A genus of carnivorous dinosaurs, the Dubreuillosaurus generally belongs to the middle Jurassic period that spanned from the end of the Triassic period, 201.3 million years ago (mya) to the beginning of the Cretaceous period, roughly 145 mya. Only one species, the Dubreuillosaurus valesdunensis, belongs to the Dubreuillosaurus genus.
The estimated length and weight of the species are said to be around 16 ft (5 m) and 550 lb (250 kg) respectively, and these dinosaurs were 30 ft (9 m) tall. The species is best known for its low and long skull and was three times as long as it was thick.
The species is now classified as a megalosaur, a large Theropoda closely related to the Megalosaur.
When it comes to history, the first fossils were found during the land restoration of the old pit of Pierre de Caen, the fragmentary skull and ribs were secured, while professional excavations started in 1998. In 2002, the species was said to be a species of the Poekilopleuron but the same notion was rejected in 2005.
Fossils also give an idea about the location and the habitat of the species. During the middle Jurassic period, most parts of Europe were covered with a number of islands.
Fossils were found in sedimentary rocks that were laid in mangrove swamps and coastal areas. The dinosaur was a carnivore and used to prey on fish and several marine animals.
Let's read more fun facts about the Dubreuillosaurus, and if you find this article interesting, don't forget to check out exciting facts about different animals like the Orodromeus and the Puertasaurus.
Dubreuillosaurus Interesting Facts
How do you pronounce 'Dubreuillosaurus'?
The best way to pronounce the name of the species is by breaking the whole term into two parts 'Dubreuil-losaurus'.
What type of dinosaur was a Dubreuillosaurus?
The species Dubreuillosaurus valesdunensis is classified as a Megalosaur, a large Theropoda closely related to the Megalosaur. These dinosaurs generally used to prey on fish and other marine animals. The species belonged to the Megalosauridae family. Dubreuillosaurus valesdunensis is the only species that belonged to the Dubreuillosaurus genus.
In which geological period did the Dubreuillosaurus roam the earth?
While talking about the Dubreuillosaurus temporal range, the fossil revealed that the species belonged to the middle Jurassic period that spanned from the end of the Triassic period 201.3 million years ago (mya) to the beginning of the Cretaceous period, approximately 145 mya.
When did the Dubreuillosaurus become Extinct?
The first Dubreuillosaurus skeleton was discovered in France which revealed that the genus became Extinct about 168-166 million years ago. There are several theories regarding the extinction of dinosaurs. Some believed destruction was mainly caused by asteroid impact, while others state it was due to climate change, volcanic eruption, and several other natural factors.
Where did a Dubreuillosaurus live?
The first fossil of the Dubreuillosaurus valesdunensis was discovered in France. In 1994, somewhere in Normandy, the fossil was discovered during restoration of the old pit of Pierre de Caen, while the fragmentary skull and ribs were secured and professional excavations started in 1998.
During the middle Jurassic period, most parts of Europe were covered with several islands.
What was a Dubreuillosaurus' habitat?
Remains of the species D. valesdunensis were found in sedimentary rocks that were laid in mangrove swamps and coastal terrains. This also affected the diet of the Theropoda species.
Who did a Dubreuillosaurus live with?
Very little is known about the behavior of the species D. valesdunensis, but like other species of the Megalosauridae family, the dinosaur must have lived in groups. It is also said that carnivore dinosaurs used to hunt fish and marine animals in groups.
How long did a Dubreuillosaurus live?
The average lifespan of the Theropoda species is not estimated as of now. Species such as the Apatosaurus, the Brachiosaurus, and the Supersaurus are known to be a few of the longest-living dinosaurs.
How did they reproduce?
The reproduction patterns were very much similar to the modern-day reptiles and Aves or birds. The Theropoda species must have used a sexual mode of reproduction to produce offspring. It is said that these creatures must have used several courtship displays to attract their potential partners.
Unlike turtles and sharks, no dinosaur skeletons have been found in such positions that could determine their mating behaviors. Dinosaurs used to lay eggs but the litter size of the species is not known.
Dubreuillosaurus Fun Facts
What did a Dubreuillosaurus look like?
The species Dubreuillosaurus valesdunensis possesses a low and long skull that was three times as long as it was thick.
