed Birds (Chapter 21)
Confuciusornithids were toothless small primitive avialians. Studies suggest that they were still not particularly good fliers.
Name
Meaning
Age
Time
LengthGreat Wall [China] bird
Early Cretaceous(125-121.6 MYA)
8 in (20 cm)
Changchengornis

WeightPigeonWhere found
China

Chaoyangia

from Chaoyang [China]

Early Cretaceous(120-110 MYA)

6 in (15 cm)

PigeonChina

Early Cretaceous(125-120 MYA)

1.6 ft (50 cm)

ChickenChina* Eoconfuciusornis
Jinzhouornis .

[Chinese philosopher]
Confucius's bird
dawn Confuciusornis
Jinzhou [China] bird

Early Cretaceous
Early Cretaceous(136.4-130 MYA)
(125-120 MYA)

6 in (15 cm)
6 in (15 cm)

PigeonPigeon

China
China

Proornispreceding bird

Early Cretaceous(130-125 MYA)?

Pigeon

North Korea

Confuciusornis** Primitive Enantiornithines—Opposite Birds (Chapter 21)
The most diverse group of avialians in the Cretaceous Period is Enantiornithes ("opposite birds"). The ones in the list below are the primitive members of this group.
Name
Meaning
Age
Time
LengthWeight
Where found* Cerebavis

brain bird

Late Cretaceous(99.6-93.5 MYA)?

PigeonRussia* Dalingheornis

Dalinghe [location where it was
Early Cretaceous
found] bird

(125-120 MYA)?

PigeonChina* Elsornis

sand bird

Late Cretaceous(85.8-70.6 MYA)?

ChickenMongolia

Eoalulavis

dawn alula [thumb-feather] bird Early Cretaceous(130-125 MYA)?

PigeonSpain

Sparrow

Spain

PigeonChina

Comments
A close relative of Confuciusornis.
Only the torso, hips, and legs are known. Some skeletons thatwere once thought to be from Chaoyangia are now considered
to be from a different bird, Songlingornis.
Probably the most common Mesozoic dinosaur fossil. Known
from thousands of specimens.
An early relative of Confuciusornis.
A close relative of Confuciusornis.
Not yet studied in detail. The shape of its hand suggests that it
is a close relative of Confuciusornis.

Comments
Known only from a natural cast (solidified infilling) of the brainof a bird.
Has a longer bony tail than most enantiornithines. The oldest
known bird with a foot in which all four toes grasp at different
angles.
Possibly a flightless enantiornithine.
At the time it was discovered, it was the oldest bird known tohave the alula, a special feather on the thumb that helps birds
steer.

Iberomesornis

Spanish Mesozoic bird

Early Cretaceous(130-125 MYA)

8 in (20 cm)
wingspanJibeinia

from Jibei [China]

Early Cretaceous(125-121.6 MYA)?

* Paraprotopteryx

Early Cretaceous(125-120 MYA)

5.1 in (13 cm)

PigeonChina

Early Cretaceous(120-110 MYA)

1.6 ft (50 cm)

ChickenChina

One of the largest Early Cretaceous enantiornithines.

Protopteryx

parallel to Protopteryx
Peng [mythological Chinesebird] bird
first wing

Although sometimes described as similar to Confuciusornis,
this seems to be a more typical toothed enantiornithine.
First Mesozoic avialian known with four long tail feathers.

Early Cretaceous(136.4-130 MYA)

5.1 in (13 cm)

PigeonChina

Sazavisclay bird

Late Cretaceous(93.5-89.3 MYA)?

PigeonUzbekistan

One of the oldest, and most primitive enantiornithines.
Like many of the Bissetky Formation bird species, it is known
from only fragments of bones (in this case, a lower shin).

* Shenqiornis

Shenzhou 7 [third human space
Early Cretaceous
launch from China] bird

(136.4-130 MYA)

1 ft (30 cm)
wingspanPigeonChina* Pengornis* New genus; ** New grouping; ^ New genus name for previously unnamed dinosaur

One of the most primitive enantiornithines.

Known from quite a bit of a skeleton. Its teeth are bulb-shaped,
suggesting it may have fed on more durable food (harderinsects? Shellfish? Seeds?) than other Early Cretaceous birds.

Genus List for Holtz (2007) Dinosaurs

Last updated 1/28/11

20** Primitive Euenantiornithines—Advanced Opposite Birds (Chapter 21)
The more advanced members of the opposite birds belong to the group Euenantiornithes. The birds in the following list are euenantironithines but not clearly members of any of the various subgroups (Avisauridae, Gobipterygidae, orLongipterygidae).
Name
Meaning
Age
Time
LengthWeight
Where foundComments
great-great-grandfather bird
Late Cretaceous(93.5-89.3 MYA)?
PigeonUzbekistan
Known only from isolated shoulder bones.
Abavornis(121.6-110.6MYA)
12 in (30 cm)
ChickenChina
One of the "toothiest" early birds.
Aberratiodontus
unusual teeth
Early Cretaceous
Early Cretaceous(120-110 MYA)?
PigeonChina
A sharp-beaked enantiornithine.
* Alethoalaornis
true winged bird
[American paleontologist] Alex
Late Cretaceous(83.5-70.6 MYA)?
Sparrow
MexicoVery little is known of this bird.
Alexornis[Wetmore]'s bird
Late Cretaceous(93.5-89.3 MYA)?
PigeonUzbekistan
Based on a particularly badly preserved fossil.
Catenoleimus
remainder of a lineage
Late Cretaceous(93.5-65.5 MYA)?
PigeonArgentina
One of many birds found at the El Brete locality.
* Elbretornis
El Brete [locality] bird
Discovery of the South American Enantiornis species revealed
3.3 ft (1 m)
Argentina;
the existence of this important group of Cretaceous birds. The
Enantiornis
opposite bird
Late Cretaceous(93.5-65.5 MYA)
TurkeywingspanUzbekistan
Uzbekistan species may eventually be recognized as belonging
to a new genus.
Despite its name, it does not seem to be particularly closely
Eocathayornis
dawn Cathayomis
Early Cretaceous(121.6-110.6 MYA)?
PigeonChinarelated to Cathayornis (now Sinornis).
Known from several parts of the skeleton, but not yet fully
Explorornis
discoverer bird
Late Cretaceous(93.5-89.3 MYA)?
PigeonUzbekistan
described.
A mid-sized enantiornithine. One of the oldest flying birds of* Flexomornis
flexed shoulder bird
Late Cretaceous(99.6-93.5 MYA)?
Pigeon
Texas
North America.
from Gurilyn Tsav [Mongolia]
Late Cretaceous(70.6-68.5 MYA)?
ChickenMongolia
A relatively large enantiornithine.
Gurilynia(120-110 MYA)
7.9 in (20 cm)
PigeonChina
Known from a nearly complete skeleton.
* Huoshanornis
volcano bird
Early Cretaceous(93.5-89.3 MYA)?
PigeonUzbekistan
Known only from some shoulder bones.
Incolornis
inhabitant bird
Late Cretaceous
Several possible parts of the skeleton from this bird have beenfound, but it is uncertain if they really belong together.

Kuszholia

Milky Way

Late Cretaceous(93.5-89.3 MYA)?

PigeonUzbekistan

Kyzylkumavis

Kyzylkum [Kazakhstan] bird

Late Cretaceous(93.5-89.3 MYA)?

PigeonUzbekistan

Largirostrornis
Lectavislarge-snout bird
Lecho Formation bird
[Russian paleontologist] Lev
Nessov's bird

Early Cretaceous
Late Cretaceous(120-110 MYA)
(70.6-65.5 MYA)?
?

ChickenPigeonChina
Argentina

As with most of the bird fossils discovered in the Bissetky
Formation, only fragments of bones are known (in this case, ahumerus).
One of several long-snouted enantiornithines.
Only partial hind limbs are known.

Late Cretaceous(93.5-89.3 MYA)?

PigeonUzbekistan

Known only from some hip vertebrae.

Liaoxiornis

Liaoxi [China] bird

Early Cretaceous(125-120 MYA)

3 in (7 cm)

Sparrow

China

Longchengornis

Longcheng [China] bird
[American paleornithologist
Larry] Martin's bird

Early Cretaceous(121.6-110.6 MYA)?

PigeonChina
Argentina; France;
New Mexico
Australia; possibly
Mongolia

Lenesornis* Martinavis
Nanantius

Late Cretaceous(72-67 MYA)?

Pigeondwarf Enantiornis

Early to Late
Cretaceous(112-70.6 MYA)?

PigeonNoguerornis

Noguera River [Spain] bird

Early Cretaceous(145.5-128 MYA)?

PigeonSpain

Otogornis

Otog-qi [Inner Mongolia] bird

Early Cretaceous(121.6-110.6 MYA)?

PigeonChina

Sinornis

Chinese bird

Early Cretaceous(120-110 MYA)

5.5 in (14 cm)

PigeonChina

Yungavolucris
Zhyraornis

Yunga [Argentina] bird
Dzhyrakuduk [Uzbekistan] bird

Late Cretaceous
Late Cretaceous(70.6-65.5 MYA)
(93.5-89.3 MYA)?
?

PigeonPigeonArgentina
Uzbekistan** Avisaurids—Advanced Opposite Birds (Chapter 21)
The Avisauridae is one of the most advanced groups within Euenantiornithes.
Name
Meaning
Age

Time

Avisaurus

bird reptile

Late Cretaceous(80-65.5 MYA)

* Bauxitornis

Bauxite [rock type] bird

Late Cretaceous(85.8-83.5 MYA)

Length
3.9 ft (1.2 m)
wingspan
3.9 ft (1.2 m)
wingspan

Concornis

Cuenca Province [Spain] bird

Early Cretaceous(130-125 MYA)

Cuspirostrisornis

pointed-snout bird

Early Cretaceous(120-110 MYA)

One of the smallest known Mesozoic birds, but possibly only ajuvenile of a larger species.
Not much is yet known about this bird.
One of the most widespread fossil avialians.
The Mongolian fossils show that it was toothless, but it likely
belongs to a new genus.
One of several species of enantiornithine known from theCretaceous of Spain.
Known only from the forelimb and shoulder.
The first enantiornithine known from a nearly complete
skeleton. Specimens once called "Cathayornis" have turned
out to be fossils of Sinornis.
Known from a series of feet.
Known only from two sets of hip vertebrae.

Weight

Where found

TurkeyArgentina; Montana

TurkeyHungary

A large avisaurid, related to Avisaurus and Soroavisaurus.

6 in (15 cm)

PigeonSpain

One of the first enantiornithines known from a good skeleton.

?

Chicken

China

Possibly a close relative ot Avisaurus.

* New genus; ** New grouping; ^ New genus name for previously unnamed dinosaur

Comments
Possibly a hunting bird, sort of a enantiornithine equivalent of a
hawk.

Genus List for Holtz (2007) Dinosaurs

Last updated 1/28/11

21* Enantiophoenix

opposite phoenix [mythological
Late Cretaceous
bird](99.6-93.5 MYA)

5.5 in (14 cm)

Sparrow

LebanonHalimornis

marine bird

Late Cretaceous(83.5-80 MYA)?

PigeonAlabama* Intiornis

sun bird

Late Cretaceous(83.5-70.6 MYA)?

Sparrow

Argentina

Neuquenornis

Neuquén Province [Argentina]
bird

Late Cretaceous(86-83 MYA)?

PigeonArgentina

Known from a partial skeleton and eggs with embryos.

Soroavisaurus

sister to Avisaurus

Late Cretaceous(70.6-65.5 MYA)?

ChickenArgentina

Known only from a foot. Named because it seems to be the"sister group" (that is, the closest relative) to true Avisaurus.

** Gobipterygids—Advanced Opposite Birds (Chapter 21)
Gobipterygidae is group of generally small euenantiornithines.
Name
Meaning
Gobi Desert wing
Gobipteryx

Age
Late CretaceousTime(85.8-70.6 MYA)

Length?

WeightPigeonWhere foundMongolia

Comments
Known from a pair of toothless skulls.

Vescornis

Early Cretaceous(125-121.6 MYA)

4.7 in (12 cm)

PigeonChina

Like many enantiornithines, it still had small claws on its wings.

** Longipterygids—Advanced Opposite Birds (Chapter 21)
Longipterygidae is a third group of euenantiornithines.
Name
Meaning

Age

Time

LengthWeight

Where foundBoluochiafrom Boluochi [China]

Early Cretaceous(120-110 MYA)?

PigeonChina

Dapingfangornis

Dapingfang [site in China]
reptileEarly Cretaceous(121.6-110.6 MYA)?

Chicken

China

Eoenantiornis
Longipteryx

dawn Enantiornis
long wing

Early Cretaceous
Early Cretaceous(125-121.6 MYA)
(120-110 MYA)

4 in (10 cm)
5.7 in (14.5 cm)

Sparrow
Pigeon

China
China

Longirostravis

long-snout bird

Early Cretaceous(125-121.6 MYA)

5.7 in (14.5 cm)

PigeonChina* Rapaxavis

grasping bird

Early Cretaceous(120-110 MYA)

7.5 in (19 cm)

PigeonChina* Shanweiniao

fan-tailed bird

Early Cretaceous(125-121.6 MYA)?

PigeonChina

Comments
A toothless member of Enantiornithes. Once thought to be aclose relaitve of Gobipteryx, a new analysis shows it to be alongipterygid.
Known (like most Cretaceous birds) from a crushed specimen.
It has some similarities to Vescornis and others to
Aberratiodontus.
Had a relatively short, blunt snout.
A long-snouted enantiornithine that may have caught fish.
Another long-snouted enantiornithine. May have probed in the
mud to find worms and crustaceans to eat.
One of the best preserved longipterygids, known from anessentially complete skeleton.
Unlike most enantiornithines, this long-snouted genus had afeathered tail-fan (convergent with euornithine birds).

* Not yet officially named

Early Cretaceous(115-105 MYA)?

PigeonChina

Known from a wing and assorted bones. From the same age as
another unnamed enantiornithine and the euornithine Gansus.

* Not yet officially named

Early Cretaceous(115-105 MYA)?

PigeonChina

Known from a wing and assorted bones, but distinct from theunnamed species mentioned above. From the same age as
another unnamed enantiornithine and the euornithine Gansus.

thin [-fingered] bird

One of the first dinosaur fossils from Lebanon.
Found in rocks that were deposited about 50 km off what wasthen the shoreline, showing that at least some enantiornithines
were seabirds.
Only a foot is known. Very similar to Soroavisaurus. Seems tohave been a good percher.

** Primitive Euornithines—Close Relatives of Modern Birds (Chapter 21)
Euronithes ("true birds") is the group of modern birds and all avialians more closely related to them than to enantiornithines. The euornithines in this list are more distantly related to modern birds than are hesperornithines.
Name

Meaning

Age

Time

LengthWeight

Where found* Alamitornis

Los Alamitos Formation bird

Late Cretaceous(80-65.5 MYA)?

Pigeon?

Argentina

Ambiortus

uncertain origin

Early Cretaceous(136.4-125 MYA)?

ChickenMongolia

Archaeorhynchus

ancient beak

Early Cretaceous(125-120 MYA)?

PigeonChinaEurolimnornis

European Limnornis

Early Cretaceous(142-128 MYA)?

PigeonRomania(70.6-65.5 MYA)?

BeaverFrancePossibly the largest bird of the Mesozoic.

(136.4-125 MYA)?

ChickenMongolia

Possibly the same as Ambiortus.

Gargantuavis
Holbotia

Gargantua [mythological French
Late Cretaceous
giant] bird
Early Cretaceousfrom Kholbotu [Mongolia]* New genus; ** New grouping; ^ New genus name for previously unnamed dinosaur

Comments
Only a few parts are known of this tiny bird. It seems to be aclose relative of Patagopteryx.
Its name refers to the fact that it has a mixture of advanced andprimitive features.
Has a broad bill somewhat similar to a duck's.
Only a few parts are known. Thought by some to be an avian;possibly an early relative of Ichthyornis or some other type of
now-extinct bird.

Genus List for Holtz (2007) Dinosaurs

Last updated 1/28/11

22* Hollanda

after the Holland family, whohelped fund the research

Late Cretaceous(85.8-70.6 MYA)?

ChickenMongolia

Hongshanornis

Hongshan [ancient Chinese
culture] bird

Early Cretaceous(125-121.6 MYA)

5.5 in (14 cm)

PigeonChina

Horezmavis

Khorezm [Uzbekistan] bird

Late Cretaceous(93.5-89.3 MYA)?

PigeonUzbekistan

Hulsanpes

Khulsan [Mongolia] footLate Cretaceous(70.6-68.5 MYA)?

ChickenMongolia* Jianchangornis

Jianchang [District] bird

Early Cretaceous(125-120 MYA)?

ChickenChina* Liaoningornis

Liaoning [China] bird

Early Cretaceous(125-120 MYA)?

Sparrow

China

Limenavis

threshold bird

Late Cretaceous(72.8-66.8 MYA)?

PigeonArgentina* Longicrusavis

long shin bird

Early Cretaceous(125-120 MYA)

4.7 in (12 cm)

PigeonChina

Palaeocursornis

ancient running bird

Early Cretaceous(142-128 MYA)?

TurkeyRomania

A fast-running ground bird, perhaps ecologically similar to themodern roadrunner.
Known from a complete skeleton with feather impressions. Hada predentary bone that evolved convergently with that ofornithischians.
Known only from a foot.
Known only from a foot. Originally considered a dromaeosaurid(which it might actually be).
Still has belly ribs (a relatively primitive trait).
One of the first fossil birds found in China. Almost certainly justthe baby of one of the other Chinese bird species.
Known only from a partial wing.
Known from a nearly complete skeleton. Very closely related to
Hongshanornis. As the name implies, it had long legs.

Patagopteryx

Patagonia [Argentina] wing

Late Cretaceous(86-83 MYA)

1.6 ft (50 cm)

TurkeyArgentina

Piksi

big bird

Late Cretaceous(80-72.8 MYA)?

ChickenMontana

Platanavis
Voronasycamore bird
bird
for [British fossil collector J. F.]
Wyley

Late Cretaceous
Late Cretaceous(93.5-89.3 MYA)
(70.6-65.5 MYA)?
?

ChickenPigeonUzbekistan
Madagascar

Known only from a poorly preserved thighbone. Thought bysome to be an early representative of the group containing
modern ostriches and tinamous, but more likely from someother group of extinct birds.
Known from much of a skeleton (although not a complete
skull). An early flightless bird.
From what is known, it seems to be a heavy-bodied groundbird, something like a modern chicken or turkey.
Known from a set of hip vertebrae.
Known only from its legs.

Early Cretaceous(130-125 MYA)?

PigeonEngland

May actually be a non-avian maniraptoran.

** Yanornithiforms—Medium-Sized Chinese Euornithines (Chapter 21)
A recently recognized group of Cretaceous Chinese birds.
Name
Meaning
Age
Songling [Mountains] bird
Early Cretaceous
SonglingornisTime(120-110 MYA)

Length?

WeightSparrow

Where found
China

Yanornis

Yan Dynasty bird

Early Cretaceous(120-110 MYA)

11 in (27.5 cm)

Chicken

China

Yixianornis

Yixian Formation bird

Early Cretaceous(120-110 MYA)

8 in (20 cm)

Chicken

China

Comments
A close relative of Yanornis and Yixianornis.
Ate fish and possibly plants, too. A famous hoax claimed theexistence of Archaeoraptor, whose "skeleton" combined thefront end of a specimen of Yanornis with the back end of a
specimen of the dromaeosaurid Microraptor.
A close relative of Yanornis.

Hesperornithines—Flightless, Toothed Swimming Birds (Chapter 21)
Hesperornithes is the group of toothed swimming birds of the Late Cretaceous.
Name
Age
Meaning
Asian Hesperornis
Late Cretaceous
Asiahesperornis
diving bird
Late Cretaceous
Baptornis
Canadian bird
Late Cretaceous
Canadaga
Coniornis
Cretaceous bird
Late CretaceousTime(85.8-80 MYA)
(87-82 MYA)
(70.6-65.5 MYA)
(80-72.8 MYA)

Length?
3.9 ft (1.2 m)
4.9 ft (1.5 m)?

WeightTurkeyTurkeyBeaverTurkeyWhere foundKazakhstan
KansasNorthwest Territories
Montana

Enaliornis

seabirdLate Cretaceous(99.6-93.5 MYA)?

ChickenEnglandHesperornis

Western bird

Late Cretaceous(87-82 MYA)

4.6 ft (1.4 m)

BeaverJudinornis
Parahesperornis
Pasquiaornis
Potamornis

Yudin's bird
near Hesperornis
Pasquia Hills bird
river bird

Late Cretaceous
Late Cretaceous
Late Cretaceous
Late Cretaceous(70.6-68.5 MYA)
(87-82 MYA)
(99.6-93.5 MYA)
(66.8-65.5 MYA)?
3.9 ft (1.2 m)?
?

Turkey?
TurkeyTurkeyTurkeyWyleyia

Comments
Only some vertebrae and partial legs are known.
A nearly complete skeleton is known.
The last, and largest known, hesperornithine.
Known from vertebrae and shinbones.
Known from fragmentary skeletons. One of the oldest known
hesperornithines, and possibly capable of flying.

Alberta, Manitoba,
Northwest Territories, The best-studied and most commonly discovered
Canada; Kansas,
hesperornithine, known from dozens of skulls and skeletons.
NebraskaMongolia
Incompletely known. Apparently lived in freshwater.
Kansas
A nearly complete skeleton is known.
Saskatchewan
Known from leg bones and one skull bone.
Wyoming
Known from very few bones; apparently lived in freshwater.

* New genus; ** New grouping; ^ New genus name for previously unnamed dinosaur

Genus List for Holtz (2007) Dinosaurs

Last updated 1/28/11** Advanced Euornithines—Closest Relatives of Modern Birds (Chapter 21)
The birds in this list are all more closely related to modern birds than are hesperornithines.
Name
Meaning
Age
Time
Apsara [Buddhist and Hindu
Late Cretaceous(85.8-70.6 MYA)
Apsaravis
female cloud spirits] bird
Gansusfrom Gansu Province [China]

Early Cretaceous

laceornis[American fossil collector E. W.]
Late Cretaceous
Guild's bird
Late Cretaceous
neglected bird

Ichthyornis

fish bird

Guildavis

Late Cretaceous

23

LengthWeight

Where found?

ChickenMongolia(115-105 MYA)?

ChickenChina(87-82 MYA)?

ChickenKansasOnce considered a species of Ichthyornis.

(87-82 MYA)

9.8 in (25 cm)

ChickenKansas(87-82 MYA)

9.8 in (25 cm)

Chicken

Alabama, Kansas

Once considered a species of Ichthyornis.
One of the first fossil birds discovered in North America, andone of the first fossil birds that showed that many Cretaceous
birds still had teeth.

Avians—Modern-Style Birds (Chapter 21)
The genera listed below are members of the group of modern-style birds—Aves—which was present in the Cretaceous Period. All birds alive today are avians.
Name
Age
Time
LengthWeight
Where foundMeaning

Comments
One of the most complete bird fossils of the Late
Cretaceous—sadly, lacking a skull. Very close to true avians.
Known from many skeletons (but not yet a head!). Webbed feetand heavier wings suggest it was a foot-propelled diver, likemodern loons and grebes.

