Fun Dolichosuchus Facts For Kids

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.

How do you pronounce 'Dolichosuchus'?

The word 'Dolichosuchus' is pronounced as 'dough-ly-co-suck-us'.

What type of dinosaur was a Dolichosuchus?

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.

In which geological period did the Dolichosuchus roam the Earth?

This theropod lived during the triassic period, approximately 250-200 million years ago.

When did the Dolichosuchus become extinct?

The exact time of extinction of this creature is unknown due to a lack of sufficient fossils.

Where did Dolichosuchus live?

Scientists discovered fossils of this dinosaur at the Stubensandstein formation in Germany.

What was the Dolichosuchus' habitat?

It can be assumed that these theropods inhabited large portions of green, forest lands accompanied by minor water bodies.

Who did the Dolichosuchus live with?

The discovery of other reptilians and amphibians suggests that these dinosaurs were social creatures that lived in packs.

How long did a Dolichosuchus live?

The exact lifespan of these dinosaurs is unknown due to a lack of scientific data.

How did they reproduce?

Being oviparous in nature, these dinosaurs reproduced by laying eggs.

What did the Dolichosuchus look like?

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.

How many bones did a Dolichosuchus have?

Since only a single leg bone was discovered, the exact number of bones of this dinosaur remains unquantified.

How did they communicate?

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.

How big was the Dolichosuchus?

An adult Dolichosuchus was approximately 3.3-9.8 ft (1-3 m) in length, almost three times smaller than a Brachiosaurus!

How fast could a Dolichosuchus move?

It can be assumed that like most other theropods, these creatures were fast-paced.

How much did a Dolichosuchus weigh?

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).

What were the male and female names of the species?

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.

What would you call a baby Dolichosuchus?

Since this theropod laid eggs, their babies can be safely called hatchlings or chicks.

How aggressive were they?

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.

Did you know…

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]