FOR AGES 3 YEARS TO 18 YEARS
At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents.
We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family.
Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
Belonging to the genus Dolichosuchus and family Coelophysoid , the Dolichosuchus inhabited the earth during the Triassic period, approximately 250-200 million years ago. The term 'Dolichosuchus' that translates to 'long crocodile' was assigned to it as the scientists believed that they resembled crocodilians.
Fossil remains of this creature were discovered at the Stubensandstein formation in Germany. It was impossible for paleontologists to create a complete image of this dinosaur as only a single leg bone, the tibia, could be recovered. This led to several differences of opinion regarding the classification of its genus.
The word 'Dolichosuchus' is pronounced as 'dough-ly-co-suck-us'.
Difference of opinion were raised regarding the taxonomy of these terrestrial creatures. However, currently, this theropod dinosaur has been placed under class Sauropsida, family Coelophysoid, and genus Dolichosuchus.
This theropod lived during the triassic period, approximately 250-200 million years ago.
The exact time of extinction of this creature is unknown due to a lack of sufficient fossils.
Scientists discovered fossils of this dinosaur at the Stubensandstein formation in Germany.
It can be assumed that these theropods inhabited large portions of green, forest lands accompanied by minor water bodies.
The discovery of other reptilians and amphibians suggests that these dinosaurs were social creatures that lived in packs.
The exact lifespan of these dinosaurs is unknown due to a lack of scientific data.
Being oviparous in nature, these dinosaurs reproduced by laying eggs.
Nothing apart from a single bone, the tibia (a lower leg bone), was discovered from the ruins. This is why the scientists considered the genus of this dinosaur a nomen dubium. The scientists also suggest that the discovered tibia resembles the tibia of Liliensternus and Dilophosaurus. It is not known if they had neck frills.
Since only a single leg bone was discovered, the exact number of bones of this dinosaur remains unquantified.
Although the communication pattern of this dinosaur is yet to be uncovered, it can be assumed that like all other dinosaurs, these triassic beings interacted through visual cues.
An adult Dolichosuchus was approximately 3.3-9.8 ft (1-3 m) in length, almost three times smaller than a Brachiosaurus!
It can be assumed that like most other theropods, these creatures were fast-paced.
The average weight of an adult Dolichosuchus is estimated to be 66.1-220.5 lb (30-100 kg). However, some scientists argue that they might have weighed over 330.7 lb (150 kg).
Since no names have been assigned to the male and female counterparts of this dinosaur, they can simply be referred to as male or female Dolichosuchus.
Since this theropod laid eggs, their babies can be safely called hatchlings or chicks.
The level of aggression is yet to be discovered as only a single bone was recovered from the ruins. It is unknown if they could spit venom.
The Latin word 'Dolichosuchus', which translates to long crocodile, is a combination of two words, "dolicho" and "suchus". The word 'dolicho' means something that is long while the word 'suchus' means 'crocodile'. Hence, traditionally, these creatures were assumed to resemble a long crocodile and were classified under the family Hallopodidae.
Von Huene assigned the term 'Dolichosuchus' as genus in 1932, while paleontologist R. Steel rendered the scientific name 'Dolichosuchus cristatus' in 1970.
We don't have specific information about about how they defended themselves.
**We've been unable to source an image of Dolichosuchus and have used an image of Dicraeosaurus instead. If you are able to provide us with a royalty-free image of Dolichosuchus, we would be happy to credit you. Please contact us at [email protected]
Read The Disclaimer
At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents.
We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family.
Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising.
We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. If you purchase using the buy now button we may earn a small commission. This does not influence our choices. Please note: prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published.
Kidadl has a number of affiliate partners that we work with including Amazon. Please note that Kidadl is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.
We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content.
Was this article helpful?
We’ll send you tons of inspiration to help you find a hidden gem in your local area or plan a big day out.
Check your inbox for your latest news from us. You have subscribed to:
Remember that you can always manage your preferences or unsubscribe through the link at the foot of each newsletter.