Comments

Anatalavis

duck-winged bird

Late Cretaceous to
Paleogene(66.8-48.6 MYA)?

Chicken

A primitive member of the duck and goose group. The best
fossils are from the Paleogene Period of the Cenozoic Era, but
England; New Jersey
fragmentary fossils from the very end of the Cretaceous Period
in New Jersey seem to belong to an old species of this genus.

Apatornis
Austinornis

deceptive [vertebra] bird
Austin [Texas] bird

Late Cretaceous
Late Cretaceous(87-82 MYA)
(87-82 MYA)?
?

Chicken
ChickenKansas
Texas

Ceramornis

Cretaceous bird

Late Cretaceous(66.8-65.5 MYA)?

ChickenWyoming

Cimolopteryx

Cretaceous wing

Late Cretaceous(80-65.5 MYA)?

ChickenAlberta,
Saskatchewan;
Wyoming

Possibly an early representative of the modem shorebirds.

Gallornis

French bird [also, chicken bird]

Early Cretaceous(145.5-130 MYA)?

ChickenFranceKnown only from fragments of the arm and leg. May notactually be an avian.

Graculavus

cormorant ancestor

Late Cretaceous(66.8-65.5 MYA)?

TurkeyLaornisstone bird

Late Cretaceous(66.8-64 MYA)?

Chicken

New Jersey,
Wyoming
New Jersey

Lonchodytes

Lance Formation diver

Late Cretaceous(66.8-65.5 MYA)?

Chicken.

Wyoming

Neogaeornis

New World bird

Late Cretaceous(70.6-65.5 MYA)?

ChickenChile

Novacaesarealafrom New Jersey

Late Cretaceous to
Paleogene(66.8-64MYA)?

Chicken

New Jersey

Palaeotringa

ancient shore bird

(66.8-64MYA)?

Chicken

New Jersey

A relatively large bird.
One of the last birds of the Age of Dinosaurs.
A single partial foot is the only known specimen; perhaps anearly relative of the modern petrels.
One of the first Cretaceous birds discovered in South America.
A possible close relative of modem loons.
A relative of Torotix, and therefore an early representative of
the group containing, pelicans, frigate birds and cormorants.
Several isolated bones are known, but it is uncertain to whichgroup of modern birds it is most closely related.
A Cretaceous member of the chicken and pheasant group.

Late Cretaceous to
Paleogene
Late Cretaceous
Late Cretaceous to
Paleogene(80-65.5 MYA)?

ChickenAlberta; Wyoming(66.8-64MYA)?

Chicken

New Jersey

Possibly the same as Cimolopteryx.
Possibly a relative of the ancestors of ducks and geese.

Palintropus

backward bender

Telmatomis

marsh bird

Teviornis[Russian paleontologist Victor]
Tereschenko's bird

Late Cretaceous(70.6-68.5 MYA)?

ChickenMongolia

Torotix

flamingo

Late Cretaceous(66.8-65.5 MYA)?

ChickenWyoming

Tytthostonyx

little spur

Late Cretaceous to
Paleogene(66.8-64MYA)?

Chicken

New Jersey

VegavisVega Island [Antarctica] bird

Volgavis

Volga River bird

Not yet officially named

Once thought to be a species of Ichthyornis.
A primitive member of the chicken and pheasant group.
Known only from a shoulder bone, which resembles those ofmodern shorebirds.

Late Cretaceous
Late Cretaceous to
Paleogene
Late Cretaceous(70.6-65.5 MYA)?

ChickenAntarctica(66.8-64 MYA)?

Chicken

Russia(85.8-70.6 MYA)?

PigeonMongolia* New genus; ** New grouping; ^ New genus name for previously unnamed dinosaur

Despite its name, it seems to be an early representative of themodern group of seabirds that contains pelicans, frigate birds,
and cormorants.
Considered by some to be an early member of the major
seabird group that contains albatrosses, petrels, andshearwaters.
A Cretaceous duck.
Possibly an early relative of the modern pelican and frigate birdgroup.
Known only from embryos found in eggs.

Genus List for Holtz (2007) Dinosaurs

Last updated 1/28/11

24** Guaibasaurids--Most Primitive Early Long-Necked Plant-Eating Dinosaurs (Chapter 22)
Recent work shows that the most primitive members of the sauropodomorphs form a single group, Guaibasauridae. These genera are all small (1-2 m long), bipedal, and may have been omnivores rather than herbivores.
Name
Meaning
Age
Time
LengthWeight
Where foundComments
At first it was not certain if this is a dinosaur or just a very close
Agnosphitys
unknown begetter
Late Triassic(216.5-203.6 MYA)
2.3 ft (70 cm)
ChickenEnglandrelative, it is now recognized as a guaibasaurid.
* Chromogisaurus

color land reptile, in reference toLate Triassic
the Painted Valley of Argentina(228-216.5 MYA)

5 ft (1.5 m)

TurkeyArgentina

Only known from a fragmentary skeleton.
Known from many skeletons, this is one of our best view ofwhat early dinosaurs looked like. Long thought to be either avery primitive saurischian (as mentioned in the book) or as aprimitive theropod more closely related to Tawa and theadvanced theropods than to herrerasaurs. A study in early 2011shows it to be a guaibasaurid instead!
A slender early saurischian. Once thought to be anintermediate between sauropodomorphs and theropods, thenas the most primitive true theropod, but now as a primitive
sauropodomorph.

Eoraptor

dawn thief

Late Triassic(228-216.5 MYA)

3.3 ft (1m)

BeaverArgentina

Guaibasaurus

Rio Guaiba [Brazil] reptile

Late Triassic(228-216.5 MYA)

6.6 ft (2 m)

BeaverBrazil* Panphagia

all eater (that is to say,"omnivore")

Late Triassic(228-216.5 MYA)

5 ft (1.5 m)

TurkeyArgentina

One of the most completely-known early sauropodomorphs. Its
head is very similar to that of Eoraptor. It has been interpreted
as an omnivore (as indeed all the guaibasaurids may be).

Saturnalia

Saturnalia [Roman festival]

Late Triassic(228-216.5 MYA)

5 ft (1.5 m)

TurkeyBrazilOne of the most primitive sauropodomorphs. It was discovered
during the festival of Carnival (celebrated in Brazil), so thedescribers decided to name it after a similar ancient festival.

Late Triassic(216.5-203.6 MYA)

5 ft (1.5 m)

TurkeyZimbabwe

An unnamed, and as yet undescribed, relative of Saturnalia.

Comments
A very primitive sauropodomorph, once considered a specimenof Thecodontosaurus.
Sometimes considered a species of Sellosaurus, but newstudies show that it is a distinct, primitive sauropodomorph.

Not yet officially named** Other Primitive Sauropodomorphs—Most Primitive Early Long-Necked Plant-Eating Dinosaurs (Chapter 22)
Primitive sauropodomorphs other than guaibasaurids.
Name
Age
Time
LengthMeaning* Asylosaurus
Efraasia* Ignavusaurus

sanctuary reptile

Late Triassic

for [German paleontologist]
Late Triassic
Eberhard Fraas
coward reptile [after the place it
was found, the name of which
Early Jurassictranslates as "place of thefather of the coward"]

Weight

Where found(203.6-199.6 MYA)

6.9 ft (2.1 m)

WoIf

England(216.5-203.6 MYA)

3.3 ft (1 m)

TurkeyGermany(199.6-196.5 MYA)

4.9 ft (1.5 m)

Wolf

LesothoVery primitive for an Early Jurassic genus. The only known
specimen seems to be only a year old or less, indicating it wasa fast-growing animal.

* Pantydraco

Panty-y-ffynnon [quarry inWales] dragon

Late Triassic(203.6-199.6 MYA)

8.25 ft (2.5 m)

WoIf

Wales

A very primitive sauropodomorph, once considered a specimenof Thecodontosaurus. The best specimen is a juvenile.

Plateosauravus

Plateosaurus ancestor

Late Triassic(228-216.5 MYA)

26.2 ft (8 m)

HorseSouth Africa

The dinosaur fossils that most books call "Euskelosaurus"
actually belong to this genus.

* Pradhania

for [Indian fossil collector
Dhuiya] Pradhan

Early Jurassic(196.5-189.6 MYA)

13.1 ft (4 m)

Lion

India

Known only from fragmentary remains.

Ruehleia

for [German paleontologist
Hugo] Ruehle [von Lilienstern]

Late Triassic(216.5-203.6 MYA)

26.2 ft (8 m)

HorseGermany

Once considered a species of Plateosaurus.

* Seitaadsand monster

Early Jurassic(189.6-183 MYA)

9.2 ft (2.8 m)

Sheep

Utah

Thecodontosaurus

socket-toothed reptile

Late Triassic(203.6-199.6 MYA)

6.9 ft (2.1 m)

WoIf

England* Xixiposaurus

Xixipo [Village] reptile

Early Jurassic(199.6-183 MYA)

13.1ft (4 m)

Lion

China

* New genus; ** New grouping; ^ New genus name for previously unnamed dinosaur

Found buried in an ancient sand dune, indicating that it lived (orat least died) in a desert. It shows similarities to both
Plateosauridae and Massospondylidae.
A very primitive sauropodomorph. Some specimens once
considered to be Thecodontosaurus are now called
Asylosaurus and Pantydraco.
Known from fairly complete material. Uncertain if it is closer toPlateosauridae, Riojasauridae, or Massospondylidae.

Genus List for Holtz (2007) Dinosaurs

Last updated 1/28/11

25** Plateosaurids—Most Primitive Core Prosauropods (Chapter 22)
The most primitive of the "core prosauropod" groups. As with other core prosauropods, they were once thought to have been partially quadrupedal, but new studies show that they were strictly bipeds.
Name
Meaning
Age
Time
LengthWeight
Where foundComments
France; Germany;
The best-studied prosauropod. Known from dozens ofPlateosaurus
broad reptile
Late Triassic(216.5-203.6 MYA)
26.2 ft (8 m)HorseGreenland;
individuals, including complete skulls and skeletons. Several
Switzerland
species are known.
Sellosaurus

saddle [vertebra] reptile

Late Triassic(216.5-203.6 MYA)

21.3 ft (6.5 m)

Grizzly bear

Germany

Possibly just a species of Plateosaurus. Its fossils were mixed
up with those of an even more primitive prosauropod.

Unaysaurus

black-water reptile

Late Triassic(228-203.6 MYA)

8.2 ft (2.5 m)

LionBrazilRecently discovered, it appears to be similar to but smaller than
Plateosaurus.

** Riojasaurids—Largest Core Prosauropods (Chapter 22)
Sauropodomorpha is the group of long-necked plant-eating dinosaurs. The most primitive of these were much smaller than later sauropodomorphs.
Name
Meaning
Age
Time
LengthWeight

Where foundEucnemesaurus

good-shinned reptile

Late Triassic(216.5-203.6 MYA)?

Rhino?

South Africa

Riojasaurus

La Rioja Province [Argentina]
reptileLate Triassic(216.5-203.6 MYA)

32.8 ft (10 m)

Elephant

Argentina** Massospondylids—Long-Necked Core Prosauropods (Chapter 22)
Sauropodomorpha is the group of long-necked plant-eating dinosaurs. The most primitive of these were much smaller than later sauropodomorphs.
Name
Meaning
Age
Time
LengthWeightfar eating reptile, in reference to
Early Jurassic(199.6-175.6 MYA)
6.9 ft (2.1 m)
Wolf* Adeopapposaurus
its very long neckLos Colorados Formation
Late Triassic(216.5-203.6 MYA)
13.1ft (4 m)
LionColoradisaurus[Argentina] reptile

Where foundArgentina
Argentina* Glacialisaurus

icy reptile

Early Jurassic(189.6-183 MYA)

20.3 ft (6.2 m) ?

Horse ?

Antarctica

Lufengosaurus

Lufeng Basin [China] reptile

Early Jurassic(199.6-183 MYA)

20.3 ft (6.2 m)

Horse

China

Massospondylus

elongated vertebrae

Early Jurassic(199.6-183 MYA)

13.1 ft (4 m)

LionLesotho; South
Africa; Zimbabwe

No official genus name; formerly "Gyposaurus" sinensis

Early Jurassic(199.6-183 MYA)

26.2 ft (8 m)

Horse

China

** Near-Sauropods—Advanced Early Long-Necked Plant-Eating Dinosaurs (Chapter 22)
The prosauropods most closely related to sauropods. Some of these could function as either bipeds or quadrupeds; others were quadrupeds only (like the true sauropods).
Name
Meaning
Age
Time
LengthWeight
Where found* Aardonyx

earth claw

Early Jurassic(199.6-196.5 MYA)

21.5 ft (6.5 m)

HorseSouth Africa

Ammosaurus

sandstone reptile

Early Jurassic(189.6-175.6 MYA)

14.1 ft (4.3 m)

LionConnecticut

Anchisaurus

near reptile

Early Jurassic(189.6-175.6 MYA)

7.9 ft (2.4m)

Wolf* Aristosaurus

superior reptile

Early Jurassic(196.5-189.6 MYA)?

?

Connecticut,
Massachusetts
South Africa* Chuxiongosaurus

Chuxiong [City] reptile

Early Jurassic(199.6-183 MYA)

?

Lion?

China

* New genus; ** New grouping; ^ New genus name for previously unnamed dinosaur

Comments
A Riojasaurus-like prosauropod. Includes a femur once thought
to be from a carnivorous dinosaur and given the name
"Aliwalia."
Known from more than twenty individuals. Once considered aclose relative of Melanorosaurus and sauropods; new researchsuggests that it is more closely related to Plateosaurus,
Massospondylus, and "typical" prosauropods.

Comments
Very similar to Massosondylus. Shows good evidence for asmall beak in the front of its snout.
Known from a good adult skull.
Very similar to Lufengosaurus. Found in the same quarry as
Cryolophosaurus.
Once thought to be closely related to either Plateosaurus or
Yunnanosaurus, but now recognized as a massospondylid.
Known from over thirty individuals.
The best-studied prosauropod after Plateosaurus. Known frommany good skulls and skeletons, and now from nests withembryos.
Several skeletons from China are known. It was originallyconsidered a Chinese species of "Gyposaurus" (an invalidname for the dinosaur now called Massospondylus).

Comments
Known from very complete material. Similar to the moreadvanced sauropods in lacking a cheek (and thus able to makebig gulps of food: the "bulk-browsing" method). The mostadvanced sauropodomorph that was still limited to a bipedal
mode of life.
One of the first prosauropods found in North America (alongwith Anchisaurus). Some consider this to be the same genus
as Anchisaurus.
Possibly the same as Ammosaurus.
Known only from the skeleton of a juvenile.
Known from a nearly complete skull. More distantly related tosauropods than is Anchisaurus.

Genus List for Holtz (2007) Dinosaurs

Last updated 1/28/11

26

Eshanosaurus

Eshan County [China] reptile

Early Jurassic(199.6-196.5 MYA)

?

?

China

Some paleontologists consider this fossil—known only from alower jaw— to be from an incredibly early therizinosauroid.

Euskelosaurus

good-legged reptile

Late Triassic(220-210 MYA)

26.2 ft (8 m)

HorseSouth Africa;
Zimbabwe

Actual Euskelosaurus fossils are rare and not well described.
Better fossils once called "Euskelosaurus" are now regarded as
coming from distinct types of dinosaurs: the prosauropod
Plateosauravus and the early sauropod Antetonitrus.

Fulengia

anagram for Lufeng [region in
Yunnan Province, China, where Early Jurassic
discovered](199.6-183 MYA)

3.3 ft (1 m)

TurkeyChina

May simply be a baby Lufengosaurus.

Jingshanosaurus

Jiangshan [China] reptile(199.6-183MYA)

32.8 ft (10 m)

Rhino

China

Don't confuse it with Jiangshanosaurus, a Cretaceous
titanosaur!

(196.5-189.6 MYA)

32.8 ft (10 m)

Rhino

India

Known from the remains of at least four individuals, it will be
one of the most completely known prosauropods when the
study of these fossils are completed.

(2l6.5-189.6 MYA)

32.8 ft (10 m)

Rhino

Lesotho; South Africa Possibly the closest relative to true sauropods.

(216.5-203.6 MYA)

8 in (20 cm) longas a baby

ChickenArgentina(199.6-183 MYA)

13.1 ft (4 m)

LionArizona* Lamplughsaura

Melanorosaurus
Mussaurus

Early Jurassic

for [Pamela] Lamplugh[Robinson, founder of the Indian
Early Jurassic
Statistical Institute, which
discovered the fossils]
Late Triassic to Early
Black Mountain [South Africa]
Jurassic
reptilemouse reptile

Late Triassic

Tawasaurus

Sarah [Butler, who helped funddinosaur exhibits at the
Early Jurassic
University of Texas museum]
reptileEarly Jurassic
Dawa Village [China] reptile(199.6-183 MYA)

3.3 ft (1 m)

TurkeyChina

Yimenosaurus

Yimen County [China] reptile

Early Jurassic(189.6-175.6 MYA)

23 ft (7 m)

Horse

China

Yunnanosaurus

Yunnan Province [China] reptile

Late Triassic to Middle(216.5-167.7 MYA)
Jurassic

23 ft (7 m)

Horse

China

Not yet officially named

Late Triassic(228-216.5 MYA)

32.8 ft (10 m)

Elephant

Lesotho* Not yet officially named

Late Triassic(216.5-203.6 MYA)

23 ft (7 m)?

Horse?

FranceNot yet officially named

Early Jurassic(189.6-175.6 MYA)

6.9 ft (2.1 m)

Wolf

Connecticut^ Sarahsaurus

The original specimen was a tiny hatchling; however, larger
adult fossils are known.
This specimen was once considered to be Massospondylus or
Ammosaurus, but now appears to be a new genus.
Confusingly, it might either be a very primitive sauropodomorph
or very close to the sauropods.
May simply be a baby Lufengosaurus.
Its skull is short and deep, more like those of sauropods thanthose of prosauropods. Known from several skeletons.
Over twenty skeletons are known. Unlike most prosauropods, it
had teeth that were not leaf-shaped but instead more spoonshaped (as in macronarian sauropods). A newly discovered
species is the only prosauropod known to have made it into theMiddle Jurassic.
A large African sauropodomorph, not yet described in thescientific literature.
A Yunnanosaurus-like genus.
Once considered specimens of Anchisaurus (under the nowinvalid name "Yaleosaurus"); these fossils seem to be different
from Anchisaurus and Ammosaurus, and so will need a newname.

** Primitive Sauropods—Early Giant Long-Necked Plant-Eating Dinosaurs (Chapter 23)
Sauropoda is the group of giant, long-necked, four legged sauropodomorphs. The following genera are sauropods that lack the tooth-to-tooth contact that characterizes the advanced group (the eusauropods).
Name
Age
Time
LengthWeight
Where foundComments
Meaning
One of the most primitive known sauropods. Its bones were
Antetonitrus
before the thunder
Late Triassic(220-210 MYA)
40 ft (12.2 m)
Elephant
South Africa
originally cataloged as belonging to the prosauropod
Euskelosaurus.
Named because its teeth resemble those of more primitive
Archaeodontosaurus
ancient-tooth reptile
Middle Jurassic(167.7-164.7 MYA)?
?
Madagascar
prosauropods rather than typical sauropods.
For a long time, thought to be a giant prosauropod, but thisMount Blikana [South Africa]
Blikanasaurus
Late Triassic(220-210 MYA)
16.4 ft (5 m)
LionSouth Africa
form (known from a partial hind limb) seems to be one of thereptileoldest sauropods.
Possibly a giant prosauropod rather than a very early
for Camelot [King Arthur's
Late Triassic(203.6-199.6 MYA)
29.5 ft (9 m)HorseEnglandCamelotia
sauropod.
legendary castle]
Chinshakiang [China] reptile
Early Jurassic(time very uncertain) 29.5 ft (9 m)
Rhino
China
Possibly a large prosauropod rather than a true sauropod.
Chinshakiangosaurus
Two
China
One of the most primitive known sauropods.
Gongxianosaurus
Gongxian County [China] reptile Early Jurassic(199.6-175.6 MYA)
45.9 ft (14 m)
elephants
Two
ThailandA very primitive sauropod.
Isanosaurus
Isan [Thailand] reptile
Late Triassic(210-199.6 MYA)
55.8 ft (17 m)
elephants* New genus; ** New grouping; ^ New genus name for previously unnamed dinosaur

Genus List for Holtz (2007) Dinosaurs

Last updated 1/28/11

Kotasaurus

27

Kota Formation reptile

Early Jurassic(183-175.6 MYA)

29.5 ft (9 m)

Rhino

India

Late Triassic(216.5-203.6 MYA)

32.8 ft (10 m)

Rhino

Argentina

Ohmdenosaurus
Protognathosaurus[American dinosaur writer
Donald] Lessem's reptile
Ohmden [Germany] reptile
first-jaw reptile .

Early Jurassic
Middle Jurassic(183-175.6 MYA)
(167.7-161.2 MYA)

13.1 ft (4 m)?
?

Horse?
?

Germany
China* Spinophorosaurus

spine-bearing reptile

Middle Jurassic?

(175.6-161.2 MYA)

42.9 ft (13 m)

Twoelephants

Niger

Zizhongosaurus

Zizhong County [China] reptile

Early Jurassic(183-175.6 MYA)

29.5 ft (9 m)

Rhino

China

Lessemsaurus

Known from a nearly complete skeleton, which unfortunately
has no skull.
Once considered a giant prosauropod, but more likely a close
relative of Antetonitrus.
First mistakenly thought to be a plesiosaur!
Only a jaw is known.
Probably the most completely-known sauropod from the Middle
Jurassic: two nearly-complete skeletons are known. Had astegosaur-like thagomizer on its tail (rather than theankylosaurid-like tail club of Shunosaurus). Current studies
place it as the closest relative to Eusauropoda, but I wouldn't
be surprised in future studies place it within that group (andeven as a close relative of Shunosaurus).
An early Chinese sauropod. Not to be confused with
Zigongosaurus.

** Vulcanodontids—Primitive Giant Long-Necked Plant-Eating Dinosaurs (Chapter 23)
Among the early sauropods one group that has been recognized is Vulcanodontidae. These primitive forms are more closely related to the eusauropods than the other primitive sauropods. Like the eusauropods, vulcanodontids had toothto-tooth contact and stood with their hands forming a vertical pillar (rather than spreading out their palms, like the hands of near-sauropods and primitive sauropods). A brand new (summer 2008) study names the group of Vulcanodontidae
plus Eusauropoda the Gravisauria ("heavy reptiles").
Name
Meaning
Age
Time
LengthWeight
Where foundComments
Both an adult and a juvenile are known; very similar to
Tazoudasaurus
Tazouda [Morocco] reptile
Early Jurassic(183-175.6 MYA)
29.5 ft (9 m)Elephant
MoroccoVulcanodon of Zimbabwe. The adult is one of the mostcomplete fossils of an early sauropod.
One of the oldest sauropods. Originally, some theropod teeth
Vulcanodon
volcano tooth
Early Jurassic(199.6-196.5 MYA)
21.3 ft (6.5 m)
Rhino
Zimbabwewere thought to come from this plant-eater!
** Primitive Eusauropods—Early Baby-Faced Giant Long-Necked Plant-Eating Dinosaurs (Chapter 23)
The Eusauropoda ("true sauropods") had relatively short rounded ("baby") faces compared to earlier sauropodomorphs, and their hind feet were shorter and squater than those of other dinosaurs (including more primitive sauropods).
Nearly all eusauropods are as big or bigger than an elephant. The genera is the following list are eusauropods but do not seem to belong to any of the more advanced groups: cetiosaurids, turiasaurs, or neosauropods.
Name
Abrosaurus

Meaning
delicate [skull] reptile

Age
Middle Jurassic

Algoasaurus

Algoa Bay [South Africa] reptile

Amygdalodon
AsiatosaurusTime(167.7-161.2 MYA)

Length?

