Discover the fascinating world of dinosaurs with the Dinosaurs Active Wild List! This page provides a comprehensive list of dinosaur names with pictures and detailed information about their habitats, behaviors, and physical features.
You can explore the different types of dinosaurs that existed during the Mesozoic Era, from the ferocious Tyrannosaurus Rex to the gentle giant Brachiosaurus.
The Dinosaurs Active Wild List is the perfect resource for anyone who wants to learn more about these prehistoric creatures and their place in history. Start your journey into the past today with this online dinosaur museum! And for more in-depth knowledge, Dinosaur Facts is a great place to start.
List of Dinosaurs: Dinosaur Names with Pictures
Below is a comprehensive list of various dinosaur species, accompanied by images and interesting facts. This list covers all of the most popular and well-known dinosaurs, as well as some lesser-known ones. Clicking on the links in the text will lead you to more information about each species.
We’d love to hear from you! Are there any dinosaurs on this list that you’ve never heard of before? Are there any amazing dinosaurs that we’ve missed? What’s your favorite dinosaur? Let us know by leaving a comment below!
Abelisaurus
The late Cretaceous theropod dinosaur Abelisaurus is first on our list, measuring between 7 and 9 meters (23 and 29 feet) in length and walking on two legs (bipedal). We only have one incomplete skull of Abelisaurus, but scientists have been able to infer the dinosaur’s probable eating habits, size, and behavior based on this fossil. This is the critical work of paleontology, which involves the scientific study of ancient life and piecing together a picture of how dinosaurs lived based on limited information.
Abelisaurus Facts
Abelisaurus was a small carnivorous dinosaur that resembled the appearance of a T-Rex. However, very little is known about this genus, and the information available is based solely on one skull that was discovered by an Argentinean archaeologist, Roberto Abel, in 1983.
The skull was used to describe Abelisaurus by Argentine paleontologists José Bonaparte and Fernando Emilio Novas in 1985.
Abelisaurus is estimated to have been between 7 and 10 meters (23 and 33 feet) long and weighed around 3 metric tonnes (3.3 tons). The lack of information on Abelisaurus highlights the importance of paleontology in piecing together a picture of how dinosaurs lived based on scarce evidence.
Albertosaurus
Albertosaurus was a type of tyrannosaurid dinosaur and is believed to be closely related to the infamous Tyrannosaurus Rex. It walked on two legs and had small arms, similar to its more famous relative. As a top predator,
it would have been a fast hunter. Some scientists believe that the crests on its head may have been brightly colored. Like Tyrannosaurus, it had eyes on the sides of its head, but with forward-facing eyes. If you want to know more about Albertosaurus, you can find more information here: Albertosaurus.
Albertosaurus Facts
Albertosaurus, a tyrannosaurid dinosaur closely related to the T-Rex, lived around 70 million years ago. It is believed to have been one of the top predators in North America and Asia during its time.
Evidence of Albertosaurus has only been found in the Canadian province of Alberta. In 1884, the first incomplete skull of Albertosaurus was discovered by geologist and mapmaker Joseph Tyrell during a survey near the Red Deer River. Another part of the Albertosaurus skull was found in the same area in 1889.
Allosaurus
Allosaurus was a fierce predator that lived during the Jurassic period. It was among the most dominant predators of its time, weighing between 2 to 5 metric tonnes (2.2 to 3.3 short tons) and measuring approximately 12 meters (40 feet) in length.
Allosaurus may have been able to take down enormous sauropods such as Diplodocus and Apatosaurus, as well as other dinosaurs such as Stegosaurus.
You can find more information about Allosaurus on the Allosaurus Facts page.
Allosaurus Facts
Allosaurus, a carnivorous dinosaur, was a massive creature that lived during the late Jurassic and early Cretaceous periods approximately 155 to 140 million years ago.
The largest Allosaurus specimens were approximately 12 meters (39 feet) long, while the average length was 8.5 meters (28 feet). It had a height of 4.5 to 5 meters (15 to 16.5 feet) and could weigh between 1.4 and 4 metric tonnes (3,000 and 8,800 pounds) according to different estimates.
Most Allosaurus fossils have been found in the United States, particularly in Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah, but they have also been discovered in Portugal, Siberia, and Tanzania.
Ankylosaurus
Ankylosauria is a group of dinosaurs that had armored plates fused together, earning them their name “fused-together lizards.” Thyreophora, also known as “shield-bearers” or “armored dinosaurs,” is a subgroup of Ankylosaurians, which also included Stegosaurians like stegosaurus.
The Ankylosaurus, a member of Ankylosauria, was a massive dinosaur that weighed around 5 metric tonnes (5.5 short tons) and measured about 10 meters (33 feet) long. It had a bony club at the end of its whip-like tail, which could have been a potent weapon against predators.
