Fun Epanterias Facts For Kids

Epanterias amplexus, also called Allosaurus amplexus, is a humongous theropod dinosaur that inhabited the earth around 135 million years ago of the Upper Jurassic era. Fossilized bones were dug out of the Morrison Formation, Colorado but the first formal description of the species came from Edward Drinker Cope in 1878. Cope initially mistook it for a sauropod but later it was revealed that the species was actually a theropod. Some authors are of the view that the dinosaur was a large member of Allosaurus fragilis. Kenneth Carpenter and Gregory S. Paul contested the assertion and claimed that since Allosaurus fragilis type specimen was found deeper down in the Morrison Formation, the species could qualify to a separate taxon. Did you know that the species possessed a sturdy tail that was powerful enough to enable the dinosaur to bounce just like kangaroos? Apart from its long and powerful tail, it was also armed with one of the longest and strongest claws possessed by any theropod known to humankind.

To explore some more detailed information about the Epanterias, continue reading. You can also reward your inquisitive mind by indulging in a few more amazing facts about the brontosaurus and orodromeus.

How do you pronounce 'Epanterias'?

The name of the genus has been derived from the Greek language implying 'buttressed', implying the vertebrae. On the other hand, 'amplexus' is the reference to the clasping action during copulation where males grab onto their partners. In Latin, the epithet translates to 'clasping buttressed vertebrae'. The pronunciation of this term is exceptionally simple as it goes 'ee-pan-TEER-ee-as'.

What type of dinosaur was an Epanterias?

Allosaurus amplexus was a large theropod dinosaur of the Upper Jurassic period that is currently considered a rarity. The genus Epanterias is composed of AMNH 5767.

In which geological period did the Epanterias roam the earth?

Epanterias amplexus can be dated back to the Kimmeridgian-Tithonian age of the Late Jurassic epoch. These theropod dinosaurs predated the ruthless Tyrannosaurus rex.

When did the Epanterias become extinct?

The exact time frame within which the dinosaur species dissolved into extinction cannot be mentioned but researchers believe that the population of these dinosaurs was widespread within their habitat range and they also evolved rapidly prior to their complete eradication.

Where did the Epanterias live?

Since the fossil remains of the dinosaur belonging to the allosaurus family were found embedded in the deposits of Garden Park's Morrison Formation situated in Northern Colorado, it can be concluded that it could be found in present-day North America.

What was an Epanterias' habitat?

Allosaurus amplexus was suited to a terrestrial habitat. Around 150 million years back, what we today know as North America was actually a floodplain covered with forests and rivers. The climate of the region was most probably semi-arid.

Who did the Epanterias live with?

Although there's a scarcity of factual information about the social behavior of the species, it can be inferred that the dinosaur was not a friendly or compassionate one due to its predatory instincts. They could have dwelled solitarily while hunting for prey or formed pairs during the breeding period. However, there's no evidence to prove these assumptions.

How long did an Epanterias live?

Since only a few specimens could be retrieved from the sites, there's a dearth of research data. Hence, the average lifespan of the theropod species still remains undeciphered.

How did they reproduce?

Reproduction among the Epanterias was oviparous just like all other dinosaur species. Post-copulation, females laid eggs and incubated them for around three to six months (depending on the species). According to findings, parental care was absent after the arrival of the young. The young had to look after their own needs. Detailed information about courtship rituals or behavior during breeding is currently lacking.

What did the Epanterias look like?

It is believed that Allosaurus amplexus exhibited a lot of resemblance with the Tyrannosaurus rex in terms of its appearance and largeness. This carnivorous dinosaur possessed exceptionally long claws and tail that aided in its hunting quests. The skull was bigger in size while its arms were long. The legs were comparatively shorter but muscular. The jaw structure was enormous with sharp, serrated teeth, typically suited for devouring large-sized creatures.

How many bones did an Epanterias have?

Only a few pieces of the dinosaur's skeleton could be procured from the sites such as a metatarsal, a coracoid, and sections of the vertebrae. With several missing sections, the entire skeletal structure is incomplete therefore making it impossible to offer any definite numbers.

How did they communicate?

Interactions among dinosaurs were mainly conducted via vocalizations. Some researchers believe that they produced high-pitched bellowing sounds similar to horns. The use of body language could have been another form of communication between these giant pre-historic earth dwellers.

How big were the Epanterias?

The Epanterias length was somewhere around 43-50 ft (13-15 m) which was quite akin to the average length of the Tyrannosaurus rex. However, the Epanterias height was approximately 10.8 ft (3.3 m).

How fast could an Epanterias move?

The dinosaur used its hind legs to walk, run, or pursue its prey. Although the speed range of the dinosaur needs further research, it would not be wrong to assume that like other allosaurs it was capable of very swift body movements, especially in its hunting pursuits or while fighting with rivals. The bipedal movements of the species were also aided by its long tail.

How much did an Epanterias weigh?

The mammoth Epanterias weight was about 8,818 lb (4,000 kg). It was quite heavy because of its gigantic stature.

What were the male and female names of the species?

Neither males nor the females have been rendered sex-specific names.

What would you call a baby Epanterias?

Females lay eggs and babies hatch after the completion of the incubation period. These babies can therefore be called hatchlings.

What did they eat?

The species indulged in a carnivorous diet. The enormous jaw structure along with the serrated teeth of the dinosaur benefitted in feasting on the meat of several animals and smaller dinosaurs. It had the potential of gulping down a whole 1,400-pound animal by expanding its jaw just like a snake.

How aggressive were they?

The meat-eating Epanterias amplexus was as ferocious as the Tyrannosaurus rex. The allosaurus dinosaur has the reputation be being a violent predator.

Did you know...

Let's take a quick look at some interesting facts on Epanterias vs T-rex! Epanterias amplexus dwelled on the earth almost 66 million years ago ( during the Upper Jurassic epoch) before the popular Tyrannosaurus rex. Although they both shared an almost similar appearance and stature with predatory instincts, the former's body had a lower build which means that its posture was more inclined towards the ground.

Now, time to find out about Epanterias vs Saurophaganax! Despite being a member of the allosaurus family, each dinosaur displayed some differences. For instance, Allosaurus amplexus is estimated to be larger in body size. Moreover, differences were also noted on the spine and skull of Saurophaganax. Nevertheless, scientists from all over the world are still oblivious of innumerable aspects related to Allosaurus amplexus. Specimens are still being unearthed from the site of its habitation and analyzed for more detailed research.

How many teeth did an Epanterias have?

The number of teeth possessed by the dinosaur is not known for sure but it can be deduced that its maxilla consisted of 14 - 17 teeth, premaxilla had five while the dentary contained 14 - 17 serrated teeth like an allosaurus.

When were the Epanterias discovered?

Edward Drinker Cope was the first to attribute the species its formal identification in 1878. However, specimens of this theropod dinosaur were excavated from three sites. The latest specimens were discovered near Fort Collins by Robert Bakker, a paleontologist at the University of Colorado and his team. Specimens of the species could also be retrieved from two other sites. In 1877, fossils were excavated from around Canon City in Colorado and another excavation was made in the Oklahoma panhandle, in 1934. However, the accumulation of the remains from the three sites failed to constitute the complete skeletal framework. Only the chest bones, tail and neck vertebrae, a jawbone could be retrieved. Scientists like Bakker consider that Allosaurus amplexus was perhaps the largest as well as the last species of the allosaurus family to have survived till its extinction.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly dinosaur facts for everyone to discover! For more relatable content, check out these dacentrurus facts or staurikosaurus facts.

You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable singing dinosaurs coloring pages.

Main image by Levi bernardo

Second image by Levi bernardo