Weight?

Where found
China

Late Jurassic to Early(148-138 MYA)
Cretaceous

29.5 ft (9 m)?

Rhino

South Africaalmond tooth

Middle Jurassic(171.6-167.7 MYA)

39.4 ft (12 m)?

Elephant?

Argentina

Three different individuals, although none complete, are known.

Asian reptile

Early Cretaceous(time very uncertain)?

China; Mongolia

Atlasaurus

Atlas Mountains reptile

Middle Jurassic(167.7-164.7 MYA)

59 ft (18 m)?
Twoelephants

Chebsaurus

teenager dinosaur

Middle Jurassic(time very uncertain)

29.5 ft (9 m)

Rhino

Algeria

Possibly the same dinosaur as Euhelopus.
Known from a nearly complete skeleton; once thought topossibly be an early brachiosaurid.
Named because the specimen was not fully grown. A fairamount of the skeleton is known.

FourelephantsTwoelephants

MoroccoChina

Comments
Very similar to Jobaria.
Known only from very poorly preserved fossils. Significant
because they were among the first sauropod fossils found in
Africa.

One of the largest early sauropods.

Chuanjiesaurus

Chuanjie Village [China] reptile Middle Jurassic(171.6-164.7 MYA)

82 ft (25 m)

Ferganasaurus

Fergana Valley [Kyrgyzstan]
reptileMiddle Jurassic(164.7-161.2 MYA)

45.9 ft (14 m)

Jobaria

after Jobar [mythical Nigerianmonster]

Middle Jurassic(167.7-164.7MYA)

78.7 ft (24 m)

Fourelephants

Niger

Early Cretaceous(time very uncertain)

?

?

China

Early Cretaceous(136.4-120 MYA)?

?

South Korea

A tall-spined form, not yet fully described.

Late Cretaceous(66.8-65.5 MYA)

?

?

China

One of the Iast sauropods of Asia.

39.4 ft (12 m)

Twoelephants

Australia

Known only from the rear half of a skeleton.

* Liubangosaurus
Pukyongosaurus
Qinlingosaurus
Rhoetosaurus[First emporer of Han dynasty]
Liu Bang's reptile
Pukyong National University[South Korea] reptile
Qin Ling Mountains [China]
reptileRhoetus [mythological Greek
giant] reptile

Middle Jurassic(171.6-167.7 MYA)

Kyrgyzstan* New genus; ** New grouping; ^ New genus name for previously unnamed dinosaur

Similar to Jobaria, and therefore possibly a primitive
macronarian.
Known from an excellent skeleton. Once considered a primitive
macronarian, but recent studies suggest it is a far moreprimitive dinosaur. The rocks it came from were originally
thought to have been formed in the Early Cretaceous, but are
now known to be much older.
Very little has been described of this dinosaur so far (only five
tail bones).

Genus List for Holtz (2007) Dinosaurs

Last updated 1/28/11

Shunosaurus

Sichuan [China] reptile

Middle Jurassic* Xianshanosaurus

Xian Mountans [China] reptile

Late Cretaceous
Middle to Late
Jurassic

Not yet officially named
Not yet officially named

Early Jurassic

28(99.6-95.8 MYA)

?

?

China

The best-studied and most completely known early sauropod,
and one of the few with a tail club.
Very little has been described of this dinosaur so far.

(time very uncertain)

?

?

China

Not yet fully described; said to have a Camarasaurus-like skull.

(196.5-189.6 MYA)

36 ft (11 m)

ElephantChina

Not yet fully described, but known from relatively completematerial. One of the most primitive eusauropods.

(167.7-161.2MYA)

28.5 ft (8.7 m)

Elephant

China** Primitive Cetiosaurids—Primitive Whale Dinosaurs (Chapter 23)
Recent studies show that the following genera--plus the mamenchisaurines--together form a single clade, whose name would be "Cetiosauridae". It will be interesting to see if future analyses support this new idea. The name
"Cetiosauridae" means "whale reptiles"; the first discovered one was thought to be a giant seagoing crocodile the size of a whale.
Name
Meaning
Age
Time
LengthWeight
Where foundComments
The most completely known Early Jurassic sauropod, but,
Two
India
Barapasaurus
big-leg reptile
Early Jurassic(199.6-175.6 MYA)
60 ft (18.3 m)
sadly, no one has yet found the skull.
elephants
The first named sauropod, once thought to be a giant seagoing
Two
England
Cetiosaurus
whale reptile
Middle Jurassic(171.6-164.7 MYA)
45.9 ft (14 m)
crocodile.
elephants
Over a dozen specimens of different ages (from juveniles toTwoArgentina
Patagosaurus
Patagonia [Argentina] reptile
Middle Jurassic(164.7-161.2 MYA)
49.2 ft (15 m)
adults) are known.
elephants
Two
An Omeisaurus-like sauropod, found with hexagonal (six-sided)Tehuelche [Native Argentine
Late Jurassic(155.7-145.5 MYA)
39.4 ft (12 m)
Argentina
Tehuelchesaurus
people] reptile
elephants
scale impressions.
** Mamenchisaurines—Chinese Ultralong-Necked Whale Dinosaurs (Chapter 23)
In at least some analyses, these sauropods were found to be a subgroup within Cetiosauridae. Some paleontologists consider Euhelopus to be part of this group (in which case it would properly be called "Euhelopinae"); however, otheranalysis show Euhelopus is a closer relative of brachiosaurids and titanosaurs.
Name
Meaning
Age
Time
LengthWeight
Where foundComments
Two
China
Possibly a primitive diplodocoid.
Datousaurus
chieftain reptile
Middle Jurassic(167.7-161.2 MYA)
45.9 ft (14 m)
elephants* Eomamenchisaurus

dawn Mamenchisaurus

Middle Jurassic(time very uncertain)?

Hudiesaurus

butterfly [vertebrae] reptile

Late Jurassic(150.8-145..5MYA)

65.6 ft (20 m)?

Mamenchisaurus

Mamenchi Ferry [China] reptile Late Jurassic(161.2-155.7 MYA)

85.3 ft (26 m)

Omeisaurus

Mount Emei [China] reptile

Middle to Late
Jurassic(167.7-155.7 MYA)

49.2 ft (15 m)?
Twoelephants
ThreeelephantsTwoelephants

China

An early mamenchisaurine: possibly the same species alreadydescribed as "Yuanmousaurus" (found at the same location).

China

Known from a complete forelimb, a vertebra, and four teeth.

China

Possessed one of the longest necks known among dinosaurs.

China

A long-necked sauropod, possibly a close relative ofMamenchisaurus.

Late Jurassic(161.2-155.7 MYA)

39.4 ft (12 m)

Elephant

China

A Mamenchisaurus-like dinosaur.

* Tonganosaurus

Heavenly Mountains [China]
reptileTong'an Town [China] reptile

Early Jurassic(199.6-175.6 MYA)

China

Yuanmousaurus

Yuanmou [China] reptile

Middle Jurassic(time very uncertain)

Zigongosaurus

Zigong City [China] reptile?
?
49.2-65.6 ft (15-20
?
m)
?
?
Two
65.6 ft (20 m)?
elephants

Yet another possible mamenchisaurine from China.
A large early sauropod, with traits of Omeisaurus, Euhelopus,
and Patagosaurus.
Shares some traits with Omeisaurus and Mamenchisaurus.
One or more species once considered types of Omeisaurus but
which may be one or more new genera.

Tienshanosaurus* Not yet officially named

Middle Jurassic(167.7-161.2 MYA)

Middle Jurassic(167.7-161.2 MYA)

China
China
China

Two
elephants

China** Turiasaurs—European Giant Long-Necked Plant-Eating Dinosaurs (Chapter 23)
First recognized only in December 2006, a group of European sauropods from the Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous.
Name
Age
Time
LengthMeaning

Weight

Where foundCardiodon

heart tooth

Middle Jurassic?

?

EnglandGalveosaurus

Galve [Spain] reptile

Late Jurassic to Early(150.8-140.2 MYA)
Cretaceous

45.9 ft (14 m)

Twoelephants

Spain* Not yet officially named

Late Jurassic(161.2-155.7 MYA)

(167.7-164.7 MYA)

65.6 ft (20 m)?

* New genus; ** New grouping; ^ New genus name for previously unnamed dinosaur

One or more species once considered types ofMamenchisaurus but which may be one or more new genera.

Comments
Known from a single tooth, sometimes considered as comingfrom Cetiosaurus. A new study of Cetiosaurus showed it was
distinct from Cardiodon.
A Cetiosaurus-like dinosaur. Two teams of paleontologists
wound up describing these fossils with slightly different names
at just about the same time, so there is a debate whether thisshould be called "Galveosaurus"or "Galvesaurus "Genus List for Holtz (2007) Dinosaurs

Last updated 1/28/11

29

Losillasaurus

Losilla [Spain] reptile

Late Jurassic to Early(150.8-140.2 MYA)
Cretaceous

?

?

Spain

Oplosaurus

armored reptile

Early Cretaceous?

?

England* Turiasaurus

Turia [ancient name for place in
Late Jurassic to Early(150.8-140.2 MYA)
Spain where it was discovered]
Cretaceous
reptile99 ft (30 m)

Fourelephants

Spain(130-125 MYA)

Once thought to be either a primitive diplodocoid or a primitive
macronarian instead.
Known from a tooth, originally thought to be from anankylosaur.
The largest dinosaur known from Europe.

** Primitive Neosauropods—Early Advanced Giant Long-Necked Plant-Eating Dinosaurs (Chapters 23-5)
The Neosauropoda ("new sauropods") mostly fall into either the diplodocoids or the macronarians. These genera seem to be neosauropods, but cannot yet be placed in one of the two major groups.
Name
Meaning
Age
Time
LengthWeight
Where foundComments
Some paleontologists consider it to be a close relative of longTwo
Cetiosauriscus
like Cetiosaurus
Middle Jurassic(164.7-161.2 MYA)
49.2 ft (15 m)
Englandnecked Omeisaurus and Mamenchisaurus; traditionally thoughtelephants
to be a primitive diplodocoid.
Has been considered a primitive diplodocoid, a Cetiosaurus
Three
Colorado, Wyoming
Haplocanthosaurus
simple-spined reptile
Late Jurassic(155.7-150.8 MYA)
70.5 ft (21.5 m)
relative, or a primitive macronarian.
elephants
strange Poseidon [Greek god of
Early Cretaceous(145.5-136.4 MYA)?
?
EnglandKnown only from a very peculiar vertebra.
Xenoposiedon
earthquakes]
Once considered a species of Cetiosauriscus. One of the
Two
Switzerland
No official genus name; formerly "Ornithopsis" greppini
Late Jurassic(150.8-145.5 MYA)
49.2 ft (15 m)?
bones preserves fossilized cartiliage!
elephants?
Primitive Diplodocoids—Early Whip-Tailed Dinosaurs (Chapter 24)
The following dinosaurs are diplodocoids, but they are not members of the gigantic Diplodocidae, the tall-spined Dicraeosauridae, or the wide-snouted Rebbachisauridae.
Name
Meaning
Age
Time
LengthWeight
Where found
Early Cretaceous(118-110 MYA)?
?
BrazilAmazonsaurus
Amazon River reptile

Comments
Possibly a dicraeosaurid, possibly a rebbachisaurid.

Amphicoeliasbiconcave [vertebra]

Late Jurassic(155.7-150.8 MYA)

147.6 ft (45 m)?

Eighteen
elephants?

Colorado, Montana

A primitive diplodocoid, and (if measurements from a specimen
now lost are correct) one of the largest dinosaurs known.

* Australodocus

southern beam

Late Jurassic(155.7-150.8 MYA)

68.9 ft (21 m)?

Twoelephants?

Tanzania

From the same location as Tornieria, but a shorter-neckedform.

Dinheirosaurus

Porto Dinheiro [Portugal] reptile Late Jurassic(153-148 MYA)?

Elephant

Portugal

May actually be a diplodocid.

Dyslocosaurus

hard-to-place reptile

Late Jurassic(155.7-150.8 MYA)

59 ft (18 m)?

Elephant

Wyoming

Dystrophaeus

coarse joint

Late Jurassic(155.7-150.8 MYA)?

Elephant

Utah

Middle Jurassic(167.7-164.7 MYA)?

?

England

No official genus name; formerly "Cetiosaurus" glymptonensis

Originally recorded as coming from the end of the Late
Cretaceous.
The first sauropod named from North America, but very poorly
known.
Possibly the oldest diplodocoid.

** Apatosaurines—Giant Whip-Tailed Dinosaurs (Chapter 24)
Diplodocidae include the longest of all dinosaurs. There are two major branches: Apatosaurinae and Diplodocinae. Both groups produced tremendously large species.
Name
Meaning
Age
Time
LengthWeight
Where foundApatosaurus

deceptive [chevron] reptile

Late Jurassic(155.7-150.8 MYA)

85.3 ft (26 m)

Fourelephants

Eobrontosaurus

dawn thunder reptile

Late Jurassic(155-7-150.8 MYA)

68.9 ft (21 m)

Threeelephants

Supersaurus

super reptile

Late Jurassic(155.7-150.8 MYA)

112 ft (34 m)

Fourelephants

Suuwassea

first thunder heard in spring

Late Jurassic(155.7-150.8 MYA)

68.9 ft (21 m)

Fourelephants** Diplodocines—Giant Whip-Tailed Dinosaurs (Chapter 24)
Diplodocids include the longest of all dinosaurs.
Name
Meaning

Age

Time

LengthBarosaurus

Late Jurassic(155.7-150.8MYA)

85.3 ft (26 m)

heavy reptile

WeightTwoelephants

Comments
Includes the species formerly called "Brontosaurus". The mostColorado, Wyoming, heavily built diplodocid. Some isolated vertebrae hint that it
Utah, Oklahoma
may be even bigger than stated here: in fact, it might regain its
place as one of the largest dinosaurs!
Once considered a species of Apatosaurus (and also
Wyoming
Camarasaurus).
Once considered just a very old individual Barosaurus or
Colorado
Diplodocus. Study of a new specimen nicknamed "Jimbo"
shows that it was more closely related to Apatosaurus.
Montana

Has some features that are more like those of dicraeosaurids.

Where foundComments

Utah, South Dakota

The longest-necked Jurassic dinosaur of North America.

* New genus; ** New grouping; ^ New genus name for previously unnamed dinosaur

Genus List for Holtz (2007) Dinosaurs

Last updated 1/28/11

Diplodocus

double beam [chevron]

Late Jurassic(155.7-150.8 MYA)

99 ft (30 m)

Fourelephants

Tornieria

for [German paleontologist
Gustav] Tornier

Late Jurassic(155.7-150.8 MYA)

85.3 ft (26 m)?

Twoelephants

Dicraeosaurids—Tall-Spined Whip-Tailed Dinosaurs (Chapter 24)
These dinosaurs had extremely short necks for sauropods and very tall spines on their backs.
Name
MeaningAgeTime
La Amarga Creek [Argentina]
Early Cretaceous(130-120MYA)
Amargasaurus
reptileshort-necked shepherd god
Late Jurassic(155.7-150.8 MYA)
Brachytrachelopan
Dicraeosaurus

bifurcated [neural spine] reptile Late Jurassic(155.7-150.8 MYA)

Rebbachisaurids—Lawnmower Dinosaurs (Chapter 24)
The recently discovered dinosaurs in Rebbachisauridae were the most specialized diplodocoids.
Name
MeaningAgeTimevulture roost [locality where
Late Cretaceous(99.6-93.5 MYA)
Cathartesaura
reptilediscovered][Sierra de la] Demanda [range]
Early Cretaceous(130-120 MYA)
^ Demandasaurus
reptile30

Colorado, Montana,
New Mexico,
Wyoming, Utah

One of the best-known, best-studied dinosaurs. The dinosaur
previously called "Seismosaurus" is just a very large, very old
grown-up Diplodocus; thus Diplodocus is one of the longest of
all dinosaurs. Typical Diplodocus skeletons are only about twoelephants heavy.

Tanzania

Considered by some to be an African species of Barosaurus.

LengthWeight

Where foundComments

39.4 ft (12 m)

Rhino

Argentina

Has very tall neural spines on the neck, back, and hips.

32.8 ft (10 m)

Rhino

Argentina

One of the smallest, and shortest-necked, sauropods.

45.9 ft (14 m)

Elephant

Tanzania

The most completely known dicraeosaurid.

LengthWeight

Where foundComments?

?

Argentina

Only a few parts have been described at present.

49.2 ft (15 m)

Elephant

SpainHistriasaurus

Istria [Croatia] reptile

Early Cretaceous(136.4-125 MYA)?

?

Croatia

Limaysaurus

Rio Limay Group reptile

Late Cretaceous(99.6-97 MYA)?

?

Argentina

Nigersaurus

Niger reptile

Early Cretaceous(118-110 MYA)

49.2 ft (15 m)

Elephant

Niger[Romanian paleontologist
Franz] Nopcsa's vertebra
Rayoso Formation reptile
Ait Rebbach [Berber tribe of
Morocco] reptile

Late Cretaceous(89.3-85.8 MYA)?

Elephant

Argentina

Early Cretaceous(117-100 MYA)?

Argentina

Early Cretaceous(112-99.6 MYA)

65.6 ft (20 m)?
Twoelephants

Zapala City [Argentina] reptile

Early Cretaceous(130-120 MYA)?

?

Argentina

Early Cretaceous(136.4-125 MYA)?

?

England* Nopcsaspondylus
Rayososaurus
Rebbachisaurus
Zapalasaurus* Not yet officially named

MoroccoWhat is known is very similar to, but less specialized than,Nigersaurus.
The first dinosaur named from the little central European nationof Croatia.
Known from several individuals, including one 80 percent
complete.
Several specimens are known, including the best skull materialof a rebbachisaurid. With 600 teeth, it had the most teeth
known in any saurischian.
One of the last rebbachisaurids (and thus one of the last
diplodocoids).
A relatively primitive rebbachisaurid.
The largest known rebbachisaurid, with tall neural spines (1.5m tall).
Just named in 2006, and known from vertebrae. Originallyconsidered a primitive diplodocoid.
A close relative of Nigersaurus.

Primitive Macronarians—Early Big-Nosed Dinosaurs (Chapter 25)
Macronaria is a group of sauropods with extremely large nasal regions. These genera are macronarians but not members of the advanced groups Brachiosauridae or Titanosauria.
Name
Meaning
Age
Time
LengthWeight
Where foundComments
Two
FrancePossibly a more primitive form of eusauropod.
Aepisaurus
high reptile
Early Cretaceous(125-112 MYA)
49.2 ft (15 m)
elephants
TwoSpain
A Camarasaurus-like species.
Aragosaurus
Aragon [Spain] reptile
Early Cretaceous(130-125 MYA)
59 ft (18 m)
elephants
Known from teeth, the skeleton of a juvenile, and some bones
Three
Astrodonstar tooth
Early Cretaceous(118-110MYA)
49.2 ft (15 m)
Marylandof a large adult. Includes fossils originally called
elephants"Pleurocoelus".
Little is known of the skeleton, but it appears to be a mediumBaotianman [Nature Preserve]
Late Cretaceous(time very uncertain) ?
?
China* Baotianmansaurus
sized sauropod.
reptileLate Jurassic(161.2-155.7 MYA)
16.4 ft (5 m)
Horse
China
Known from parts of at least seventeen juvenile sauropods.
Bellusaurus
fine reptile
Known from various bones and teeth. A good skeleton fromThree
Bothriospondylus
furrowed vertebrae
Late Jurassic(161.2-150.8 MYA)
65.9 ft (20.1 m)?
England; France
France has been discovered, but has not yet been fully studied.
elephants
Often considered a brachiosaurid.
Camarasaurus

chambered [vertebrae] reptile

Late Jurassic(155.7-150.8 MYA)

59 ft (18 m)

Twoelephants

Colorado, Wyoming,
The most common dinosaur of the Late Jurassic of NorthUtah, Montana, New
America.
Mexico* New genus; ** New grouping; ^ New genus name for previously unnamed dinosaur

Genus List for Holtz (2007) Dinosaurs

Last updated 1/28/11

Cedarosaurus

Cedar Mountain Formation
reptileEarly Cretaceous(13 0-125 MYA)?

?

Chondrosteosaurus

cartilage-boned reptile

Early Cretaceous(130-125 MYA)

59 ft (18 m)?

Daanosaurus

Da'an [China] reptile
Dashanpu [township in China]
reptileterrible beam

Late Jurassic(time very uncertain)?

Middle Jurassic(167.7-161.2MYA)

59 ft (18 m)?

(125-99.6 MYA)?

Twoelephants?
?
Twoelephants?
?

(time very uncertain)?

* Dashanpusaurus
Dinodocus
ErketuEarly Cretaceous
Later Early
Erketu [Mongolian creator-god]
Cretaceous

31

Utah
EnglandKnown only from vertebrae.

China

EnglandKnown from the remains of a juvenile dinosaur.
Apparently a relatively complete skeleton, but not yet fully
described.
Known only from teeth.

?

Mongolia

A long-necked sauropod, possibly a relative of Euhelopus.

China

England

A very long-necked sauropod thought by some to be closely
related to Mamenchisaurus or Omeisaurus and by others to thetitanosaurs.
One of the smallest sauropods. Lived on an island in what is
now Germany.
Incompletely known, but appears to be close to Euhelopus,
Brachiosauridae, and Titanosauria.
A newly discovered Chinese titanosaur-relative.
Two species have been named, but only from limited skeletalmaterial. Had a very deep chest.
A giant sauropod from the end of the Age of Dinosaurs in India,
once thought to be a species of Antarctosaurus.
First thought to be a species of Apatosaurus, then
Camarasaurus.
Often included in the (younger) genus Bothriospondylus.

China

May be an adult Bellusaurus.

?

EnglandKnown only from two back vertebrae. Once thought to comefrom a gigantic flightless pterodactyl (before sauropods werediscovered to be dinosaurs)!

39.4 ft (12 m)

Elephant

China

Originally described as the first brachiosaurid of Asia, but more
recent studies place it closer to Erketu and Euhelopus.

(125-112 MYA)

55.8 ft (17 m)

Twoelephants

Spain

Seems to be intermediate between Camarasaurus andBrachiosauridae in shape, where known. A close relative ofVeneosaurus.