Ankylosaurus Facts for Kids, Students and Adults
Ankylosaurus was a large dinosaur, but not as massive as the sauropods like Apatosaurus and Diplodocus. It was quite long and broad, measuring 1.7 meters (5.6 feet) in height but almost as broad as it was tall.
The first Ankylosaurus fossil was discovered in 1906 in the Hell Creek Formation, a well-known dinosaur-rich area in Montana, USA. Barnum Brown, a renowned paleontologist, led the expedition that found the incomplete specimen.
Ankylosaurus was first described by Brown in 1908, and he named the species Ankylosaurus magniventris, which translates to “fused lizard with huge belly” based on the specimen’s characteristics.
Apatosaurus
Apatosaurus, a large sauropod species, lived during the Late Jurassic period and not the Late Cretaceous as previously stated. It measured around 20 to 23 meters (65 to 75 feet) in length and weighed approximately 20 to 30 metric tonnes (22 to 33 short tons). Apatosaurus was an herbivore, which means it ate plants to reach its massive size. Its long tail may have served as a defensive weapon against predators.
The discovery of the Apatosaurus was initially confused with another dinosaur, which was later named Brontosaurus. However, further research suggests that Brontosaurus may not be a separate genus but a variation of the Apatosaurus. Despite this, the name Brontosaurus is still widely known and used in popular culture.
Apatosaurus Facts
Apatosaurus was a colossal dinosaur that lived during the Late Jurassic period, about 150 million years ago. It measured between 21 and 23 meters (69 and 75 feet) from snout to tail and stood at a height of 4.6 meters (15 feet) at the shoulders.
Its weight ranged from 20 to 30 metric tonnes (22 and 33 short tons / 44,000 and 66,000 lb), equivalent to four or five adult male African elephants. However, some estimates suggest that it could have weighed up to 73 metric tonnes (80 short tons / 160,000 lb).
Apatosaurus was a herbivore, feeding on plants to grow to its enormous size. It may have used its long tail as a whip to defend itself against predators. During the Late Jurassic period, Apatosaurus coexisted with other well-known dinosaurs like Stegosaurus and Pterosaurs that flew through the skies.
Archaeopteryx
Archaeopteryx is often described as a transitional fossil between dinosaurs and birds, as it possessed features of both. With its feathered wings and bird-like beak, it is often considered one of the earliest known birds. However, it also had several reptilian characteristics, including sharp teeth and a long bony tail.
Archaeopteryx lived during the late Jurassic period, approximately 150 million years ago, and its fossils have been found in Germany. It is believed that Archaeopteryx was capable of powered flight, although it may have been limited to short bursts of flapping rather than sustained flight like modern birds.
It is now widely accepted that birds evolved from small feathered dinosaurs, and Archaeopteryx provides important evidence for this evolutionary transition.
Archaeopteryx Facts
Archaeopteryx is one of the most significant fossil discoveries in history, having been unearthed in the early 1860s. The discovery supported Charles Darwin’s theories of evolution, which had only recently been published, not only by providing a link between dinosaurs and birds but also by supporting his ideas.
Archaeopteryx existed during the early Tithonian period of the Late Jurassic epoch, approximately 150.8-148.5 million years ago.
While Archaeopteryx had feathers that were similar in arrangement to those of modern birds, there is still debate among scientists as to whether it could fly or only glide. Evidence suggests that its feathers were not as sturdy as those of contemporary birds.
Baryonyx
During the early Cretaceous Period, Baryonyx was a bipedal dinosaur with a fish-based diet. In 1983, an amateur fossil hunter named William J. Walker discovered an unusual fossil at a site.
Upon notification, scientists from the Natural History Museum in London confirmed the discovery to be significant. Further investigation led to the discovery of almost 75% of a new dinosaur species, which was named Baryonyx walkeri in honor of the discoverer.
Baryonyx Facts
Baryonyx was a mid-sized meat-eating dinosaur that spent a lot of time in or near water, although it was not completely aquatic. It appears to have been well-suited for catching fish in various ways.
Baryonyx was a significant dinosaur, weighing as much as a car and standing tall enough to look into upper-story windows, even though it was less related to Spinosaurus.
Baryonyx grew to be about 7.5 to 10 meters (25 to 33 feet) in length and weighed around 1.2 metric tons (1.3 short tons).
William J. Walker, a plumber and amateur fossil hunter, discovered Baryonyx in 1983 while digging at a clay quarry near Dorking, Surrey. After realizing the significance of the fossil, he contacted the Natural History Museum in London. The rest of the skeleton was discovered by a team of museum experts, and the dinosaur was named Baryonyx in honor of its discoverer.