A kink is present in the upper region of the front margins of the nasal region of the maxilla that separated a convex arch below from a concave arch above. The upper part of the thighbone is pointed to the inside and below while the front underside of the bone has a depressed surface.
A large external mandibular fenestra can also be seen in the lower jaw region of the species.
How many bones did a Dubreuillosaurus have?
The exact number of bones of the species is not known as of now, but bones of the species were uncovered in a layer of the Calcaire de Caen dating from the middle Bathonian, an age and stage of the middle Jurassic.
Preserved parts of the skeleton included cervical ribs, two cervical vertebrae, the majority of the skull, ten caudals, seven dorsals, a chevron, a claw of the hand, and many more parts.
How did they communicate?
Very little is known about the communication patterns, but dinosaurs, in general, used to communicate both vocally and visually. According to scientists, dinosaurs possess closed-mouth vocalizations; these creatures also used to perform courtship displays and fights over their territories.
How big was a Dubreuillosaurus?
While talking about the Dubreuillosaurus size, the estimated length and weight of the species are said to be around 16 ft (5 m) and 550 lb (250 kg), respectively. While these dinosaurs were 30 ft (9 m) tall, the species had a long skull that was three times as long as it was thick.
The species is quite a bit bigger than the Tyrannosaurus and the Spinosaurus.
How fast could a Dubreuillosaurus move?
The exact speed of the species is not known as of now, but the peak-running speed of dinosaurs generally ranges from 23 mph (37 kph) to 54.7 mph (88 kph).
How much did a Dubreuillosaurus weigh?
The average weight of the species is around 550 lb (250 kg).
What were the male and female names of the species?
There are no specific names used to describe male and female dinosaurs; people generally call them Dubreuillosaurus.
What would you call a baby Dubreuillosaurus?
Like other reptiles, babies of Dubreuillosaurus are called hatchings.
What did they eat?
These dinosaurs were carnivorous as their fossils were found near coastal areas which suggests that these creatures preyed on fish and marine animals.
How aggressive were they?
Very little is known about the behavior of the species, but these dinosaurs are not regarded as violent and aggressive creatures, even though these carnivores used to look for food all the time. Like modern-day reptiles, they must have fought for their territories.
Did you know...
Ronan Allain named the species 'Poekilopleuron valesdunensis' while the genus name was Poekilopleuron, but in 2005 he created a new genus name for the species, Dubreuillosaurus.
The world's biggest dinosaur species is the Titanosaurs. Recently, fossils were found in northwest Patagonia, Argentina.
Fossils of the species have been kept in The French National Museum of Natural History.
How did the Dubreuillosaurus get its name?
The species was named Dubreuillosaurus valesdunensis in honor of the Dubreuil family.
Were they social?
Yes, several species of the middle Jurassic period – even the Dubreuillosaurus valesdunensis species – were social and used to live in small groups. Generally, carnivore dinosaurs used to form packs, just like wolves.
Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly dinosaur facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other creatures from our Sauropelta facts and Heterodontosaurus facts for kids.
You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable Dubreuillosaurus coloring pages.
We Want Your Photos!
Do you have a photo you are happy to share that would improve this article?
As a content writer, Abhishek's passion for writing extends beyond professional content creation. With a Bachelor's degree in History from Ram Lal Anand College in Delhi, Abhishek is a skilled writer in both English and Hindi, bringing a creative flair to his work. He enjoys crafting satires and poetry and is dedicated to producing engaging and informative content.
Bachelor of Commerce specializing in Marketing and HR
Pradhanya RaoBachelor of Commerce specializing in Marketing and HR
With a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from Christ University, Bangalore, Pradhanya's passion for the English language and literature led her to explore the field of content writing, where she has gained extensive experience in writing, reviewing, editing, and fact-checking. She has also earned certifications in Google Ads Search, Google Ads Display, and Social Media Marketing, showcasing her proficiency in digital marketing.
1) 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. Prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published but we cannot guarantee that on the time of reading. 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.
2) At Kidadl, we strive to recommend the very best activities and events. 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. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate 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.
3) Because we are an educational resource, we have quotes and facts about a range of historical and modern figures. We do not endorse the actions of or rhetoric of all the people included in these collections, but we think they are important for growing minds to learn about under the guidance of parents or guardians.