Late Jurassic(155.7-150.8 MYA)?

Twoelephants

Tanzania

A heavily built dinosaur known only from vertebrae. May be thesame dinosaur as the titanosaur Janenschia.

Early Cretaceous(118-110 MYA)

?

?

Utah

Known from both juveniles and adults.

Euhelopus

true marsh footLate Jurassic(155.7-148 MYA)

39.4 ft (12 m)

Elephant

China

Europasaurus

Europe reptile

Late Jurassic(155.7-150.8 MYA)

20.3 ft (6.2 m)

Horse

Germany* Fukuititan

Fukui Prefecture [Japan] giant

Early Cretaceous(130-125 MYA)?

* Fusuisaurus

Fusui County [China] reptile

Early Cretaceous(118-110MYA)?

* Huanghetitan

Yellow River [China] titan

Late Cretaceous(time very uncertain)?

Jainosaurus[Indian paleontologist Sohan
Lal] Jain's reptile

Late Cretaceous(70.6-65.5 MYA)

70.5 ft (21.5 m)

Lourinhasaurus

Lourinha [Portugal] reptile

Late Jurassic(153-148 MYA)

55.8 ft (17 m)

Middle Jurassic(171.6-164.7 MYA)?

Late Jurassic(161.2-155.7 MYA)

55.8 ft (17 m)

Marmarospondylus

marble vertebrae

Klamelisaurus

Klameli [China] reptile

Ornithopsis

bird-looking [vertebrae]

Early Cretaceous(130-125 MYA)?

* Qiaowanlong

bridge over the bend in thestream dragon

Early Cretaceous(125-99.6 MYA)

* Tastavinsaurus

wine taster reptile [so called
because it was found in a wineEarly Cretaceous
growing region near Rio
Tastavins, the "Wine-TasterRiver"]

Tendaguria

from Tendaguru Hill [Tanzania].

Probably a close relative of Astrodon.

Twoelephants?
?
Threeelephants?
Threeelephants?
Twoelephants?
Twoelephants

Japan
China
China
India
Portugal

Poison Strip Member [area of
Cedar Mountain Formation]
reptilefor [Argentine paleontologist
Volkheimeria
Wolfgang] Volkheimer
No official genus name; formerly "Ornithopsis" leedsii

Middle Jurassic(164.7-161.2 MYA)

29.5 ft (9 m)Rhino

Argentina

Possibly a more primitive form of eusauropod.

Middle Jurassic(164.7-161.2 MYA)?

?

England

Not yet officially named

Late Jurassic(155.7-150.8 MYA)?

?

FranceNo official genus name; formerly "Ornithopsis" eucamerotus
Not yet officially named

Early Cretaceous
Early Cretaceous(130-125 MYA)
(time very uncertain)

?
?

?
?

EnglandChina

Known from vertebrae and fragments of rib and hip bones.
Known from fragmentary remains since 1885. May be similar to
Camarasaurus.
Known only from fragmentary material
A very large sauropod.

LengthWeight

Where found

60 ft (18.3 m)

Twoelephants

Utah

Venenosaurus

Brachiosaurids—Long-Armed Big-Nosed Dinosaurs (Chapter 25)
Macronarians with very long necks and long arms, Brachiosauridae includes some of the largest dinosaurs.
Name
Meaning
AgeTime* Abydosaurus

Abydos [City in ancient Egypt inwhich the severed head of the Early Cretaceous
god Osiris was buried] reptile(112-99.6 MYA)

* New genus; ** New grouping; ^ New genus name for previously unnamed dinosaur

Comments
While most sauropods are known from bodies but only
fragments of skulls, Abydosaurus is known from four excellent
skulls but only fragments of the body. Despite living tens of
millions of years after Giraffatitan and Brachiosaurus, its skull isvery similar to these dinosaurs.

Genus List for Holtz (2007) Dinosaurs

Last updated 1/28/11

Brachiosaurus

arm reptile

Late Jurassic(155.7-150.8 MYA)

85.3 ft (26 m)^ Duriatitan

giant of Dorset

Late Jurassic(155.7-150.8 MYA)

82 ft (25 m)?

Giraffatitan

giant giraffe

Late Jurassic(155.7-150.8 MYA)

85.3 ft (26 m)

Lusotitan

Portuguese giant

Late Jurassic

150.8-145.5MYA)?

^ Paluxysaurus

Paluxy River [Texas] reptile

Early Cretaceous(125-112 MYA)

60 ft (18.3 m)

Pelorosaurus

gigantic reptile

Early Cretaceous(140.2-125 MYA)

78.7 ft (24 m)

Sauroposeidon

reptile of Poseidon [Greek godof seas and earthquakes]

Early Cretaceous(118-110 MYA)

98.4 ft (30 m)

Sonorasaurus

Sonora Desert [Arizona] reptile Early Cretaceous(105-99.6 MYA)

49.2 ft (15 m)

No official genus name; formerly "Pleurocoelus" valdensis

Early Cretaceous(130-125 MYA)?

Not yet officially named

Early Cretaceous(130-125 MYA)

78.7 ft (24 m)* No official genus name; formerly "Brachiosaurus" nougaredi

Early Cretaceous(112-99.6 MYA)?

Six elephants

32

Colorado, Utah;
Tanzania

For many decades, this was the largest known dinosaur.

Known from a large (1.5 m), slender humerus. Once
considered a species of Cetiosaurus (Cetiosaurus
humerocristatus).
Considered a species of Brachiosaurus by mostSix elephants Tanzania; Argentina?
paleontologists.
Originally thought to be a Portuguese species of?
Portugal .
Brachiosaurus.
Possibly closely related to Cedarosaurus. Once considered to
Two
Texas
be Astrodon.
elephants
Five
England
Similar to the larger Brachiosaurus.
elephants
A gigantic sauropod. When its neck is fully known, it will
Eight
Oklahomaprobably surpass that of Mamenchisaurus.
elephants
Three
Arizona
A small, poorly preserved sauropod.
elephants?
EnglandKnown from teeth and vertebrae.
Five
England
A giant brachiosaurid from the Isle of Wight.
elephants
Five
Algeria
A poorly studied giant brachiosaurid from northern Africa.
elephants
Fourelephants?

EnglandPrimitive Titanosaurs— Early Wide-Bodied Big-Nosed Dinosaurs (Chapter 25)
Titanosaurs were characterized by wide bodies. New discoveries are giving us more information about their diversity. Within Titanosauria are many subgroups, whose exact relationships with each other will change as more fossils arestudied. The dinosaurs in this list do not seem to belong to any of the various advanced groups (which together form the Eutitanosauria, or "true titanosaurs") or have not been studied well enough to clearly place them in the titanosaur
family tree.
Name
Meaning
Age
Time
LengthWeight
Where foundComments
Amarga Formation [Argentina]
Amargatitanis
Early Cretaceous(130-120MYA)?
?
Argentina
Only a few parts have been discovered.
titan
A primitive titanosaur with similarities to the (much larger)
Two
Argentina
Andesaurus
Andes Mountains reptile
Late Cretaceous(99.6-97 MYA):
59 ft (18 m)
Argentinosaurus.
elephants
Only a few vertebrae are known, which resemble those of
Arkhara [Village in Russia] road
Late Cretaceous(70.6-65.5 MYA)?
?
Russia* Arkharavia
Chubutisaurus.
reptileThe largest dinosaur from Australia. A good skeleton is known,
Two
Australia
Austrosaurus
southern reptile
Early Cretaceous(112-99.6 MYA)
65.6 ft (20 m)?
but is not yet described in detail.
elephants?
* Balochisaurus

Balochi [tribe of Pakistan] reptile Late Cretaceous(70.6-65.5 MYA)?

* Barrosasaurus[Sierra] Barrosa [locality] reptile Late Cretaceous(85.8-70.6 MYA)?

Baurutitan

Bauru Group [Brazil] giant(83.5-65.5 MYA)?

Late Cretaceous?

Pakistan

Known from a partial snout and some isolated tail bones.

Threeelephants?
?

Argentina

Known only from three back vertebrae.

BrazilKnown from hip and tail vertebrae.

* Brohisaurus

Brohi [tribe of Pakistan] reptile

Late Jurassic(155.7-150.8 MYA)?

?

Pakistan

One of the first dinosaurs discovered in Pakistan, and one of
the few Late Jurassic dinosaurs from the Indian subcontinent.

Campylodoniscus

bent tooth

Late Cretaceous(72.8-66.8 MYA)?

?

Argentina

Only an upper jaw is known. Has more primitive teeth than the
typical sauropods (titanosaurs) with which it lived.

Chubutisaurus

Chubut Province [Argentina]
reptileLate Cretaceous(89.3-65.5 MYA)

75.5 ft (23 m)

Fourelephants

Argentina

One of the most primitive titanosaurs.

* Daxiatitan

Daxia [a branch of the Yellow
River] giant

Early Cretaceous(115-105 MYA)

75.5 ft (23 m)?

Fourelephants?

China^ Dongbeititan[Chinese paleontologist] Dong
[Zhiming]'s titan

Early Cretaceous(125-120 MYA)

?

?

China
China

* Dongyangosaurus

Dongyang City [China] reptile

Late Cretaceous(99.6-85 MYA)

49.2 ft (15 m)?

Twoelephants

Gobititan

Gobi Desert giant

Early to Late
Cretaceous(112-93.5 MYA)

?

?

China

Hypselosaurus

high reptile

Late Cretaceous(70.6-65.5 MYA)

39.4 ft (12 m)

Twoelephants

France* New genus; ** New grouping; ^ New genus name for previously unnamed dinosaur

Only poorly known at present, a giant very long-necked form.
Originally considered similar to Euhelopus and Huanghetitan,
but its femur suggests that it had a wide stance, and thus is
more likely a true titanosaur.
Known from the same formation as many of the featheredcoelurosaur specimens.
One of several newly discovered Chinese titanosaurs.
Known from tail and leg bones similar to those of
Tangvayosaurus.
One of the last sauropods of Europe. Eggs and nests of atitanosaur from France are thought to come Hypselosaurus.

Genus List for Holtz (2007) Dinosaurs

Last updated 1/28/11

33

Iuticosaurus

Jutes [ancient people of the Isle
Early Cretaceous
ot Wight] reptile(130-125 MYA)

49.2 ft (15 m)

Twoelephants

EnglandPoorly known but definitely titanosaurian.

Janenschia

for [German paleontologist
Werner] Janensch

Late Jurassic(155.7-150.8 MYA)?

Twoelephants

Tanzania

A heavily built sauropod known only from limb bones. May be
the same dinosaur as Tendaguria. The oldest known
titanosaur.

Jiangshanosaurus

Jiangshan [China] reptile

Early Cretaceous(112-99.6 MYA)

?

?

China

Features of its shoulder girdle show it to be a titanosaur. Don't
confuse it with the older prosauropod Jingshanosaurus.

Jiutaisaurus

Jiutai Village [China] reptile

Early Cretaceous(125-112 MYA)

?

?

China

Known only from a series of tail vertebrae.

Karongasaurus

Karonga District [Malawi] reptile Early Cretaceous(time very uncertain)?

Elephant

MalawiKnown only from jaws and teeth.

* Khetranisaurus

Khetran [tribe of Pakistan]
reptile(70.6-65.5 MYA)?

?

Pakistan

Only known from some isolated tail bones.

Argentina

Once considered a species of Titanosaurus.

Laplatasaurus
Lapparentosaurus
Ligabuesaurus

La Plata [Argentina] reptile[French paleontologist Albertde] Lapparent's reptile[Italian dinosaur hunter
Giancarlo] Ligabues reptile

Late Cretaceous
Late Cretaceous(72.8-66.8 MYA)

59 ft (18 m)

Threeelephants

Middle Jurassic(167.7-164.7 MYA)?

?

Madagascar

Closely related, if not ancestral, to Brachiosaurus.

Early Cretaceous(117-100 MYA)?

?

Argentina

Its long forelimbs are like those of Brachiosaurus.

Macrurosaurus

long-tailed reptile

Late Cretaceous(99.6-93.5 MYA)

39.4 ft (12 m)

Elephant

England* Malarguesaurus

Malargue [Department of
Mendoza Province] reptile

Late Cretaceous(93.5-85.8 MYA)

?

Three
elephants?

Argentina* Marisaurus

Mari [tribe of Pakistan] reptile

Late Cretaceous(70.6-65.5 MYA)?

?

PakistanBrazilKnown from various parts of the skeleton. At least some of thebones are from a titanosaur, but others might be from adifferent type of sauropod.
A robust sauropod, closely related to Ligabuesaurus andPhuwiangosaurus.
Known from a partial skull, some vertebrae, some ribs, andsome limb bones.
One of Brazil's largest known dinosaurs. Possibly anemegtosaurid, antarctosaurid, or saltasaurid.

Maxakali [tribe of Brazil] reptile

Late Cretaceous(93.5-85.8 MYA)

65.5 ft (20 m)

Threeelephants

Late Cretaceous(83.5-70.6 MYA)?

?

Argentina* Pakisaurus[Puesto] Narambuena [locality]
reptilePakistan reptile

Late Cretaceous(70.6-65.5 MYA)?

Pakistan

Only known from some isolated tail bones.

* Paludititanswamp giant

Late Cretaceous(70.6-65.5 MYA)?

Hungary

A large sauropod from the end of the Cretaceous of Europe.

Phuwiangosaurus

Phu Wiang [Thailand] reptile

Early Cretaceous(140.2-130 MYA)

82 ft (25 m)

Thailand

Similar to Tangvayosaurus.

Puertasaurus[Argentine fossil hunter Pablo]
Puerta's reptile

Late Cretaceous(70.6-68.5 MYA)

98.4 ft (30 m)?

?
Threeelephants?
Fourelephants
Elevenelephants

Argentina

Known only from some vertebrae, but of gigantic size.

* Qingxiusaurus

Qingxiu Mountains reptile

Late Cretaceous(85.8-70.6 MYA)

?

?

China

Only recently discovered; one of the last Chinese sauropods.

* Ruyangosaurus

Ruyang [China] reptile

Late Cretaceous(99.6-93.5 MYA)?

Five
elephants?

China

One of the largest of all sauropods from Asia. It may prove tobe even larger than listed here, closer to Puertasaurus in size.

* Sulaimanisaurus

Sulaiman foldbelt [geologic
feature of Pakstan] reptile

Late Cretaceous(70.6-65.5 MYA)?

?

Pakistan

Known only from isolated tail vertebrae.

Tangvayosaurus

Tang Vay Village [Laos] reptile

Early Cretaceous(125-99.6 MYA)

?

?

Laos

Several individuals are known.

Titanosaurus

Titan [race of mythologicalGreek giants] reptile

Late Cretaceous(70.6-65.5 MYA) .

39.4 ft (12 m)?

Elephant?

India

Despite giving its name to a large group of dinosaurs, true
Titanosaurus is known from only a few tail bones and a femur.

* Uberabatitan

Uberaba City [Brazil] titan

Late Cretaceous(70.6-65.5 MYA)?

?

BrazilOnly recently discovered; one of the last Brazilian sauropods.

* Wintonotitan

Winton [Formation] giant

Early Cretaceous(112-99.6 MYA)

56.1 (17 m)?

Threeelephants?

Australia

No official genus name; formerly "Pelorosaurus" becklesii
No official genus name; formerly "Pleurocoelus" valdensis

Early Cretaceous
Early Cretaceous(130-125 MYA)
(130-125 MYA)?
?

No official genus name; formerly "Antarctosaurus" giganteus

Late Cretaceous(88-86 MYA)

108.2 ft (33 m)?

No official genus name; formerly "Antarctosaurus" jaxaretnsis

Late Cretaceous(93.5-83.5 MYA)?

* Maxakalisaurus* Narambuenatitan

?
?
Nine
elephants

EnglandEngland?

Kazakhstan

Argentina* New genus; ** New grouping; ^ New genus name for previously unnamed dinosaur

Known from a partial skeleton.

Based on fossils once considered as belonging toAustrosaurus. Longer, but more lightly built, than its neighbor
Diamantinasaurus,
Known from a forelimb with skin impressions.
Known from only fragmentary material.
Once considered a species of Antarctosaurus; one of thelargest dinosaurs known.
Once considered a species of Antarctosaurus.

Genus List for Holtz (2007) Dinosaurs

Last updated 1/28/11** Argyrosaurids—Advanced Wide-Bodied Big-Nosed Dinosaurs (Chapter 25)
Argyrosauridae includes some very large titanosaurs from the early part of the Late Cretaceous.
Name
Meaning
Age
Time

LengthArgyrosaurus

silver reptile

Late Cretaceous(99.6-93.5 MYA)

91.9 ft (28 m)?

Paralititan

shoreline giant

Late Cretaceous(99.6-93.5 MYA)

105 ft (32 m)

WeightSevenelephants

34

Where foundComments

Argentina

One of several tremendously large sauropods from this time.

Ten elephants Egypt

A giant swamp-dwelling sauropod.

** Aeolosaurids—Advanced Wide-Bodied Big-Nosed Dinosaurs (Chapter 25)
Aeolosauridae are a group of South American titanosaurs.
Name
Meaning
Age

Time

LengthWeight

Where foundComments

Adamantisaurus

Adamantina Formation reptile

Late Cretaceous(70.6-65.5 MYA)?

?

BrazilBased on tail bones.

Aeolosaurus

Aeolus [Greek wind god] reptile Late Cretaceous(72.8-66.8 MYA)

49.2 ft (15 m)

Twoelephants

Argentina

Shows some similarities to Gondwanatitan.

(85.8-83.5 MYA)?

?

BrazilSimilar to Aeolosaurus.

46.2 ft (14 m)

Twoelephants

Argentina

Most closely related to Rincosaurus.

Elephant

Argentina

Very close relative of Gondwanatitan.

Argentina

Various parts of the body are known.

Argentina

Some similarities to Aeolosaurus.

Comments
Among the giant titanosaurs this one is known by the mostcomplete fossil skeleton. Lived in the same environment as
Megaraptor.

Gondwanatitan* Muyelensaurus

giant of Gondwana [southernsupercontinent]
Muyelen [local name forColorado River] reptile
Pan American [Energy
Company] reptile

Late Cretaceous
Late Cretaceous(93.5-85.8 MYA)

Late Cretaceous(83.5-65.5 MYA)

36.3 ft (11 m)* Pitekunsaurus

discovery reptile

Late Cretaceous(83.5-70.6 MYA)?

Rinconsaurus

Rincón de los Sauces [site inArgentina] reptile

Late Cretaceous(89.3-85.8-MYA)

49.2 ft (15 m)

Time

LengthWeight

Where foundArgentina* Panamericansaurus** Lognkosaurs—Chief Dinosaurs (Chapter 25)
Lognkosauria ("chief reptiles") are are recently discovered group of giant titanosaurs.
Name
MeaningAgeTwoelephants?
Twoelephants^ Futalognkosaurus

giant chief lizard

Late Cretaceous(93.5-85.8 MYA)

91.9 ft (28 m)

Sevenelephants

Mendozasaurus

Mendoza City [Argentina] reptile Late Cretaceous(93.5-85.8 MYA)

72.6 ft (22 m)

Threeelephants

Argentina

Shows some similarities to India's Isisaurus, but current workshows it to be a close relative of the giant Futalognkosaurus.

* Traukutitan

mountain spirit giant(85.8-83.5 MYA)

46.2 ft (14 m?)

Twoelephants?

Argentina

Known only from femora (thigh bones) and tail vertebrae.

Late Cretaceous** Antarctosaurids—Tall-Necked Advanced Wide-Bodied Big-Nosed Dinosaurs (Chapter 25)
Antarctosauridae was a widespread group of long-necked titanosaurs. Antarctosaurids plus saltasaurids together form the group Lithostrotia ("paved with stones", in reference to their armored backs).
Name
Meaning
Age
Time
LengthWeight
Where foundComments
Fourelephants

Texas, Utah andNorth America's youngest sauropod.
possibly New Mexico

Threeelephants
Thirteen
elephants

Argentina; Chile;
UruguayShows the same blunt snout as Bonitasaura.

Argentina

Perhaps the largest dinosaur known.

?

Argentina

The only known specimen so far is a juvenile, so adults would
be bigger than this. Known from a very complete skull.

?

?

China

Its tail vertebrae show similarities to those of
Opisthocoelicaudia.

(112-99.6 MYA)

52 ft (16 m)

Threeelephants

Australia

One of the most completely known sauropods of Australia, andone of the oldest advanced titanosaurs. Nicknamed "Matilda"
after the famous Australian song "Waltzing Matilda".

(70.6-65.5 MYA)

59 ft (18 m)

Threeelephants

India

Previously considered a species of Titanosaurus.

Alamosaurus

Ojo Alamo [New Mexico] reptile Late Cretaceous(66.8-65.5 MYA)

68.9 ft (21 m)

Antarctosaurus

southern reptile

Late Cretaceous(83-78 MYA)

59 ft (18 m)

Argentinosaurus

Argentina reptile

Late Cretaceous(97-93.5 MYA)

120 ft (36.6 m)?

Bonitasaura

La Bonita Hill [Argentina] reptile Late Cretaceous(85.8-83.5 MYA

23 ft (7 m) as ajuvenile

Borealosaurus

northern reptile

Late Cretaceous(99.6-89.3 MYA)

* Diamantinasaurus

Diamantina River [Australia]
reptileEarly Cretaceous

Isisaurus

Indian Statistical Institute reptile Late Cretaceous* New genus; ** New grouping; ^ New genus name for previously unnamed dinosaur

Genus List for Holtz (2007) Dinosaurs

Last updated 1/28/11

Huabeisaurus

North China reptile

Late Cretaceous(83.5-70.6 MYA)?

Opisthocoelicaudia

hollow-backed tail [vertebrae]

Late Cretaceous(70.6-68.5 MYA)

37.4 ft (11.4 m)

Lake Pellegrini [Argentina]
reptileSonid Region [China] reptile

Late Cretaceous(72.8-66.8 MYA)

72.2 ft (22 m)

Late Cretaceous(95-80 MYA)

* No official genus name; formerly "Antarctosaurus" braziliensis

Late Cretaceous(85.8-83.5 MYA)

?

35

China

A large sauropod with similarities to Opisthocoelicaudia and
Nemegtosaurus.
Known only from a headless skeleton. Possibly the samedinosaur as Nemegtosaurus.

Argentina

Known from back and tail vertebrae and a femur.

29.5 ft (9 m)Twoelephants
Threeelephants
Rhino

China

Shows some similarities to Opisthocoelicaudia.

?

?

BrazilA poorly known form.

** Nemegtosaurids—Wide-Mouthed Advanced Wide-Bodied Big-Nosed Dinosaurs (Chapter 25)
Nemegtosauridae was a widespread group of titanosaurs with rather broad snouts.
Name
Meaning
Age
Time

LengthEgypt reptile

Late Cretaceous(99.6-93.5 MYA)

52.5 ft (16 m)

WeightTwoelephants

Where foundAegyptosaurus

Comments
Once known from a good, if incomplete skeleton, which was
unfortunately destroyed during World War II.

Agustinia

for Agustin [Martinelli, a young
Argentine student who helped
discover the dinosaur]

Early Cretaceous(I17-100-MYA)?