Brachiosaurus
Brachiosaurus, a gigantic sauropod, was a true behemoth. It measured up to 25 meters (82 feet) in length and weighed between 30 and 50 metric tonnes (33 and 55 short tons), making it one of the largest land creatures to have ever existed. Its name, meaning “arm lizard,” was derived from the way its forelimbs were connected to its shoulders, giving them an elevated position in contrast to other sauropods.
Unlike other sauropods, Brachiosaurus’s front legs were longer than its hind limbs, allowing it to reach food sources that were higher off the ground. Its long neck and small head were also well-suited for browsing tall trees for vegetation.
Brachiosaurus Facts
Elmer Riggs, a paleontologist from the United States, discovered the first Brachiosaurus fossil in 1900.
The sauropod infraorder, which includes other huge, long-necked dinosaurs, contains Brachiosaurus.
Around 155.5 to 150.8 million years ago, Brachiosaurus lived in the mid to late Jurassic period.
It might weigh anywhere from 60 to 66 metric tons (66 short tons).
Brachiosaurus had a very upright stance, with its forelimbs longer than its hind limbs.
Brachiosaurus had a tiny brain and was not very bright, despite its great bulk.
Adults would have needed to consume 400 kg (880 lb.) of food every day to survive.
Carnotaurus
Carnotaurus, a bipedal dinosaur, was a fierce predator that hunted in groups. It was large, measuring approximately 9 meters (30 feet) in length and weighing around 1.35 metric tonnes (1.5 short tons).
One of Carnotaurus’s distinguishing characteristics was the pair of horns on its skull. Its name is derived from these bull-like horns, which means “meat-eating bull.” The horns may have been used for display purposes, as well as for fighting other Carnotaurus individuals during battles for territory or mating rights.
Carnotaurus Facts
Carnotaurus, a theropod dinosaur, had a similar appearance to T-Rex with its two-legged stance, long tail for balance, and small arms. Its large head and unique features set it apart from other theropods, including two bull-like horns on its skull, which inspired its name meaning “meat-eating bull.”
Carnotaurus reached a length of approximately 9 meters (30 feet) and weighed around 1.35 metric tonnes (3,000 pounds). Despite its size, it was lightly-built and had remarkable agility.
The discovery of Carnotaurus was made by a team led by Argentine paleontologist José Bonaparte in 1984 in Chubut Province, Argentina.
Coelophysis
One of the first dinosaurs known is Coelophysis. It existed in the Triassic Period, which came after. Several Coelophysis fossils have been discovered, despite their great age.
Coelophysis was a modest little dinosaur that weighed little. It would have hunted in packs and been nimble and quick.
Compsognathus
Only two specimens of Compsognathus have been discovered and documented so far. The first specimen was found in Germany in the mid-1800s, while the second was discovered in France in 1971.
Compsognathus existed during the Late Jurassic period, approximately 150 million years ago.
Initially believed to be one of the smallest dinosaurs due to its bird-like features and size, other smaller dinosaurs have been discovered in recent years, leading to a reconsideration of its status as one of the tiniest dinosaurs.
Deinonychus
This early Cretaceous animal grew to be around 3 meters (10 feet) long and weighed approximately 80 kilograms (176 pounds). The name of the creature refers to the deadly claw on each of its feet, which is referred to as a terribadge.
Deinonychus was a small dinosaur in comparison to other dinosaurs, yet it was built for speed and would have been a formidable hunter. Its forelimbs were long and its hands were claws.
Diplodocus
Diplodocus, a massive sauropod dinosaur, had a long neck and tail, as well as four legs, like other sauropods. Its long and whip-like tail might have been useful as a defensive mechanism against predators.
This herbivorous dinosaur lived during the Late Jurassic period in North America. Diplodocus measured around 25 meters (82 feet) in length and weighed between 10 and 26 metric tons (11 and 29 short tons), making it one of the largest animals to have ever walked on Earth.
Diplodocus facts
Diplodocus is among the most well-known and heavily researched dinosaurs due to the large number of fossils discovered since the first one was found in 1877.
Diplodocus was a Sauropod, a group of dinosaurs known for their massive size, long necks and tails, and thick, pillar-like legs.
Edmontosaurus
A gigantic herbivorous dinosaur called Edmontosaurus. Due to its duck-like mouths, it belonged to the so-called “duck-billed” group of dinosaurs. During the late Cretaceous Period, herds of edmontosaurus roamed western North America.
The majority of Edmontosaurus’s time would have been spent walking on its hind legs. Paleontologists may determine that it was a grazer by analyzing its teeth. It would have walked on all four legs while grazing.
Giganotosaurus
A big southern lizard is known as Giganotosaurus. This gigantic hunter walked on two legs and was bigger than Tyrannosaurus.
Giganotosaurus weighed 8 metric tons (9 short tons) and measured 16 meters (62 feet) long. It seemed to have a keen sense of smell and vision.
