Research summary
Classification used here: Early theropod dinosaur. Fossils assigned to Dilophosaurus are known from Early Jurassic (about 193 million years ago) and have been found in Kayenta Formation, Arizona, United States. The museum uses 6–7 m (about 20–23 ft) as the reference body length and describes the diet as meat-eater. Dilophosaurus was an early large theropod, about 6–7 metres long, that walked on two strong hind legs. Its pair of thin head crests is distinctive. Their colour and exact purpose remain unknown, although they may have helped animals recognise one another or attract mates.
Fossil evidence and reconstruction limits
- The 6–7 metre figure is an approximate range for an adult animal.
- There is not enough evidence to determine the crests’ colour, their soft tissues, the animal’s body colour or the crests’ exact purpose.
- The model’s skull, shoulder girdle, hands, hind limbs and gently open mouth were reviewed for this exhibit; soft-tissue details remain a cautious artistic reconstruction.
Scientific sources
Leon Made This compiled these research notes from public museum resources and scientific papers while preserving uncertainty in the reconstruction. Last reviewed 2026-08-07.