Elephant

Argentina

A titanosaur with spiky armor (which was once thought to comefrom a stegosaur).

Ampelosaurus

vineyard reptile

Late Cretaceous(70.6-65.5 MYA)

49.2 ft (15 m)

Twoelephants

FranceKnown from the bones of many individuals, found in a vineyard.

* Atsinganosaurus

gypsy reptile

Late Cretaceous(83.5-70.6 MYA)?

?

FranceEpachthosaurus

heavy reptile

Late Cretaceous(99.6-93.5 MYA)

59 ft (18 m)

Threeelephants

Argentina

Magyarosaurus

Magyar [Hungarian people]
reptileLate Cretaceous(70.6-68.5 MYA)

17.4 ft (5.3 m)

Horse

Romania

Malawisaurus

Malawi reptile

Early Cretaceous(time very uncertain)

39.4 ft (12 m)

Elephant

Malawi

Nemegt Formation reptile

Late Cretaceous(70.6-68.5 MYA)

3 9.4 ft (12 m)?

Elephant

Mongolia
Madagascar

Known from nearly complete skeletons.

BrazilKnown from some connected tail bones and many isolatedbones.

Pellegrinisaurus
Sonidosaurus

Nemegtosaurus
Rapetosaurus
Trigonosaurus

Rapeto [mischievous giant in
Malagasy legend] reptile
Triangulo Mineiro [region in
Brazil] reptile

Late Cretaceous(70.6-65.5 MYA)

49.2 ft (15 m)

Twoelephants

Late Cretaceous(83.5-65.5 MYA)?

?

Saltasaurids—Advanced Wide-Bodied Big-Nosed Dinosaurs (Chapter 25)
Saltasauridae includes the specialized group of Late Cretaceous wide-mouthed titanosaurs.
Name
Meaning
Age
Time[Argentine paleontologist José]
Late Cretaceous(72.8-66.8 MYA)
Bonatitan
Bonaparte's giant
Late Cretaceous(72.8-66.8 MYA)
Lirainosaurus
slender reptile
Late Cretaceous(72.8-66.8 MYA)
Loricosaurus
cuirass reptile
Neuquén Province [Argentina]
Late Cretaceous(85.8-83.5MYA)
Neuquensaurus
reptileQuaesitosaurus
Rocasaurus
Saltasaurus

extraordinary reptile
General Roca City [Argentina]
reptileSalta Province [Argentina]
reptileNot yet officially named

Late Cretaceous(85.8-70.6 MYA)

Mongolia

Egypt

Only known from limited material which resembles the samebones in Malawisaurus.
Previously known from incomplete material, but a newly
discovered skeleton will show us many more details of thistitanosaur.
One of the smallest sauropods. Lived on an island in what is
now Transylvania.
Had a short face and armor. Possibly a nemegtosaurid, butalso possibly a close relative of the lognkosaurs.
Known only from its skull. Possibly the same dinosaur as
Opisthocoelicaudia.

LengthWeight

Where foundComments?

?

Argentina

Parts of the skull and tail are known.

?
?

?
?
Two
elephants

Spain
Argentina

Several individuals are known.
Known from armor once thought to be ankylosaurian.

Argentina; Uruguay

Related to Saltasaurus, but much larger.

Elephant

Mongolia

Very similar to, and possibly an ancestor of Nemegtosaurus.
Known only from its skull.

49.2 ft (15 m)
39.4 ft (12 m)?

Late Cretaceous(72.8-66.8 MYA)?

?

Argentina

Many bones are known.

Late Cretaceous(72.8-66.8 MYA)

39.4 ft (12 m)

Elephant

Argentina

A small sauropod. Its discovery showed that titanosaurs hadarmor.

?

Three
elephants

Madagascar

Not yet described, but distinct from Rapetosaurus.

Late Cretaceous(70.6-65.5 MYA)

Primitive Ornithischians—Early Bird-Hipped Dinosaurs (Chapter 26)
Ornithischia—or bird-hipped dinosaurs—was a major group of plant-eating dinosaurs. The following genera are ornithischians that do not clearly belong to any of the advanced ornithischian groups—armored Thyreophora, beaked
Ornithopoda, or ridge-headed Marginocephalia.
Name* Eocursor

Meaningdawn runnerAge
Late Triassic

Time(216.5-203.6 MYA)

Length
3.3 ft (1 m)

WeightTurkeyWhere foundSouth Africa* New genus; ** New grouping; ^ New genus name for previously unnamed dinosaur

Comments
The most completely known Triassic ornithischian.

Genus List for Holtz (2007) Dinosaurs

Last updated 1/28/11[French geologist Jean] Fabre's
Early Jurassic
reptile[Argentine paleontologist Juan
Late Triassic
A.] Pisano's reptile

Fabrosaurus
Pisanosaurus

36(196.5-183 MYA)

3.3 ft (1 m)?

TurkeyLesothoKnown only from a partial jawbone with teeth.

(228-216.5 MYA)

3.3 ft (1 m)?

Turkey?

Argentina

The only ornithischian known that probably had a forwardpointing pubis.

Taveirosaurus

Taveiro Village [Portugal] reptile Late Cretaceous(78-68 MYA)?

Beaver?

PortugalKnown only from teeth.

Trimucrodon

triple-point tooth(155.7-150.8MYA)?

Turkey?

PortugalKnown only from teeth.

Comments

Late Jurassic

Heterodontosaurids—Strong-Snouted Early Bird-Hipped Dinosaurs (Chapter 26)
Heterodontosauridae was a group of early specialized ornithischians, once considered to be ornithopods.
Name
Meaning
Age
Time

LengthWeight

Where found

Abrictosaurus

awake reptile

Early Jurassic(199.6-189.6 MYA)

3.9 ft (1.2 m)

TurkeySouth Africa; Lesotho Possibly just the juvenile or female form of Heterodontosaurus.

Echinodon

prickly tooth

Early Cretaceous(145.5-140.2 MYA)

30 in (75 cm)

ChickenEngland* Fruitadens

Fruita [quarry in Colorado] tooth Late Jurassic(155.7-150.8 MYA)

30 in (75 cm)

ChickenColorado

Geranosaurus
Heterodontosaurus

crane reptile
different-toothed reptile

Early Jurassic
Early Jurassic(196.5-189.6 MYA)
(199.6-189.6 MYA)?
3.6 ft (1.1 m)

TurkeyTurkeySouth Africa
South Africa

Lanasaurus

wool reptile

Early Jurassic(199.6-189.6 MYA)

3.9 ft (1.2 m)?

Turkey?

South Africa

Lycorhinus

wolf snout
Tianyu [Museum of Natural
History] dragon

Early Jurassic(199.6-189.6MYA)

3.9 ft (1.2 m)?

Turkey?

South Africa

Known from jawbones and teeth found in England. Supposed
Echinodon fossils have been found in the Late Jurassic ofColorado.
Once considered a Late Jurassic American species of
Echinodon. One of the smallest known ornithischians.
Known only from jawbones.
The most completely known heterodontosaurid.
Known only from jawbones; possibly the same dinosaur as
Lycorhinus.
Known only from jawbones.

Late Jurassic(161.2-155.7 MYA)

30 in (75 cm)

Chicken

China

Has long protofeathers on its back.

Late Triassic(216.5-203.6 MYA)

3.3 ft (1 m)?

Turkey?

Argentina

Known from various bones; the oldest known
heterodontosaurid.

Where found* Tianyulong* Not yet officially named

Primitive Thyreophorans—Early Armored Dinosaurs (Chapter 27)
The following genera are early members of Thyreophora and not part of either Stegosauria or Ankylosauria.
Name
Meaning
Age
Time[Chinese paleontologist Mei
Early Jurassic(196.5-189.6 MYA)
Bienosaurus
Nien] Bien's reptile
Ernst Moritz Arndt University
Early Jurassic(183-175.6 MYA)
Emausaurus
reptileLengthWeight13.1ft (4 m)?

Grizzly bear? China

Known from a Scelidosaurus-like jaw.

6.6 ft (2 m)

SheepGermany

May be the oldest and most primitive stegosaurian.

Lesothosaurus

Lesotho reptile

Early Jurassic(196.5-183 MYA)

3.3 ft (1 m)

TurkeyLesothoLusitanosaurus

Portuguese reptile

Early Jurassic(196.5-189.6 MYA)?

?

Portugal
England; Arizona

Scelidosaurus

shin reptile

Early Jurassic(196.5-183 MYA)

13.1 ft (4 m)

Grizzly bear

Scutellosaurus.

small-shield reptile

Early Jurassic(199.6-189.6 MYA)

3.9 ft (1.2 m)

BeaverArizona

Tatisaurus

Dadi Village [China] reptile

Early Jurassic(196.5-189.6 MYA)

3.9 ft (1.2 m)?

Beaver?

China

Comments

Possibly the same species as Fabrosaurus. Once thought to bea typical primitive ornithischian, but new analyses suggest that
it is the most primitive (and as far as we know, only unarmored)
thyreophoran.
Known only from the top of a skull; possibly the same dinosaur
as Scelidosaurus.
Known from a couple of good skeletons; thought by some to be
the most primitive ankylosaurian.
The most primitive thyreophoran known from a good fossil.
Known from skull material that resembles the skulls ofstegosaurians and Scelidosaurus.

** Primitive Stegosaurs—Early Plated Dinosaurs (Chapter 28)
These are thyreophorans with a series of spikes and armor plates along their backs. This list includes those dinosaurs in Stegosauria that are not clearly part of the more specialized groups Huayangosauridae or Stegosauridae.
Name

Meaning

Age

Time

LengthWeight

Where foundComments

Chialingosaurus

Jialing River [China] reptile

Late Jurassic(161.2-155.7 MYA)

13.1 ft (4 m)

Grizzly bear

China

Known from a partial skeleton of a not-fully-grown individual.

Craterosaurus

cup [skull] reptile

Early Cretaceous(145.5-136.4 MYA)

13.1 ft (4 m)?

Grizzly bear? England

Jiangjunosaurus

general reptile
Lexovii [ancient people ofFrance] reptile

Late Jurassic
Middle to Late
Jurassic(161.2-155.7 MYA)

23 ft (7 m)

Rhino

China

Known only from a vertebra (which was misinterpreted as askull, hence the name). It is so eroded it is not clear that this isfrom a stegosaur.
From the western part of China.

(164.7-150.8 MYA)

16.4 ft (5 m)

HorseEngland; France

Similar in many ways to Kentrosaurus.

Lexovisaurus* New genus; ** New grouping; ^ New genus name for previously unnamed dinosaur

Genus List for Holtz (2007) Dinosaurs

Last updated 1/28/11

Regnosaurus

Regni [ancient tribe of Britain]
reptile37

Early Cretaceous(145.5-136.4 MYA)

13.1 ft (4 m)?

Grizzly bear

EnglandLate Jurassic(155.7-150.8 MYA)

16.4 ft (5 m)

Horse

Tibet

** Huayangosauridae—Primitive Plated Dinosaurs (Chapter 28)
Huayangosauridae is a clade of primitive stegosaurs, currently known only from the Jurassic of China.
Name
Meaning
Age
TimeChongqing [China] reptile
Late Jurassic(161.2-155.7 MYA)
Chungkingosaurus

Length11.5 ft (3.5 m)

WeightGrizzly bear

Where found
China

Huayangosaurus

14.8 ft (4.5 m)

Horse

China

Not yet officially named

Sichuan reptile

Middle Jurassic(167.7-161.2 MYA)** Primitive Stegosaurids—Advanced Plated Dinosaurs (Chapter 28)
Stegosauridae includes the more advanced members of Stegosauria. The stegosaurids here lie outside the groups Dacentrurinae and Stegosaurinae.
Name
Meaning
Age
Time
LengthWeight
Where foundgiant spine reptile
Late Jurassic(161.2-155.7 MYA)
23 ft (7 m)
Rhino
China
* Gigantspinosaurus

A partial lower jaw, similar to the jaw of Huayangosaurus, is allthat is known of this dinosaur. It may not even be from astegosaur.
Not yet fully described. The first Mesozoic dinosaur found in
Tibet.

Comments
Known from several skeletons. A fairly small stegosaurian.
Known from several skeletons. The best-known primitive
stegosaurian.

Kentrosaurus

sharp-point reptile

Late Jurassic(155.7-150.8 MYA)

16.4 ft (5 m)Horse

Tanzania* Loricatosaurus
Paranthodon
Tuojiangosaurus

armored reptile
near Anthodon [fossil reptile]
Tuo River [China] reptile

Middle Jurassic
Early Cretaceous
Late Jurassic(164.7-161.2 MYA)
(145.5-136.4 MYA)
(161.2-155.7 MYA)

16.4 ft (5 m)
16.4 ft (5 m)?
23 ft (7 m)

Horse
Horse?
Rhino

England; France
South Africa
China

Comments
A primitive stegosaur with enormous shoulder spines.
Over thirty partial skeletons were found, but most weredestroyed when the German museum they were in wasbombed during World War II.
Once considered a species of Lexovisaurus.
Known from a partial skull.
The largest known Chinese stegosaurian.

Where foundEngland; Portugal;
FrancePortugal

Comments
One of the biggest stegosaurs, known from many fossils (mostnot yet fully described).
Has 17 neck vertebrae, the most of any ornithischian.

** Dacentrurines—Advanced Plated Dinosaurs (Chapter 28)
Dacentrurinae is currently known only from the Late Jurassic of Europe.
Name
Meaning
Age

Time

LengthWeightDacentrurusvery spiky tail

Late Jurassic(161.2-145.5 MYA)

26.2 ft (8 m)Rhino* Miragaia

Mirigaia [Parish in Portugal]

Late Jurassic(150.8-145.5 MYA)

20 ft (6.1 m)

Rhino** Stegosaurines—Most Advanced Plated Dinosaurs (Chapter 28)
Stegosaurinae includes the most specialized (and last) of the stegosaurs. These forms have alternating rather than paired plates, and lack shoulder spines.
Name
Meaning
Age
Time
LengthWeight
Where foundComments
Once thought to be a Dacentrurus-like stegosaurian from
America, but now considered a very close relative (if not thesame as) Stegosaurus.
Known from only a few vertebrae. Possibly just a species of
Stegosaurus.

Hesperosaurus

western reptile

Late Jurassic(155.7-150.8 MYA)

16.4 ft (5 m)Horse

Wyoming

Hypsirophus

high-roofed [vertebrae]

Late Jurassic(155.7-150.8 MYA)

23 ft (7 m)?

Rhino?

Colorado

The best-known stegosaurian. Some paleontologists think that
this genus should be broken up into two genera: true
Stegosaurus and smaller Diracodon. Alternatively, otherpaleontologists think that Wuerhosaurus and Hesperosaurus
should be considered species of Stegosaurus.
One of the last stegosaurs. Had long and low plates rather thantall plates or spikes.

Stegosaurus

covered reptile

Late Jurassic(155.7-150.8 MYA)

29.5 ft (9 m)RhinoUtah, Colorado,
Wyoming; Portugal

Wuerhosaurus

Wuerho [China] reptile

Early Cretaceous(time very uncertain)

20 ft (6.1 m)

Rhino

China

Primitive Ankylosaurs—Early Tank Dinosaurs (Chapter 29)
Ankylosaurs had heavy armor plates over their bodies. The interrelationships among the ankylosaurs are still uncertain. The following dinosaurs are definitely ankylosaurs, but some or all of these may not be in either of the advanced
groups Nodosauridae or Ankylosauridae.
Name
Meaning
Age
Time
LengthWeight
Where foundComments
Early to Late
Acanthopholis
spine scutes(105-93.5 MYA)
18 ft (5.5 m)
Horse
England
Although long known, still not fully studied.
Cretaceous
unarmored reptile
Early Cretaceous(105-99.6 MYA)?
?
England
Probably a juvenile skeleton of a primitive nodosaurid.
Anoplosaurus
Antarctopelta
Antarctic shield
Late Cretaceous(75-70.6 MYA)
13.1 ft (4 m)?
Antarctica
The first ornithischian named from Antarctica.
[Jurassic Park author Michael]
Late Cretaceous(99.6-89.3 MYA)
?
?
China
Not yet well described. Very likely an ankylosaurid.
Crichtonsaurus
Crichton's reptile
hidden reptile
Late Jurassic(161.2-155.7 MYA)?
?
EnglandKnown only from a femur. Once also called "Cryptodraco."
Cryptosaurus
Dracopelta
dragon shield
Late Jurassic(155.7-150.8 MYA)
6.6 ft (2 m)
SheepPortugalA medium-size ankylosaur.

* New genus; ** New grouping; ^ New genus name for previously unnamed dinosaur

Genus List for Holtz (2007) Dinosaurs

Last updated 1/28/11

Gargoyleosaurus
Gastonia

38

gargoyle reptile
for [discoverer Robert] Gaston

Late Jurassic
Early Cretaceous(155.7-150.8 MYA)
(130-125 MYA)

9.8 ft (3 m)
19.7 ft (6 m)

Lion
Rhino

Wyoming
Utah

Heishansaurus

Black Mountain [China] reptile

Late Cretaceous(83.5-80 MYA)

?

?

China

Hoplitosaurus

shield-carrier reptile
Wealden [region of southern
England] reptile
Liaoning Province [China]
reptileEarly Cretaceous(130-125 MYA),

13.1 ft (4 m)

Grizzly bear

South Dakota

Known from many good specimens.
Very similar to Polacanthus.
Known only from a partial skull. Might actually be from apachycephalosaur.
Similar to Gastonia and Polacanthus.

Early Cretaceous(140.2-136.4 MYA)

16.4 ft (5 m)

HorseEngland

One of the original members of Owen's Dinosauria.

Hylaeosaurus

Early Cretaceous(125-120 MYA)

1.1 ft (34 cm) as
juvenile

TurkeyChina

Known only from a nearly complete juvenile skeleton.

Minmi

from Minmi Crossing [Australia] Early Cretaceous(125-99.6 MYA)

6.6 ft (2 m)

SheepAustralia

Known from a couple of skeletons. Has unique structures in its
vertebrae.

Mymoorapelta

Mygatt-Moore Quarry[Colorado] shield

Late Jurassic(155.7-150.8 MYA)

8.8 ft (2.7 m)

Lion

Colorado

The first Jurassic ankylosaur named in North America.

Polacanthus

many spines

Early Cretaceous(130-125 MYA)

13.1ft (4 m)

Grizzly bear

England; Spain?

The most common thyreophoran of Early Cretaceous England.

Priconodon

saw-cone tooth

Early Cretaceous(118-110 MYA)?

?

MarylandPriodontognathus

saw-toothed jaw

Late Jurassic to Early(exact age uncertain) ?
Cretaceous?

England

Sarcolestes

flesh thief
Heavenly Pool Lake [China]
reptileLiaoningosaurus

Tianchiasaurus

Middle Jurassic(164.7-161.2 MYA)

9.8 ft (3 m)

LionEnglandMiddle Jurassic(167.7-164.7 MYA)

9.8 ft (3 m)

Lion

China

Known only from a tooth. Possibly the same dinosaur as
Sauropelta.
Known from an upper jaw. Loss of the appropriate paperwork
means that no one is certain which rocks this fossil was foundin!
Originally thought to be a carnivorous dinosaur.
Was going to be called "Jurassosaurus". One of the mostprimitive ankylosaurs.

Nodosaurids—Spike-Shouldered Tank Dinosaurs (Chapter 29)
These ankylosaurs are characterized by huge spines on their shoulders.
Name
Meaning
Age

Time

LengthWeight

Where found

Aletopelta

wandering shield

Late Cretaceous(80-72.8 MYA)?

?

California

Animantarx

living fortress

Early to Late
Cretaceous(102-98 MYA)

?

?

Utah

Danubiosaurus

Danube River reptile

Late Cretaceous(83.5-80 MYA)

13.1 ft (4 m).

Grizzly bear

Edmontonia

from the Edmonton Formation

Late Cretaceous(80-65.5 MYA)

23 ft (7 m)

Rhino

Hierosaurus
Hungarosaurus

sacred reptile
Hungary reptile

Late Cretaceous
Late Cretaceous(87-82 MYA)
(85.8-83.5 MYA)

13.1ft (4 m)
13.1ft (4 m)

Grizzly bear
Grizzly bear

Niobrarasaurus

Niobrara Chalk reptile

Late Cretaceous(87-82 MYA)

16.4 ft (5 m)

Grizzly bear

Nodosaurus

lumpy reptile

Late Cretaceous(99.6-93.5 MYA)

20 ft (6.1 m)

Horse

Panoplosaurus

completely armored reptile

Late Cretaceous(80-72.8 MYA)

23 ft (7 m)

Rhino

Austria
Possibly the same dinosaur as Struthiosaurus.
Alberta; Montana,
A common nodosaurid from the Late Cretaceous of North
Wyoming, SouthAmerica. Some paleontologists consider the youngest species
Dakota, New Mexico, of Edmontonia (66.8-65.5 MYA) to be a distinct form called
Texas"Denversaurus."
KansasSometimes considered the same dinosaur as Nodosaurus.
Hungary
One of Hungary's first named dinosaurs.
Known from partial remains of a dinosaur that had floated out
Kansasinto the middle of the inland seas of Kansas.
One of the first ankylosaurs discovered, but known only from
Wyoming
one partial specimen.
Alberta
Known from good skulls and skeletons.

Pawpawsaurus

Paw Paw Formation reptile

Early Cretaceous(105-99.6 MYA)

14.8 ft (4.5 m)

Grizzly bear

Texas, possibly Utah Possibly the same dinosaur as Texasetes.

* Peloroplites

monster armored soldier

Early Cretaceous(118-110 MYA)

18.5 ft (5.5 m)

Grizzly bear

Sauropelta

reptile shield

Early Cretaceous(118-110 MYA)

24.9 ft (7.6 m)

Rhino

Utah
Wyoming, Montana,
Utah

Silvisaurus

woodland reptile

Late Cretaceous(96-93.5 MYA)

13.1 ft (4 m)

Grizzly bearKansasStegopelta

covered shield

Early to Late
Cretaceous(102-98 MYA)

13.1 ft (4 m)

Grizzly bear

Wyoming

Struthiosaurus

ostrich reptile

Late Cretaceous(83.5-65.5 MYA)

13.1 ft (4 m)

Grizzly bear

Texasetes

Texas dweller
Zhejiang Province [China]
reptileZhongyuan District [China]
reptileEarly Cretaceous(105-99.6 MYA)

9.8 ft (3 m)

Lion

Late Cretaceous(99.6-93.5 MYA)

13.1 ft (4 m)

Late Cretaceous(89.3-85.8 MYA)

13.1 ft (4 m)* Zhejiangosaurus* Zhongyuansaurus

Comments
Known from a partial skeleton. California's first named
Mesozoic dinosaur.
A small nodosaurid, discovered by detecting the radioactivity ofthe bones while they were still completely buried.

Austria; France;
Romania; Spain
Texas

Similar to Sauropelta.
One of the most common dinosaurs of Early Cretaceous North
America. Known from many good skeletons.
A distinctive ankylosaur known from a skull and the front end of
the body.
May be related to Texasetes, or may actually be a primitive
ankylosaurid.
One of the most common dinosaurs of Late Cretaceous
Europe.
May be the same dinosaur as Pawpawsaurus.

Grizzly bear

China

One of the few definite nodosaurids from Asia.

Grizzly bear

China

Known from a crushed (but otherwise good) skull and various
other bones.

* New genus; ** New grouping; ^ New genus name for previously unnamed dinosaur

Genus List for Holtz (2007) Dinosaurs

Last updated 1/28/11

39

Ankylosaurids—Club-Tailed Tank Dinosaurs (Chapter 29)
The dinosaurs of Ankylosauridae had tails ending in heavy armored clubs.
Name
Meaning
Age

Time

LengthWeightAnkylosaurus

fused reptile

Late Cretaceous(66.8-65.5 MYA)

29.5 ft (9 m)Rhino

Bissektipelta

Bissekty Formation shield
Cedar Mountain Formation
shieldLate Cretaceous
Early to Late
Cretaceous(93.5-89.3 MYA)?

?

Where foundMontana, Wyoming;
AlbertaUzbekistan(102-98 MYA)

29.5 ft (9 m)

Rhino

Utah

* Dyoplosaurus

double armored reptile

Late Cretaceous(80-72.8 MYA)

23 ft (7 m)

Rhino

Alberta; Montana

Euoplocephalus

well-armored head

Late Cretaceous(70.6-68.5 MYA)

23 ft (7 m)

RhinoMontana; Alberta

Glyptodon [extinct armoredmammal] shield
Gobi Desert reptile

Late Cretaceous(66.8-65.5 MYA)

16.4 ft (5 m)Horse

New Mexico

Known only from some armor.

Early Cretaceous(125-99.6 MYA)

16.4 ft (5 m)

Horse

China

Similar to Shamosaurus.

Maleevus

for [Russian paleontologist
Late Cretaceous
Evgenii Aleksandrovich] Maleev(99.6-85.8 MYA)?

?

Mongolia

Probably the same dinosaur as Talarurus.

* Minotaurasaurus

minotaur [Greek mythologicalmonster with the head of a bull] Late Cretaceous
reptile?

16.4 ft (5 m)HorseMongolia? China?

Nodocephalosaurus
Pinacosaurus
Saichania
Shamosaurus

lumpy-headed reptile
plank reptile
beautiful one
desert reptile

Late Cretaceous
Late Cretaceous
Late Cretaceous
Early Cretaceous(72.8-66.8 MYA)
(85.8-70.6 MYA)
(85.8-70.6 MYA)
(120-112 MYA)?
16.4 ft (5 m)
23 ft (7 m)
23 ft (7 m)

?
Horse
Rhino
Rhino

New Mexico
Mongolia
Mongolia
Mongolia

Talarurus

wicker tail

Late Cretaceous(99.6-85.8 MYA)

16.4 ft (5 m)HorseMongolia

Tarchiabrainy one

Late Cretaceous(70.6-68.5 MYA)

26.2 ft (8 m)

Rhino

Mongolia* Tatankacephalus

bison head

Early Cretaceous(118-110 MYA)

23 ft (7 m)

RhinoMontana

Tianzhenosaurus

Tianzhen County [China] reptile Late Cretaceous(83.5-70.6 MYA)

13.1 ft (4 m)

Grizzly bear

China

Tsagantegia

for Tsagan Teg [Mongolia](99.6-85.8 MYA)

23 ft (7 m)

Rhino

Mongolia

Cedarpelta

Glyptodontopelta
Gobisaurus

Late CretaceousComments
The last, and largest, ankylosaurid.
Known only from a braincase.
One of the largest ankylosaurs, rivaling Ankylosaurus.
Considered by some to be a nodosaurid.
New research shows that the older skeletons once considered
to belong to "Euoplocephalus" are actually a distinct genus witha different-shaped club, which is properly called by this name(long unused).
The best-studied ankylosaurid, known from many excellent
specimens. Geologically older specimens once considered tobelong to "Euoplocephalus" are now considered to be adifferent genus, Dyoplosaurus.

An ankylosaurid with quite long skull horns. Unfortunately the
information about where it was found (and thus the age of therocks in which it was buried) is not known. It may be a speciesof Pinacosaurus.
Similar to Asian Saichania and Tarchia.
Many specimens are known, including very small babies.
One of the few ankylosaurs found with belly armor.
A primitive narrow-snouted ankylosaurid.
Had a relatively small tail club and was rounder (less wide)
than most ankylosaurids.
The largest Asian ankylosaurid.
One of the most primitive ankylosaurids. May in fact be a close
relative of Gastonia.
A second specimen of this dinosaur was named "Shanxia" atalmost the same time.
A long-snouted ankylosaurid.

** Primitive Neornithischians—Early Kin of the Beaked and Ridge-Headed Dinosaurs (Chapter 30)
Recent studies have shown that several small ornithischian dinosaurs which were once considered to be primitive ornithopods do not actually belong to that group. Instead, the dinosaurs in this list are members of Neornithischia ("newornithischians": the larger group that contains Ornithopoda and Marginocephalia), but are not true ornithopods or true marginocephalians.
Name
Meaning
Age
Time
LengthWeight
Where foundComments
Long considered a primitive ornithopod; known from a nearly
Agilisaurus
agile reptile
Middle Jurassic(167.7-161.2 MYA)
5.6 ft (1.7 m)
TurkeyChina
complete skeleton.
Only a few parts of the skull and skeleton are known. Uncertain
if it is a ceratopsian, an ornithopod, or some other kind of* Albalophosaurus
white crest reptile
Early Cretaceous(140.2-130 MYA)
5.6 ft (1.7 m)?
Turkey?
Japanneornithischian. Its name honors the snow-capped peak of
Mount Hakusan near where it was found.
(164.7-161.2 MYA)?
Turkey?
PortugalKnown only from teeth.
Alocodonfurrowed tooth
Middle Jurassic
Fergana Valley [Kyrgyzstan]
Known only from teeth, originally considered to be from a
Ferganocephale
Middle Jurassic(164.7-161.2 MYA)?
Chicken?
Kyrgyzstan
pachycephalosaur.
head
Gongbusaurus

Ministry of Public Works reptile Late Jurassic(165.7-161.2 MYA)

4.9 ft (1.5 m)

BeaverChina

Hexinlusaurus[Chinese paleontologist] He Xin
Middle Jurassic
Lu's reptile(167.7-161.2 MYA)

5.9 ft (1.8 m)

BeaverChina* Nanosaurus

tiny reptile(155.7-150.8 MYA)

2.6 ft (80 cm)?

Chicken?

Wyoming

Late Jurassic* New genus; ** New grouping; ^ New genus name for previously unnamed dinosaur

May actually be a primitive ornithopod, but some"Gongbusaurus" teeth might be from a primitive stegosaurian.
Known from nearly complete skeletons. Long thought to be aprimitive ornithopod.
Known from very incomplete material; possibly the same as
either Othnielia or Othnielosaurus.

Genus List for Holtz (2007) Dinosaurs

Last updated 1/28/11

40

Othnielia

for [American paleontologist]
Othniel [Charles Marsh]

Late Jurassic(155.7-150.8 MYA)

2.6 ft (80 cm)?

Chicken?

Colorado

The best skeletons once considered to be from Othnielia are
now regarded as the newly named "Othnielosaurus." Othnielia
proper is restricted to a femur (thigh bone).

* Othnielosaurus[American paleontologist]
Late Jurassic
Othniel [Charles Marsh]'s reptile(155.7-150.8 MYA)

4.6 ft (1.4 m)

TurkeyUtah, Wyoming

The most common small dinosaur from the Late Jurassic ofNorth America. Once considered specimens of Othnielia.

(155.7-150.8 MYA)
(196.5-183 MYA)
(167.7-161.2 MYA)
(118-110MYA)

4.6 ft (1.4 m)
6.6 ft (2 m)
3.3 ft (1 m)?

TurkeyWolf
Turkey?

Portugal
Lesotho
China
MarylandKnown only from a partial jaw and teeth. Similar to Drinker.
Named in 2005; a bigger relative of Lesothosaurus.
May be a very primitive ornithopod.
Known only from isolated teeth; possibly a ceratopsian.

Phyllodon
Stormbergia
Xiaosaurus
Not yet officially named

leaf tooth
for the Stormberg Groupdawn reptile

Late Jurassic
Early Jurassic
Middle Jurassic
Early Cretaceous

Primitive Ornithopods—Early Beaked Dinosaurs (Chapter 30)
Ornithopoda was a very diverse group of ornithischians. Early ornithopods were all two-legged. The following dinosaurs are not members of either the primitive zephyrosaurs, the larger thescelosaurids, or the advanced Iguanodontia.
Collectively, the dinosaurs in this list plus the zephyrosaurs and thescelosaurids were once called "hypsilophodonts."
Name
Meaning
Age
Time
LengthWeight
Where foundComments
Similar in some ways to Zephyrosaurus, but in other features toAtlas Copco [company that
Early Cretaceous(118-110 MYA)
6.6 ft (2 m)
BeaverAustralia
Atlascopcosaurus
the much larger Muttaburrasaurus.
makes drilling tools] reptile
Changchunsaurus
Drinker
Eucercosaurus

Changchun City [China] reptile

Early Cretaceous(125-112 MYA)

13.1 ft (4 m)?

Sheep?

China

Very similar to Thescelosaurus.

for [American paleontologist
Edward] Drinker [Cope]good-tailed reptile

Late Jurassic(155.7-150.8 MYA)

6.6 ft (2 m)

BeaverWyoming

Similar to Othnielia.

Early Cretaceous(112-99.6 MYA)?

?

EnglandOnce thought to be an ankylosaur.

FulgurotheriumLightning Ridge [Australia]
beast

Early Cretaceous(118-110MYA)

6.6 ft (2 m)

BeaverAustralia

Many bones have been lumped under this name; difficult to sortout how many species are really represented by these fossils.

Gasparinisaura[Argentine paleontologist Zulma
Late CretaceousB.] Gasparini's reptile(83-78 MYA)

2.1 ft (65 cm)

ChickenArgentina

Over fifteen individuals are known, including nearly complete
skeletons.

Hypsilophodon

Hypsilophus [old scientific name
Early Cretaceous
for a modern iguana] tooth(130-125 MYA)

5.9 ft (1.8 m)

BeaverEnglandKnown from many skeletons, including juveniles.

Jeholosaurus

Jehol Group reptile

Early Cretaceous(125-120 MYA)

2.6 ft (80 cm)

Chicken

China

Leaellynasaura
Notohypsilophodon

Leaellyn [Rich]'s reptile
southern Hypsilophodon

Early Cretaceous
Late Cretaceous(118-110 MYA)
(99.6-93.5 MYA)

3 ft (90 cm)?

Turkey?

Australia
Argentina

Qantassaurus

Qantas [Airways] reptile

Early Cretaceous(112-99.6 MYA)

4.6 ft (1.4 m)?

TurkeyAustralia

Siluosaurus

Silk Road reptile

Early Cretaceous(130-125 MYA)

4.6 f (1.4 m)?

TurkeyChina

Yandusaurus

Salt Capital reptile

Late Jurassic(161.2-155.7 MYA)

4.9 ft (1.5 m)

TurkeyChina

Early Cretaceous(130-125 MYA)

5.9 ft (1.8 m)?

BeaverSouth Dakota

No offcial genus name; formerly "Hypsilophodon" welandi.

** Zephyrosaurus—Burrowing Beaked Dinosaurs (Chapter 30)
A set of dinosaurs from the mid-to-Late Cretaceous of North America seem to form a group. This group seems to have been burrowers, something like dinosaurian rabbits.
Name
Meaning
Age
Time
LengthWeight
Where found* Koreanosaurus

Korean reptile

Late Cretaceous(85.8-70.6 MYA)

6.8 ft (2.1 m)

Wolf

Korea

Orodromeus

mountain runner

Late Cretaceous(80-72.8 MYA)

8.2 ft (2.5 m)

Wolf

Montana* Oryctodromeus

digging runner

Late Cretaceous(99.6-93.5 MYA)

6.8 ft (2.1 m)

Wolf

Montana

Zephyrosaurus

Zephyr [Greek god of the westwind] reptile

Early Cretaceous(118-110 MYA)

5.9 ft (1.8 m)

BeaverWyoming* New genus; ** New grouping; ^ New genus name for previously unnamed dinosaur

May only be a baby of a larger ornithopod. Currently one of themost primitive known ornithopods.
Large-eyed Hypsilophodon-like dinosaur.
One of relatively few South American ornithopods.
Jawbones and teeth show some similarities to therhabdodontids.
Known only from teeth.
Known from relatively complete, but not yet fully described,
fossils. One of the most primitive ornithopods.
Fossils originally considered as being from a U.S. species ofHypsilophodon.

Comments
Korea's first named ornithischian dinosaur. Burrows from
Koreanosaurus are known.
Several individuals are known, although what were once
thought to be Orodromeus nests and eggs are really fromtroodontids.
The first dinosaur of the Mesozoic confirmed to have madeburrows.
Known from a few partial skeletons and skulls.

Genus List for Holtz (2007) Dinosaurs

Last updated 1/28/11

41** Thescelosaurids—Last Primitive Beaked Dinosaurs (Chapter 30)
Thescelosauridae is a group of large "hypsilophodont"-type ornithopods from the Late Cretaceous of North America.
Name
Meaning
Age
Time
LengthWeight

Where foundComments
A short-snouted relative of Thescelosaurus. Recent restudy
suggests that this is nothing more than another species of
Thescelosaurus itself.

Bugenasaura

large-cheek reptile

Late Cretaceous(66.8-65.5 MYA)

9.8 ft (3 m)

WolfSouth Dakota,
Montana

Parksosaurus[Canadian paleontologist
William Arthur] Park's reptile

Late Cretaceous(72.8-66.8 MYA)

8.2 ft (2.5 m)

Wolf

Alberta

A close relative of Thescelosaurus.

Sheep

Colorado, Montana,South Dakota,
Wyoming; Alberta,
Saskatchewan

Known from some very complete skeletons, including one(nicknamed "Willo") that preserves soft tissues.

Thescelosaurus

wonder reptile

Late Cretaceous(66.8-65.5 MYA)

13.1 ft (4 m)?

Primitive Iguanodontians—Early Advanced Beaked Dinosaurs (Chapter 31)
The iguanodontians were generally larger and more heavily built than more primitive ornithopods. They were among the most common plant-eating dinosaurs of the Early Cretaceous Epoch. The following genera are iguanodontians, but
not members of Rhabdodontidae, Dryosauridae, Camptosauridae, or Styracosterna.
Name
Meaning
Age
Time
LengthWeight
Where foundComments
for [Argentine archaeologist]
Anabisetia
Late Cretaceous(94-91 MYA)
6.8 ft (2.1 m)
Wolf
Argentina
One of the most primitive iguanodontians.
Ana Biset
Bo [Hai-Chen] and Bo's [Xue,(125-121 MYA)
?
?
China
A very primitive iguanodontian.
* Bolong
the discoverers of the dinosaur] Early Cretaceous
dragonbig enigmatic reptile
Late Cretaceous(89.3-85.8 MYA)
19.7 ft (6 m)
HorseArgentina
A close relative of Talenkauen.
* Macrogryphosaurus
A big-nosed iguanodontian with rather powerful jaws. A recent
Muttaburrasaurus
Muttaburra [Australia] reptile
Early Cretaceous(112-99.6 MYA)
29.5 ft (9 m)
RhinoAustralia
study suggests it is related to the Rhabdodontidae.
Has some similarities with Thescelosaurus, but seems to be
Talenkauen
small skull
Late Cretaceous(70.6-65.5 MYA)
13.1 ft (4 m)
SheepArgentina
one of the most primitive iguanodontians.
Montana, Oklahoma,
A well-known primitive iguanodontian with a particularly long
Texas, Utah,
Tenontosaurus
tendon reptile
Early Cretaceous(118-110MYA)
23 ft (7 m)Horseand deep tail.
Wyoming, possibly
Maryland
Rhabdodontids—Advanced European Beaked Dinosaurs (Chapter 31)
These were some of the more important medium-size plant-eaters of the end of the Age of Dinosaurs in Europe.
Name
Meaning
Age
Time

LengthWeight

Where foundMochlodon

barred tooth

14.8 ft (4.5 m)?

Lion?

Austria

Rhabdodon

fluted tooth

Late Cretaceous(70.6-65.5 MYA)

14.8 ft (4.5 m)

LionFrance; Spain

Zalmoxes

Zalmoxes [slave of Greek
philosopher Pythagoras]

Late Cretaceous(70.6-68.5 MYA)

14.8 ft (4.5 m)

LionRomania

Late Cretaceous(83.5-80 MYA)** Dryosaurids—Small Advanced Beaked Dinosaurs (Chapter 31)
Dryosauridae includes some of the oldest known iguanodontians. All were bipedal. Many were once considered to be types of "hypsilophodonts."
Name
Meaning
Age
Time
LengthWeightCallovosaurus

Callovian [Age] reptile

Middle Jurassic(164.7-161.2 MYA)

?

Lion?

Dryosaurus

tree reptile

Late Jurassic(155.7-150.8 MYA)

9.8 ft (3 m)

Sheep* Dysalotosaurus

uncatchable reptile

Late Jurassic(155.7-150.8 MYA)

9.8 ft (3 m)

Sheep* Elrhazosaurus
Kangnasaurus
Valdosaurus

Elrhaz [Formation] reptile
Kangna [South Africa] reptile
reptile of the Wealden Group

Early Cretaceous
Early Cretaceous
Early Cretaceous(125-112 MYA)
(time very uncertain)(130-125 MYA)

9.8 ft (3 m)?
9.8 ft (3 m)

Sheep
?
Sheep

Where foundComments
Known from very incomplete material. May be the samedinosaur as Rhabdodon or Zalmoxes.
One of the more common ornithopods of Late Cretaceous
Europe.
A deep-snouted ornithopod, originally thought to be some kindof ceratopsian.

Comments
Known from an incomplete femur. At present, the oldest known
iguanodontian.
Wyoming, Colorado, The most common small-bodied ornithopod of Late Jurassic
Utahwestern North America.
Previously considered an African species of Dryosaurus. Its
name reflects the fact that it was fast, but also honors German
Tanzania
General Paul Emil Lettow-Vorbeck, who led many raids against
the British in eastern Africa during World War I, but whom the
British could never catch.
Niger
Originally considered a species of Valdosaurus.
South Africa
Very poorly known, but possibly a Dryosaurus relative.
England; Romania
Very similar to Dryosaurus.
England* New genus; ** New grouping; ^ New genus name for previously unnamed dinosaur

Genus List for Holtz (2007) Dinosaurs

Last updated 1/28/11

42** Camptosaurids—Medium-Sized Advanced Beaked Dinosaurs (Chapter 31)
Camptosauridae--Camptosaurus and its closest relatives--were medium-sized iguanodontians in the middle of the Mesozoic. They were close relatives of the styracosternans.
Name
Meaning
Age
Time
LengthWeight
Where foundComments
Early Cretaceous(145.5-130 MYA)
9.8 ft (3 m)?
Sheep?
Romania
A Camptosaurus-like dinosaur.
Bihariosaurus
Bihor [Romania] reptile
Known from several good skeletons, from babies to large
Colorado, Oklahoma,
Camptosaurus
flexible [back] reptile
Late Jurassic(155.7-150.8 MYA)
23 ft (7 m)
Rhinoadults. New discoveriers show that it had a pointier snout thanUtah, Wyomingshown in the book.
Sometimes considered a species of Camptosaurus. May
Cumnoria
from Cumnor [England]
Late Jurassic(150.8-145.5 MYA)
16.4 ft (5 m)
LionEnglandactually be a primitive styracosternan (like Owenodon) rather
than a camptosaurid.
Draconyx

dragon claw

Late Jurassic(152-148 MYA)

19.7 ft (6 m)HorsePortugalKnown from only a partial skeleton. Similar to Camptosaurus.

** Primitive Styracosternans—Advanced Beaked Dinosaurs with "Swiss Army Hands" (Chapter 31)
Styracosterna is the subgroup of Iguanodontia made up Hadrosauridae and all dinosaurs more closely related to hadrosaurids than to camptosaurids. These primitive styracosternans had the "Swiss Army Hand".
Name
Meaning
Age
Time
LengthWeight
Where foundComments
A large, big-nosed iguanodontian, once considered as
Altirhinus
high nose
Early Cretaceous(120-112 MYA)
26.2 ft (8 m)
Rhino
Mongolia
belonging to Iguanodon itself.
Formerly considered a species of Iguanodon (Iguanodon^ Barilium
heavy ilium
Early Cretaceous(140.2-136.4 MYA)
19.7 ft (6 m)?
Horse?
Englanddawsoni). Accidentally also named "Torilion", but that namewas published shortly after Barilium.
Known from the hips and legs. Once thought to be very close to
Cedar Mountain [Formation]
the origin of the hadrosaurians, but may be much more
* Cedrorestes
Early Cretaceous(130-125 MYA)
19.7 ft (6 m)?
Horse?
Utah
dweller
primitive.
Craspedodon
bordered tooth
Late Cretaceous(85.8-83.5MYA)?
?
Belgium
Known only from an Iguanodon-like tooth.
* Dakotadon

Dakota [Formation] reptile

Early Cretaceous(130-125 MYA)

19.7 ft (6 m)?

Horse?

South Dakota* Dollodon[Belgian paleontologist Louis]
Dollo's tooth

Early Cretaceous(130-120 MYA)

26.2 ft (8 m)

Rhino

Belgium

Eolambia

dawn lambeosaurine

Early to Late
Cretaceous(I02-98 MYA)

20 ft (6.1 m)

Rhino

Utah

Fukuisaurus

Fukui Prefecture [Japan] reptile Early Cretaceous(136.4-125 MYA)

19.7 ft (6 m)

Horse

Japan

An iguanodontian with a relatively solid skull.

* Hippodraco

horse dragon(130-125 MYA)

14.9 ft (4.5 m)

Grizzly bear

Utah

A relatively primitive and small styracosternan, fairly lightly
built.
Not yet fully described. A tall-spined iguanodontian, formerly
considered a species of Iguanodon (Iguanodon fittoni). May be
the same as "Iguanodon" hollingtonensis (which was found in
the same rocks). Accidentally also named "Wadhurstia", butthat name was published shortly after Hypselospinus.

Early Cretaceous

Previously considered a North American species of Iguanodon.
Previously considered a specimen of the slender Iguanodon
species that has now been reclassified as "Mantellisaurus", thisslender Belgian iguanodontian turns out to be its own
distinctive type.
Once thought to be the oldest lambeosaurine or an early
hadrosauroid (which is what I considered it in my book).
Several skeletons are known. New studies show that it isclosely related to Altirhinus and the species currently called"Probactrosaurus" maozongensis.

^ Hypselospinus

tall spined

Early Cretaceous(140.2-136.4 MYA)

19.7 ft (6 m)?

Horse?

England* Iguanacolossus

colossal iguana

Early Cretaceous(130-125 MYA)

29.5 ft (9 m)Rhino

Iguanodon

iguana tooth

Early Cretaceous(130-120 MYA)

42.7 ft (13 m)

Elephant* Kukufeldia

Kukufeld [Village]

Early Cretaceous(137-136 MYA)

19.7 ft (6 m)?

Horse?

Utah
Belgium; possibly
England; France;
Spain; Germany;
Portugal; Mongolia
EnglandLanzhousaurus

Lanzhou [China] reptile

Early Cretaceous(130-100 MYA)

32.8 ft (10 m)

Rhino

China

Lurdusaurus

heavy reptile[early paleontologists Dr.
Gideon & Mrs. Mary Ann]
Mantells' reptile

Early Cretaceous(125-112 MYA)

29.5 ft (9 m)

Rhino

Niger

Known from a lower jaw.
Unlike most iguanodontians, had only a few enormous teeth(the biggest of any herbivorous dinosaur) rather than manysmall teeth.
A squat, heavily built iguanodontian.

Early Cretaceous(125-120 MYA)

26.2 ft (8 m)

RhinoEnglandPreviously considered a slender species of Iguanodon.

* Mantellisaurus* New genus; ** New grouping; ^ New genus name for previously unnamed dinosaur

A very large iguanodontian.
One of the best-studied dinosaurs! Used to contain many more
species, but is now restricted to the single large species best
known from a quarry in Belgium.

Genus List for Holtz (2007) Dinosaurs

Last updated 1/28/11

43

Planicoxa

brave reptile [also monitor
reptile][English paleontologist andnamer of Dinosauria Sir
Richard] Owen's tooth
flat hip bone

Early Cretaceous(118-110 MYA)

?

?

Utah

* Proplanicoxa

before Planicoxa

Early Cretaceous(130-125 MYA)?

?

England* Sellacoxa

saddle hips

Early Cretaceous(140.2-136.4 MYA)

23 ft (7 m)

RhinoEngland* Theiophytalia

garden of the gods [name of thepark in Colorado where it was Early Cretaceous
found](118-110MYA)

19.7 ft (6 m)HorseColorado

Ouranosaurus^ Owenodon

Early Cretaceous(125-112 MYA)

19.7 ft (6 m)

Rhino

Niger

Early Cretaceous(145.5-140.2 MYA)

23 ft (7 m)?

Rhino

England* No official genus name; formerly "Iguanodon" hollingtonensis

Early Cretaceous(140.2-136.4 MYA)

29.5 ft (9 m)?

Rhino?

England

No official genus name; formerly "Iguanodon" ottingeri

Early Cretaceous(130-125 MYA)

23 ft (7 m)?

Rhino?

Utah* No official genus name; formerly "Probactrosaurus"
maozongensis

Early Cretaceous(130-125 MYA)

29.5 ft (9 m)?

Rhino?

China

A fin-backed, slender iguanodontian.
Originally thought to be a new species of Iguanodon(Iguanodon hoggi), then to be a camptosaurid (and possibly thesame as Cumnoria and/or Camptosaurus).
A wide-hipped iguanodontian.
A specimen previously considered to come from Valdosaurus.
Only a partial hip is known.
Known only from unusual, relatively large hip bones.
The most famous skull once thought to come from
Camptosaurus (and the basis for many illustrations, including
the ones in the book!) turns out to be from this different, andmuch younger, dinosaur.
A large early relative of Iguanodon. May be a specimen of
Hypselospinus.
Not yet fully described. A tall-spined iguanodontian.
Originally considered an early species of the primitive
hadrosaurian Probactrosaurus, new studies suggest it is a
close relative of Altirhinus and Eolambia.

Primitive Hadrosauria—Early Duckbilled Dinosaurs (Chapter 32)
Hadrosauria—duckbilled dinosaurs—was one of the most successful of all plant-eating dinosaur groups. The following are hadrosaurians that are not part of the more specialized Hadrosauridae.
Name
Age
Time
LengthWeight
Where foundComments
Meaning
Known only from part of a braincase. First thought to be an
Amtosaurus
Amtgay [Mongolia] reptile
Late Cretaceous(99.6-85.8 MYA)?
?
Mongolia
ankylosaurid!
Late Cretaceous(99.6-85.8 MYA)
20 ft (6.1 m)
Rhino
Mongolia
Once considered a primitive lambeosaurine.
Bactrosaurus
club[-spined] reptile
Early to Late
Similar to Altirhinus (except without as deep a nose) andEquijubus
horse mane
(102-98 MYA)
20 ft (6.1 m)
Rhino
China
Cretaceous
Jinzhousaurus.
Apparently closely related to Bactrosaurus, an amazingly* Glishades
concealed in mud
Late Cretaceous(80-72.8 MYA)
18.1 ft (5.5 m)?
Horse?
Montanaprimitive hadrosaurian for its time and place (given that it lived
alongside much more advanced true hadrosaurids).
Name is in the Native American Zuni language, and is* Jeyawati
grinding tooth
Late Cretaceous(93.5-89.3 MYA)
18.1 ft (5.5 m)
Horse
New Mexico
pronounced "HEY-a-WATT-ee".
* Jintasaurus

Golden Temple [County] reptile Early Cretaceous(112-99.6 MYA)

18.1 ft (5.5 m)?

Horse?

China

Known from the back of a skull.

Jinzhousaurus

Jinzhou [China] reptile[Russian paleontologist] Lev
Nesov

Early Cretaceous(125-120 MYA)

32.8 ft (10 m)

Rhino

China

Late Cretaceous(93.5-89.3 MYA)

20 ft (6.1 m)

Rhino

Uzbekistan

Nanyangosaurus

Nanyang City [China] reptile

Early Cretaceous(112-99.6 MYA)

20 ft (6.1 m)

Rhino

China

Penelopognathus

wild-duck jaws

Early Cretaceous(112-99.6 MYA)

20 ft (6.1 m)

Rhino

Mongolia

Probactrosaurus

before Bactrosaurus

Early Cretaceous(136.4-125 MYA)

11.5 ft (3.5 m)

Lion

China

Protohadros

first hadrosaurid

Late Cretaceous(99.6-93.5 MYA)

23 ft (7 m)

Rhino

Texas

One of the most primitive hadrosauroids.
The name honors a paleontologist who made many fossil
discoveries in central Asia.
Known from a skeleton lacking a skull. Very close to theancestors of the true hadrosaurids.
Known from long, slender jaws.
A rather unspecialized early member of the hadrosauroid
group.
A deep-chinned primitive hadrosauroid, nicknamed the "Jay
Leno dinosaur" (after that TV host's big chin).

Shuangmiaosaurus

Shuangmiao Village [China]
reptileLate Cretaceous(99.6-89.3 MYA)

?

?

China

Known from a skull. Very close to true hadrosaurids.

* Zhuchengosaurus

Zhucheng City [China] reptile

Early to Late
Cretaceous(102-98 MYA)

54.5 ft (16.6 m)

Threeelephants

China

Known from several skeletons, this newly discovered primitive
hadrosauroid is the largest ornithischian currently known.

No official genus name; formerly "Iguanodon" hilli

Late Cretaceous(99.6-93.5 MYA)?

?

EnglandKnown only from an incomplete tooth.

No official genus name; formerly "Trachodon" cantabrigiensis

Early Cretaceous(112-99.6 MYA)?

?

EnglandKnown only from a tooth.

* Levnesovia* New genus; ** New grouping; ^ New genus name for previously unnamed dinosaur

Genus List for Holtz (2007) Dinosaurs

Last updated 1/28/11

44

Primitive Hadrosaurids—Early Specialized Duckbilled Dinosaurs (Chapter 32)
These duckbills are part of the specialized group Hadrosauridae but are not members of the crested Lambeosaurinae or the broad-billed Saurolophinae.
Name
Meaning
Age
Time
LengthWeight
Where foundComments

Claosaurus

broken reptile

Late Cretaceous(87-82 MYA)

12.1 ft (3.7 m)

Lion

Kansas

A primitive hadrosaurid known from a nearly complete skeleton.
Unfortunately, the skull was missing when it was collected.

Gilmoreosaurus[American paleontologist
Charles Whitney] Gilmore's
reptileLate Cretaceous(99.6-85.8 MYA)

26.2 ft (8 m)

Rhino

China

An early slender hadrosaurid.

Hadrosaurus

heavy reptile

Late Cretaceous(83.5-80MYA)

26.2 ft (8 m)?

Rhino

New Jersey

Hypsibemahigh step

Late Cretaceous(83.5-70.6 MYA)

49.2 ft (15 m)?

Twoelephants

North Carolina* Koutalisaurus

spoon lizard

Late Cretaceous(70.6-65.5 MYA)

26.2 ft (8 m)?

Rhino?

Spain

Lophorhothon

crested nose

Late Cretaceous(83.5-70.6 MYA)

26.2 ft (8 m)RhinoAlabama and North
Carolina

Mandschurosaurus

Manchuria [China] reptile

Late Cretaceous(70.6-68.5 MYA)?

?

China; Russia* Ornithotarsus

bird ankle

Late Cretaceous(83.5-70.6 MYA)

39.6 ft (12 m)?

Elephant

New Jersey

Parrosaurus[American zoologist Albert Eide]
Late Cretaceous
Parr's reptile(70.6-68.5 MYA)

49.2 ft (15 m)?

Twoelephants?

MissouriTaniusfor [Chinese geologist Xi Zhou]
Late CretaceousTan(70.6-68.5 MYA)

26.2 ft (8 m)?

Rhino

China

Telmatosaurus

marsh reptile

Late Cretaceous(70.6-65.5 MYA)

16.4 ft (5 m)

Grizzly bear

Romania; France;
Spain^ Tethyshadros

hadrosaurid of the Tethys [theancient ocean, of which theLate Cretaceousmodern Mediterranean is one of
the last remains](72.8-66.8 MYA)

13.2 ft (4 m)

Grizzly bear

Italy

The first-discovered duckbill, and the dinosaur skeleton thatshowed at least some dinosaurs walked on their hind legs.
Once thought to be more closely related to the Saurolophinae(at the time called "Hadrosaurinae") than to theLambeosaurinae, but now seems to have branched off before
the split between those two advanced groups.
A gigantic hadrosaurid; sadly, known only trom a few isolatedbones.
Bones of this dinosaur were originally thought to be from
Pararhabdodon. A hadrosaurid, but not certain if it is alambeosaurine or saurolophine.
Sometimes considered a Saurolophus-like saurolophine, but
most recent studies show it to be a primitive hadrosaurid.
A large hadrosaurid from Asia; unfortunately, the skull is not yet
known.
A very large hadrosaurid, not known from many bones.
A gigantic hadrosaurid, known from tail bones and a partial jaw
so big that they were originally thought to come trom asauropod.
Known only from fragmentary specimens; once thought to beeither a saurolophine or lambeosaurine, but now thought most
likely to be a more primitive form.
A primitive hadrosaurid known from across Late Cretaceous
Europe.
A primitive hadrosaurid. Known from a complete skeleton) themost complete ornithischian skeleton from Italy). This fossil
was nicknamed 'Antonio'.

** Primitive Lambeosaurines— Hollow-Crested Duckbilled Dinosaurs (Chapter 32)
Most of the species in Lambeosaurinae—one of the two major groups of Hadrosauridae—had a hollow crest formed by the nasal passages. The lambeosaurines in this list do not clearly belong to the tube-snouted Parasaurolophini orhelmet-crested Corythosaurini subgroups.
Name
Meaning
Age
Time
LengthWeight
Where foundComments
It's name both describes the bent shape of its jaws (the only
* Angulomastacator
bend chewer
Late Cretaceous(80-72.8 MYA)
26.2 ft (8 m)?
Rhino?
Texas
parts currently known) and honors the Big Bend region of
Texas, in which it was discovered.
Aral Sea reptile

Late Cretaceous* Arenysaurus

Aren [France] reptile
Blasi [site where it was found]
reptileJaxartes River [Kazakhstan]
reptileLate Cretaceous(66.8-65.5.MYA)

26.2 ft (8 m)?

Rhino?

FranceA primitive lambeosaurine.

Late Cretaceous(66.8-65.5.MYA)

26.2 ft (8 m)?

Rhino?

Spain

Very similar to (and possibly the same as) Arenysaurus.

Late Cretaceous(93.5-83.5MYA)

29.5 ft (9 m)Rhino

Kazakhstan

Known from juvenile material.

* Nanningosaurus

Nanning City [China] reptile

Late Cretaceous(83.5-70.6 MYA)

26.2 ft (8 m)?

Rhino?

China

Pararhabdodonnear Rhabdodon

Late Cretaceous(70.6-65.5 MYA)

16.4 ft (5 m)HorseSpain; France?

* Blasisaurus
Jaxartosaurus(93.5-85.8MYA)

26.2 ft (8 m)Rhino

Kazakhstan

Once considered a Gryposaurus-like saurolophine, but now
seems to be the most primitive lambeosaurine. Lacks a crest.

Aralosaurus* New genus; ** New grouping; ^ New genus name for previously unnamed dinosaur

Incompletely known; the first lambeosaurine found in southern
China.
Originally thought to be a rhabdodontid, now recognized as aclose relative of Tsintaosaurus.

Genus List for Holtz (2007) Dinosaurs

Last updated 1/28/11

Tsintaosaurus

Qingdao City [China] reptile

Late Cretaceous** Parasaurolophinins—Tube-Crested Duckbilled Dinosaurs (Chapter 32)
Parasaurolophini includes the tube-crested lambeosaurines.
Name
Meaning
Age
Charon's [Greek boatman of theLate Cretaceous
Charonosaurus
River Styx] reptile
Parasaurolophus

near Saurolophus

Late Cretaceous(70.6-68.5 MYA)

29.5.ft (9 m)

Rhino

45

China

Time

LengthWeight

Where found(66.8-65.5 MYA)

32.8 ft (10 m)

Rhino

Russia(80-72.8 MYA)

32.8 ft (10 m)

Rhino

New Mexico, Utah;
Alberta** Corythosaurinins—Helmet-Crested Duckbilled Dinosaurs (Chapter 32)
Corythosaurini (or Hypacrosaurini) are the helmet-crested lambeosaurines.
Name
Meaning
Age

Time

LengthWeight

Where foundAmurosaurus

Amur River [Siberia] reptile

Late Cretaceous(66.8-65.5 MYA)?

?

RussiaBarsboldia

for [Mongolian paleontologist
Rinchen] Barsbold

Late Cretaceous(70.6-68.5 MYA)

32.8 ft (10 m)?

Rhino

Mongolia

Corythosaurus

helmet reptile

Late Cretaceous(80-72.8 MYA)

29.5 ft (9 m)

Rhino

Alberta

Hypacrosaurus

near-topmost reptile

Late Cretaceous(80-66.8 MYA)

32.8 ft (10 m)

Rhino

Alberta; Montana

Lambeosaurus[Canadian paleontologist
Lawrence Morris] Lambe's
reptileLate Cretaceous(80-72.8 MYA)

29.5 ft (9 m)

Rhino

AlbertaNipponosaurus

Japan reptile

Late Cretaceous(85.8-80MYA)

26.2 ft (8 m)

Rhino

?

Olorotitan

giant swan

Late Cretaceous(66.8-65.5 MYA)

39.4 ft (12 m)* Sahaliyania

black

Late Cretaceous(70.6-65.5 MYA)

26.2 ft (8 m)?

Rhino?

* Velafrons

sail forehead

Late Cretaceous(80-72.8 MYA)

26.2 ft (8 m)

Rhino

Late Cretaceous(80-72.8 MYA)

49.2 ft (15 m)

Twoelephants* No official genus name; formerly "Lambeosaurus" laticaudus

Only part of its crest is preserved: instead of the tall narrow
spike often shown, it probably had a broader crest something
like Olorotitan.

Comments
A Parasaurolophus-like form (although the complete crest is
not actually known).
Had a tube-shaped crest.

Comments
A late lambeosaurine. The shape of its crest isn't known. A
close relative of Sahaliyania.
Known only from the rear half of a skeleton.
Known from many individual skeletons and skulls, including
some with skin impressions.
Known from eggs and nests, juveniles through adults, andwhole herds.
Lambeosaurus has a helmet crest with a spike sticking
backwards from it.

Russia (specifically
Sakhalin Island,
which was owned by
A not-fully-grown specimen, very similar to North America's
Japan whenHypacrosaurus.
Nipponosaurus was
discovered andnamed)
A giant Siberian lambeosaurine with a tube crest that flares out
Russiaat the end.
China
One of the last of the hadrosaurids of Asia.
Known from one of the most complete dinosaur skeletons everMexicofound in Mexico.
MexicoThis Mexican dinosaur (which has no skull, so we aren't certain
if it is really from Lambeosaurus) is one of the largest
ornithischian fossils. May in fact belong to Hypacrosaurus.

** Gryposaurinins—Broad-Snouted Duckbilled Dinosaurs (Chapter 32)
The Saurolophinae (once called "Hadrosaurinae") is one of the two major groups of hadrosaurids, or true duckbilled dinosaurs. This particular sub-branch includes Gryposaurus and its kin.
Name
Anasazisaurus
Gryposaurus

Meaning
Age
Anasazi [Native American tribe]
Late Cretaceous
reptilehook-nosed reptile

Late Cretaceous

Time

LengthWeight

Where found(80-72.8 MYA)

?

Rhino

New Mexico(83.5-72.8 MYA)

27.9 ft (8.5 m)

Rhino

Alberta; Montana;
Utah

Kritosaurus

separated reptile

Late Cretaceous(80-72.8 MYA)

29.5 ft (9 m)Rhino

New Mexico

Naashoibitosaurus

Naashoibito Member [of theKirtland Formation] reptile

Late Cretaceous(80-72.8 MYA)

29.5 ft (9 m)Rhino

New Mexico

Secernosaurus

separated reptile

Late Cretaceous(72.8-66.8 MYA)

26.2 ft (8 m)?

Rhino

Argentina* Wulagasaurus

Wulaga [location in China
where it was found] reptile

Late Cretaceous(70.6-65.5 MYA)

26.2 ft (8 m)?

Rhino

China

* New genus; ** New grouping; ^ New genus name for previously unnamed dinosaur

Comments
Known only from a partial skull. May be the same as
Kritosaurus.
A large-nosed saurlophine. Several species are known.
Some paleontologists regard it as the same dinosaur as
Gryposaurus.
Known only from a partial skull. May be the same as
Kritosaurus.
A Kritosaurus- or Gryposaurus-like saurolophine, including
specimens once called "Kritosaurus australis". One of the few
South American hadrosaurids.
From the same rocks as the lambeosaurine Sahaliyania.

Genus List for Holtz (2007) Dinosaurs

Last updated 1/28/11* Not yet officialy named

Late Cretaceous46(80-66.8 MYA)

29.5 ft (9 m)Rhino

Argentina** Maiasaurinins—Broad-Snouted Duckbilled Dinosaurs (Chapter 32)
Maiasaurini is a group of primitive, very broad-billed saurolophines.
Name
Age
MeaningTime

LengthWeight

Where foundBrachylophosaurus

short-crested reptile

Late Cretaceous.

(80-72.8 MYA)

27.9 ft (8.5 m)

Rhino

Alberta; Montana

Maiasaura

good-mother reptile

Late Cretaceous(80-72.8 MYA)

29.5 ft (9 m)

RhinoMontana** Saurolophinins—Spike-Crested Broad-Snouted Duckbilled Dinosaurs (Chapter 32)
Saurolophini is a group of saurolophines with nasal regions that swept back onto their foreheads, sometimes forming a solid backwards-pointing crest.
Name
Meaning
Age
Time
LengthWeight
Where foundCerberus [Greek three-headed
Late Cretaceous(66.8-65.5 MYA)
26.2 ft (8 m)?
Rhino
RussiaKerbersaurus
watchdog of the underworld]
reptilebefore Saurolophus
Late Cretaceous(80-72.8 MYA)
26.2 ft (8 m)
Rhino
Alberta; Montana
Prosaurolophus
Saurolophus

crested reptile

Not yet officially named

An Argentine hadrosaurid, closely related to (or possibly a new
species of) Secernosaurus.

Comments
Has a tall snout, but not as arched as that of Gryposaurus. A
specimen called "Leonardo" is among the best preserved of all
dinosaur fossils.
Known from eggs, nests, embryos, hatchlings, and entire
herds.

Comments
Not much is known about it, but it seems to be a flat-nosed
form.
Known from many skeletons of varying ages.

Late Cretaceous(72.8-66.8 MYA)

39.4 ft (12 m)

Elephant

Alberta; Mongolia

Known from many skeletons, including some with skin
impressions. Common in both Mongolia and Canada. Has a
broad snout and a solid spike pointing backward from its head.

Late Cretaceous(72-70.6 MYA)

36 ft (11 m)

Elephant

MexicoA large Kritosaurus-like saurolophine (possibly just a new
species of Kritosaurus or Secernosaurus).

LengthWeight

Where found
Saskatchewan;
Montana, South
Dakota, Wyoming,
North Daktoa** Edmontosaurinins—Very Broad-Snouted Duckbilled Dinosaurs (Chapter 32)
Edmontosaurini is a group of saurolophines with extremely expanded bills: the duckbilliest duckbills.
Name
MeaningAgeTime* Anatosaurus

duck reptile

Late Cretaceous(66.8-65.5 MYA)

39.4 ft (12 m)

Elephant

Anatotitan

giant duck

Late Cretaceous(66.8-65.5 MYA)

39.4 ft (12 m)

Elephant

Montana, South
Dakota, Wyoming

Edmontosaurus

Edmonton [Formation] reptile

Late Cretaceous(80-72.8 MYA)

39.4 ft (12 m)

Elephant

Alberta; Alaska,
Colorado

Shantungosaurus

Shandong Province [China]
reptileLate Cretaceous(70.6-68.5 MYA)

49.2 ft (15 m)?

Twoelephants

China

Comments
Often considered just a late surviving species ofEdmontosaurus, but may indeed be separate, in which casethis old name is used. Anatotitan may be the fully-adult form.
The most "duckbilled'' of the duckbills. Considered by some tobe the most advanced species or Edmontosaurus, or isperhaps the fully-adult form of Anatosaurus.
Known from many good skulls and skeletons. Thought by someto contain the species listed here as the genera Anatosaurus
and Anatotitan.
The largest known saurolophine, and until the discovery of
Zhuchengosaurus, the largest known ornithischian. May be amore primitive saurolophine rather than an edmontosaurin.

** Primitive PachycephaIosaurs—Early Boneheaded Dinosaurs (Chapter 33)
The dinosaurs of Pachycephalosauria, one of the two main branches of the ridge-headed Marginocephalia, had thickened skulls. The dinosaurs in this list lack the true dome that characterizes the more advanced Pachycephalosauridae.
However, at least one of these (Goyocephale) may simply be the juvenile of a pachycephalosaurid, and would have had a full dome as an adult.
Name
Meaning
Age
Time
LengthWeight
Where foundComments
Goyocephaledecorated head

Late Cretaceous(85.8-70.6 MYA)

5.9 ft (1.8 m)

BeaverMongolia

Peishansaurus

North Mountain [China] reptile

Late Cretaceous(83.5-80 MYA)

?

?

China

Stenopelix

narrow pelvis

Early Cretaceous(130-125 MYA)

4.9 ft (1.5 m)

BeaverGermany

Wannanosaurus

southern Anhui [China] reptile

Late Cretaceous(70.6-68.5 MYA)

2 ft (60 cm)

TurkeyChina* New genus; ** New grouping; ^ New genus name for previously unnamed dinosaur

Known from a relatively complete skull and skeleton. May be
the juvenile of some other dome-headed pachycephlaosaur
Known only from a partial skull. Might actually be from ajuvenile ankylosaur.
Known from a skeleton lacking a skull. It is either an early
European pachycephalosaur or some other kind of
marginocephalian.
Known only from an incomplete juvenile specimen.

Genus List for Holtz (2007) Dinosaurs

Last updated 1/28/11

47** PachycephaIosaurids—Domeheaded Dinosaurs (Chapter 33)
The advanced pachycephalosaurs, the Pachycephalosauridae, have true domed skulls. Many specimens preiviously thought to be distinct genera are now considered the juveniles of pachycephalosaurids.
Name
Meaning
Age
Time
LengthWeight
Where foundComments
Alaska head
Late Cretaceous(72-70.6 MYA)?
?
AlaskaKnown only from a dome. Close to Pachycephalosaurus.
Alaskacephaleknuckle head
Late Cretaceous(80-72.8 MYA)
5.9 ft (1.8 m)
Wolf
AlbertaOnce considered a species of Stegoceras.
Colepiocephale
Almost certainly just a juvenile Pachycephalosaurus or
Dracorex
dragon kingLate Cretaceous(66.8-65.5 MYA)
7.9 ft (2.4 m)
Wolf
South Dakota
Stygimoloch. Its full name, D. hogwartsia, honors the fictional
Hogwarts Academy.
Late Cretaceous(80-72.8 MYA)
9.8 ft (3 m)?
Wolf?
Alberta
Known only from a dome.
Gravitholus
heavy dome
for [Austrian-CanadianOnce considered a species of Stegoceras. Known from several
Hanssuesia
American paleontologist] Hans- Late Cretaceous(80-72.8 MYA)
7.9 ft (2.4 m)
Wolf
Alberta; Montana
skulls.
Dieter Sues
(80-72.8 MYA)
6.6 ft (2 m)?
Wolf?
Alberta
Quite likely just a juvenile Stegoceras.
Ornatotholus
decorated dome
Late Cretaceous
Pachycephalosaurus

thickheaded reptile

Late Cretaceous(66.8-65.5.MYA)

23 ft (7 m)

Grizzly bear

Wyoming, Montana,South Dakota

Prenocephale

sloping head

Late Cretaceous(70.6-68.5 MYA)

7.9 ft (2.4 m)

Wolf

Mongolia

Sphaerotholus

sphere dome

Late Cretaceous(80-65.5 MYA)

7.9 ft (2.4 m)

Wolf

Stegocerasroof horn

Late Cretaceous(80-72.8 MYA)

6.6 ft (2 m)

Wolf

Montana, New
MexicoAlberta

Stygimoloch

demon of the Styx [river of theLate Cretaceousunderworld in Greek mythology](66.8-65.5 MYA)

9.8 ft (3 m)

LionMontana, Wyoming* Texacephale

Texas head(80-72.8 MYA)

6.6 ft (2 m)

Wolf

Texas

Tylocephaleswelled head

Late Cretaceous

The largest, and one of the last, pachycephalosaurs, with avery large dome and a long snout.
Known from an excellent skull. Some paleontologists think that
Sphaerotholus and Tylocephale are just species ofPrenocephale. An excellent juvenile specimen was once
considered its own genus, "Homalocephale".
A round-domed pachycephalosaur very similar toPrenocephale.
A relatively primitive round-domed pachycephalosaur.
A large, long-snouted pachycephalosaur, with large spikes at
the rear of its head. A close relative of Pachycephalosaurus; infact, may simply be the "teenaged" form ofPachycephalosaurus.
Known only from some skull domes; quite possibly a southern
species of Stegoceras.
Known only from a partial skull, a close relative ofPrenocephale.
An advanced pachycephalosaur from China.

Late Cretaceous

85.8-70.6 MYA)

7.9 ft (2.4 m)

Wolf

Mongolia

No official genus name; formerly "Troodon" bexelli

Late Cretaceous(75-70.6 MYA)

?

?

China

Not yet officially named

Late Cretaceous(66.8-65.5 MYA)

7.9 ft (2.4 m)

Wolf

Montana, South
DakotaNearly complete skulls and skeletons of what might be two newclose relatives of Stygimoloch and Pachycephalosaurus, or just
juveniles of the same, have been found.

Not yet officially named

Late Cretaceous(80-72.8 MYA)?

ChickenAlberta

Not yet described. Known from small domes.

Comments
Known from the skull and other parts of the front end of adinosaur. Closely related to Xuanhuaceratops.

** Chaoyangsaurids and Other Primitive Ceratopsians—Early Parrot-Beaked Dinosaurs (Chapter 34)
The earliest and most primitive members of Ceratopsia—the horned dinosaur group—including the Chaoyangsauridae.
Name
Meaning
Age
Time
LengthWeight

Where found

Chaoyangsaurus

Chaoyang [China] reptile

Late Jurassic(150.8-145.5 MYA)

2 ft (60 cm)?

TurkeyChina

Micropachycephalosaurus

small Pachycephalosaurus

Late Cretaceous(70.6-68.5 MYA)

1.6 ft (50 cm)

TurkeyChina

Yinlong

hidden dragon
Late Jurassic
Xuanhua District [China] horned
Late Jurassic
face* Xuanhuaceratops(161.2-155.7 MYA)

9.8 ft (3 m)

Wolf

China

Known from many excellent skulls and skeletons.

(150.8-145.5 MYA)

2 ft (60 m)?

Turkey?

China

Closely related to Chaoyangsaurus.

Comments
Known from juvenile and adult skulls. May actually be a
species of Psittacosaurus.
Several species are known, some of which may eventually get
their own genera. Known from hatchlings to adults. One of thebest-studied dinosaurs.

** Psittacosaurids—Parrot Dinosaurs (Chapter 34)
Psittacosauridae was an important group of Early Cretaceous Asian ceratopsians. These were mostly bipedal.
Name
MeaningAge
TimeHongshan [ancient Chinese
Early Cretaceous(125-120 MYA)
Hongshanosaurus
culture] reptile
Psittacosaurus

parrot reptile

Early Cretaceous

Known only from an incomplete skull and pelvis.Despite thename, it is more likely a ceratopsian than a pachycephalosaur(which is what it was originally considered).

(140.2-99.6 MYA)

LengthWeight

Where found

3.9 ft (1.2 m)?

TurkeyChina

5.9 ft (1.8 m)

BeaverChina; Mongolia;
Thailand?

* New genus; ** New grouping; ^ New genus name for previously unnamed dinosaur

Genus List for Holtz (2007) Dinosaurs

Last updated 1/28/11

No official genus name; formerly "Psittacosaurus" sibiricus

Early Cretaceous(136.4-99.6 MYA)

4.9 ft (1.5 m)?

Primitive Neoceratopsians—Early Frilled Dinosaurs (Chapter 34)
The following are frilled dinosaurs, but they are not members of Leptoceratopsidae, Protoceratopsidae, or Ceratopsidae.
Name
Meaning
Age
Time
Lengthancient horned face
Early Cretaceous(130-125 MYA)
4.9 ft (1.5 m)
Archaeoceratops
Early to Late
Asiaceratops
Asia horned face
(102-98 MYA)
5.9 It (1.8 m)
Cretaceous
dawn horned face
Early Cretaceous(140.2-99.6 MYA)?
Auroraceratops
Early to Late
* Helioceratops
sun horned face
(102-98 MYA)
4.3 ft (1.3 m)
Cretaceous48

BeaverRussiaWeightBeaver

Where found
China

BeaverUzbekistan

Not yet well described. Similar to Psittacosaurus, but
apparently with small horns.

Wolf

China

Comments
A bipedal, slender neoceratopsian.
Uncertain if this is a primitive neoceratopsian or a true
leptoceratopsid.
A rather lumpy-faced primitive neoceratopsian.

BeaverChina

Similar to Auroraceratops and Yamaceratops.

* Koreaceratops

horned face of Korea

Early Cretaceous(112-99.6 MYA)

4.3 ft (1.3 m)

Beaver

Korea

Known from the rear half of the body. The describers note thedeep tail, and suggest this and other deep-tailed ceratopsians
were aquatic. I'm not yet convinced…

Kulceratops

lake horned face

Early Cretaceous(112-99.6 MYA)?

?

Central Asia

Poorly described, and known only from jaw fragments. The
describer didn't even clarify where in central Asia it was found!

Liaoceratops

Liaoning Province [China]
horned face

Early Cretaceous(125-120 MYA)?

BeaverChina

Notoceratops

southern ceratopsianLate Cretaceous(70.6-68.5 MYA)?

?

Argentina

Serendipaceratops

Serendip [legendary name for
Sri Lanka] horned face

Early Cretaceous(118-110 MYA)?

Turkey?

Australia

Turanoceratops

Turan [Persian for region ofcentral Asia] horned face

Late Cretaceous(70.6-65.5 MYA)?

?

Kazakhstan(time very uncertain)

4.9 ft (1.5 m)

BeaverMongolia

Known from a partial skull and various isolated bones.

(93.5-89.3 MYA)

11.5 ft (3.5 m)

Grizzly bear

New Mexico

Had brow horns but no nose horn.

* Yamaceratops
Zuniceratops

Yama [Tibetan God of the Dead]
Early Cretaceous
horned faceZuni [Native American people]
Late Cretaceous
horned face

Leptoceratopsids—Small-Frilled Dinosaurs (Chapter 34)
This is a group of neoceratopsians with relatively short frills.
Name
Meaning
Bayn Dzak [site in Mongolia]
Bainoceratops
horned face
* Cerasinops

cherry face

Late Cretaceous(80-76.5 MYA)

5.9 ft (1.8 m)

Sheep

Leptoceratops

small horned face

Late Cretaceous(66.8-65.5 MYA)

5.9 ft (1.8 m)

SheepAlberta; Montana* Microceratus

small horned

Late Cretaceous(99.6-83.5 MYA)

2 ft (60 cm)?

Turkey?

Mongolia

Montanoceratops

Montana horned face

Late Cretaceous(72.8-66.8 MYA)

9.8 ft (3 m)

LionMontana

Prenoceratops

sloping horned face
Udan Sayr [Mongolia] horned
faceZhucheng County [China]
reptileLate Cretaceous(80-72.8 MYA)

9.8 ft (3 m)

LionMontana

Comments
Its vertebrae show that it is more like Udanoceratops andLeptoceratops than like Protoceratops.
One specimen of this dinosaur was nicknamed "Cera"(pronounced "Sara").
The last small ceratopsian in North America.
Previously called "Microceratops", and known only from very
fragmentary fossils.
Once thought to have a horn on its nose, but that was amisplaced cheek horn.
Known from a herd of mostly juveniles.

Late Cretaceous(85.8-70.6. MYA)

14.8 ft (4.5 m)

Grizzly bear

Mongolia

A large, possibly bipedal ceratopsian.

Late Cretaceous(72.8-66.8 MYA)

6.6 ft (2 m)

Sheep

China

Similar to, but slightly larger than, Leptoceratops.

** Bagaceratopsids—Small-Horned, Lump-Nosed Frilled Dinosaurs (Chapter 34)
Bagaceratopsidae contains Asian and European small frilled dinosaurs, some of which at least have short lumps or hornlets on their noses.
Name
Meaning
Age
Time
LengthWeight

Where found* Ajkaceratops

Comments
The first definite ceratopsian from Europe (although someisolated teeth may also represent European frilled dinosaurs).
The name is pronounced "OI-ka-ser-a-tops".
Many specimens, including embryos, are known. Had a small
nose horn.
May be the same as Bagaceratops.

Udanoceratops* Zhuchengceratops

Age

Time

LengthWeight

Where foundLate Cretaceous(75-70.6 MYA)?

BeaverMongolia
Montana

A small, frilled ceratopsian known from both adult and juvenile
skulls.
Known from a jaw fragment that might actually be from a
hadrosaurid.
Known only from a forearm bone; may not even be aceratopsian.
Known from horn cores and double-rooted teeth, suggestingthat it was a Zuniceratops-like dinosaur or even a true
ceratopsid.

Ajka [Village] horned face

Late Cretaceous(85.8-83.5 MYA)

3.3 ft (1 m)

BeaverHungary

Bagaceratops

little horned face

Late Cretaceous(85.8-70.6 MYA)

3 ft (90 cm)

TurkeyMongolia

Breviceratops

short horned face

Late Cretaceous(85.8-70.6 MYA)

6.6 ft (2 m)

Wolf

Mongolia* New genus; ** New grouping; ^ New genus name for previously unnamed dinosaur

Genus List for Holtz (2007) Dinosaurs

Last updated 1/28/11

49* Gobiceratops

Gobi Desert horned face

Late Cretaceous(85.8-70.6 MYA)?

Chicken?

Mongolia

Lamaceratops
Magnirostrismonk horned face
big snout

Late Cretaceous
Late Cretaceous(85.8-70.6 MYA)
(75-70.6 MYA)

?
?

Wolf
Wolf

Mongolia
China

Platyceratops

flat horned face

Late Cretaceous(85.8-70.6 MYA)

?

Wolf

Mongolia

Protoceratopsids—Deep-Tailed Frilled Dinosaurs (Chapter 34)
Protoceratopsidae contains the four-legged Asian frilled dinosaurs with deep tails.
Name
MeaningAgeslender horned face
Late Cretaceous
Graciliceratops

Time(99.6-83.5 MYA)

Length2 ft (60 cm)

WeightTurkeyWhere foundMongolia

Protoceratops(85.8-70.6 MYA)

6.6 ft (2 m)LionMongolia; China

first horned face

Late Cretaceous

Known only from the 1.4 in (3.5 cm) long skull of a juvenile.
Quite likely just a juvenile Bagaceratops.
Similar to Bagaceratops, it had a small nose horn.
Had a large beak and small horns.
Based on a single poorly preserved skull, quite likely just a
specimen of Bagaceratops.

Comments
A slender, possibly bipedal dinosaur. Probably a juvenile.
Probably the most common dinosaur found in the Late
Cretaceous of Asia. Known from eggs, embryos, hatchlings,
juveniles, and adults.

Centrosaurines—Nose-Horned True Horned Dinosaurs (Chapter 35)
Ceratopsidae—true horned dinosaurs—contains two major branches. Centrosaurinae includes species with deep snouts and many have large nose horns. All centrosaurines have at least one pair of spikes sticking out of the center of theback of the frill.
Name
Meaning
Age
Time
LengthWeight
Where foundComments
A close relative of Pachyrhinosaurus, it also has a lumpy nose
Achelous [Greek river god]
Late Cretaceous(80-72.8 MYA)
19.7 ft (6 m)
RhinoMontanaAchelousaurus
and brow.
reptileNamed in 2007, it is the first centrosaurine known with longer
Albertaceratops
Alberta [Canada] horned face
Late Cretaceous(80-72.8 MYA)
19.7 ft (6 m)
Rhino
Alberta; Montana
brow horns than nose horn.
First known from a juvenile specimen, but other fossils are now
known. Some consider the fossils to be just from the juveniles[American fossil hunter] Avaof other centrosaurines. Others consider Avaceratops a unique
Avaceratops
Late Cretaceous(80-72.8 MYA)
8.2 ft (2.5 m)
Grizzly bear
Montana[Cole]'s horned facespecies of centrosaurine. Still others think it might actually be
the same dinosaur as Ceratops, and therefore possibly not a
centrosaurine.
Known from entire herds that died together, as well as nearlyCentrosaurus
spur [frill] reptile
Late Cretaceous(80-72.8 MYA)
18.7 ft (5.7 m)
Rhino
Albertacomplete skeletons with skin impressions.
The oldest known centrosaurine. Like Albertaceratops it had^ Diabloceratops
devil horned face
Late Cretaceous(83.5-76 MYA)
18 ft (5.5 m)
Rhino
Utah
brow horns longer than its nose horn. The pair of spikes
coming out of the back of its frill are spectacularly long.
Late Cretaceous(80-72.8 MYA)
19.7 ft (6m)
RhinoMontana
A hook-horned centrosaurine.
Einiosaurus
bison reptile
thick-nosed reptile
Late Cretaceous(80-66.8 MYA)
26.2 ft (8 m)Rhino
Alaska; Alberta
Last, and largest, of the centrosaurines. Known from herds.
Pachyrhinosaurus
Previously considered a species of Styracosaurus, but now* Rubeosaurus
bramble reptile
Late Cretaceous(80-72.8 MYA)
19.7 ft (6m)
RhinoMontanathought to be more closely related to Einiosaurus. Has thelargest nose horn of any dinosaur currently known.

* Sinoceratops

Chinese horned face

Late Cretaceous(72.8-66.8 MYA)

23 ft (7 m)

Rhino

China

The first definite Asian ceratopsid known to science(Turanoceratops might be a ceratopsid, or it might be a moreprimitive neoceratopsian). Fairly large for a centrosaurine, andcurrently one of the most primitive known.

Styracosaurus

spike [frill] reptile

Late Cretaceous(80-72.8 MYA)

18 ft (5.5 m)

Rhino

Alberta

Known from several good specimens. Distinctive because of
the big spikes on its frill.

Chasmosaurines—Brow-Horned True Horned Dinosaurs (Chapter 35)
Once called "ceratopsines", one of the two branches of Ceratopsidae—true horned dinosaurs. This group contains species with typically large brow horns and shallow, long snouts.
Name
Meaning
Age
Time
LengthWeight
Where foundComments
Once considered its own species ot Chasmosaurus. Known
Agujaceratops
Aguja [Formation] horned face Late Cretaceous(80-72.8 MYA)
23 ft (7 m)
Rhino
Texas
from a herd.
Anchiceratops

intermediate [frill] horned face

Late Cretaceous(80-72.8 MYA)

19.7 ft (6 m)

Rhino

Alberta

A relatively unspecialized chasmosaurine.

Arrhinoceratops

no-nose horned face

Late Cretaceous(72.8-66.8 MYA)

23 ft (7 m)

Rhino

Alberta

Ceratops

horned face

Late Cretaceous(80-72.8 MYA)

8.2 ft (2.5 m)?

Grizzly bear? Montana

It actually does have a nose horn, despite its name.
Poorly known, it apparently had relatively small brow horns. It
might not actually belong to Chasmosaurinae, but instead may
be a primitive ceratopsid branching off before theCentrosaurinae-Chasmosaurinae division.

* New genus; ** New grouping; ^ New genus name for previously unnamed dinosaur

Genus List for Holtz (2007) Dinosaurs

Last updated 1/28/11

50

At least three species are known, with different patterns of sizeand orientation of horns.
Close to the ancestry of Triceratops and the other giant
chasmosaurines. Has the thickest and longest brow-horns of
any ceratopsid.
Known from a partial skull, this dinosaur might be directly
ancestral to Triceratops.

Chasmosaurus

wide-opening [frill] reptile

Late Cretaceous(80-72.8 MYA)

23 ft (7 m)

Rhino

Alberta* Coahuilaceratops

Coahuila [State] horned face

Late Cretaceous(80-72.8 MYA)

26.2 ft (8 m)

Rhino

Mexico* Eotriceratops

dawn Triceratops

Late Cretaceous(70.6-68.5 MYA)

29.5 ft (9 m)Elephant

Alberta* Kosmoceratops

decorated horned face

Late Cretaceous(80-72.8 MYA)

16.5 ft (5 m)

Rhino

Utah

* Medusaceratops

Medusa [monster from Greek
mythology] horned face

Late Cretaceous(80-72.8 MYA)

19.7 ft (6 m)

RhinoMontana* Mojoceratops

love charm horned face

Late Cretaceous(80-72.8 MYA)

23 ft (7 m)

Rhino

Alberta* Ojoceratops

Ojo [Alamo Formation] horned
face

Late Cretaceous(70.6-68.5 MYA)

29.5 ft (9 m)Elephant

New Mexico

Pentaceratops

five-horned face

Late Cretaceous(80-72.8 MYA)

26.2 ft (8 m)Rhino

New Mexico* Tatankaceratops

bison horned face

Late Cretaceous(66.8-65.5 MYA)

3.3 ft (1 m)

SheepSouth Dakota* Titanoceratops

titanic horned face

Late Cretaceous(80-72.8 MYA)

29.5 ft (9 m)Elephant

New Mexico

Torosaurus

perforated [frill] reptile [not bull
reptile!]Late Cretaceous(66.8-65.5 MYA)

29.5 ft (9 m)Elephant

Wyoming, Montana,
A large, and enormously frilled, chasmosaurine. Recent studies
South Dakota, Utah,suggest that this is not its own distinctive genus, but simply the
New Mexico, Texas;
fully-adult form of Triceratops.
Saskatchewan
Probably the most common dinosaur at the end or the
Cretaceous in western North America. "Nedoceratops" (alsocalled "Diceratops" and "Diceratus") is almost certainly just a
subadult Triceratops; Torosaurus may be the fully adult form of
this genus.

Has very large spikes on its frill for a chasmosaurine; those on
the top of the frill fold over towards the front. Like Utahceratops
its brow horns point sideways rather than forward.
Its bones were mixed up with those of Albertaceratops; hassome very broad projections at the top of its frill. One of themost primitive chasmosaurines.
Named from specimens previously considered to belong to
Chasmosaurus. Some paleontologists still think this is just
Chasmosaurus; others think that the proper name for it is the(currently not used) "Eoceratops".
Known from a partial skull, a close relative to Eotriceratops andTitanoceratops (indeed, they all might wind up being the samedinosaur!)
The five horns are the brow horns, the nose horn, and twohornlike projections from the cheek. In fact, all ceratopsids (andmany other ceratopsians) have these cheek horns!
Described as dwarf chasmosaurine closely related to
Triceratops. I STRONGLY suspect this is just a young
Triceratops and not a distinct species.
Originally considered the largest specimen of Pentaceratops,
this turns out to be a different genus close to the ancestry of
Eotriceratops, Torosaurus, and Triceratops.

Triceratops

three-horned face

Late Cretaceous(66.8-65.5 MYA)

29.5 ft (9 m)Elephant

Colorado, Wyoming,
Montana, North
Dakota, South
Dakota; Alberta,
Saskatchewan^ Utahceratops

Utah horned face

Late Cretaceous(80-72.8 MYA)

23 ft (7 m)

Rhino

Utah

A close relative of Pentaceratops. Like Kosmoceratops its browhorns point sideways, not forward.

* Vagaceratops

wandering horned face

Late Cretaceous(80-72.8 MYA)

23 ft (7 m)

Rhino

Alberta

Originally described as a short-horned species of
Chasmosaurus, but conisdered by some to be a distinct genus
more closely related to Kosmoceratops than to Chasmosaurus.

* Genus not in original published list.
** Grouping of dinosaurs not in original published list.
^ New genus name for dinosaur without official name in original published list.
Last additions 13 January 2011

* New genus; ** New grouping; ^ New genus name for previously unnamed dinosaur