Giganotosaurus was found in South America during the late Cretaceous Period.
Giganotosaurus Facts
Giganotosaurus would have been around 12 to 13 meters (39 to 42 feet) long. It might have weighed between 13,000 pounds and 30,000 pounds.
Giganotosaurus’ skull would have been around 1.8 meters (about 6 feet) long, comparable to that of a human man.
The Carcharodontosauridae (shark-toothed dinosaurs) family included Giganotosaurus. The first fossil, which comprises 70% of a complete skeleton, was discovered in 1993. It is a relatively recently discovered dinosaur.
Gorgosaurus
Gorgosaurus was a ferocious predator with a massive skull and sharp teeth, living up to its name, which means “fierce lizard.”
This dinosaur belonged to the family Tyrannosauridae, making it a close relative of the famous Tyrannosaurus rex. Gorgosaurus lived during the late Cretaceous Period and its fossils have been found in parts of North America and Canada.
Gorgosaurus Facts
While not as large as T Rex, Gorgosaurus was a large dinosaur that would have towered over a man. It grew up to 9m (30 ft.) in length, and weighed around 2.5 metric tonnes (2.8 short tons).
Iguanodon
Iguanodon was the second dinosaur to be discovered, with the first fossils being teeth found by Dr. Gideon Mantell. His wife, who was a physician and geologist, recognized the tooth’s significance, and Mantell named it Iguanodon because it resembled the teeth of an iguana.
Iguanodon was a bipedal and quadrupedal herbivorous dinosaur that lived during the early Cretaceous period. It had distinctive spiky thumbs that may have been used for defense against predators or in fights with other Iguanodons.
Iguanodon Facts
Iguanodon was a massive dinosaur that weighed about 3 metric tonnes (3.3 tons) and was approximately 10 meters (33 feet) in length. Its size can be compared to two mid-sized family vehicles. To put it in perspective, it was almost as long as five men lying head to toe in a straight line.
Leaellynasaura
This little bipedal creature was little more than a meter (three feet) long. Dinosaur Cove, an Australian hotspot for dinosaurs, was the first site to find it.
During the early Cretaceous era, Leaellynasaura lived. It might have had fully feathered wings.
Megalosaurus
In the Middle Jurassic era of England, the discovery of Megalosaurus marked the identification of the first dinosaur ever known to humankind. The fossilized remains of this enormous creature were initially believed to belong to a reptile by James Parkinson, a surgeon and geologist.
However, upon further examination, he concluded that it was indeed a prehistoric species and named it Megalosaurus, meaning “big lizard.” Interestingly, the term “dinosaur” was coined by Sir Richard Owen nearly two decades before Megalosaurus was discovered. This apex predator weighed around 1 metric tonne (1.1 short tons) and stood on two legs, measuring about 9 meters (30 feet) in length.
Minmi
The Ankylosauria family of mini-dinos included the Minmi, which was heavily armored. Bony plates covered its entire body, including the undersides. It had longer legs than most of its cousins, indicating that it might travel swiftly despite being heavily armored.
In Australia, Minmi fossils have been found. It existed during the Cretaceous Period.
Ornithomimus
During the late Cretaceous period, Ornithomimus, a dinosaur that resembled an ostrich, lived on earth. It had long legs and a slender neck that measured approximately 3.5 meters (11.5 feet) in length, which might have allowed it to reach impressive speeds of up to 40 mph (64 km/h).
The name Ornithomimus, meaning “bird mimic,” was given to it due to its bird-like feet. Interestingly, paleontologists have discovered fossil evidence of some Ornithomimus specimens with feathers, which is a rare find among non-avian dinosaurs.
Parasaurolophus
Parasaurolophus, a herbivorous dinosaur, lived during the Late Cretaceous period. This species weighed approximately 3.5 metric tonnes (4 short tons) and measured around 10 meters (33 feet) in length. What set Parasaurolophus apart from other dinosaurs was its unique crest.
This crest contained tubes that connected to the animal’s nostrils, and scientists believe it may have been used to create noise. The tail of Parasaurolophus was also distinct, being tall and narrow. Some researchers hypothesize that males may have had brightly-colored tails to attract females.
Protoceratops
Protoceratops, a dinosaur that lived during the late Cretaceous period, was approximately the size of a sheep. It had teeth in its mouth that were specially adapted for chewing tough vegetation, and its jaws resembled that of a parrot’s beak.
The back of its skull may have been protected by a frill, which could have served as a form of defense. Interestingly, a fossilized Protoceratops was found in Mongolia, wedged between two fossilized Velociraptors. It is believed that the Velociraptors may have been attacking the Protoceratops before a landslide buried both animals.
Spinosaurus
Spinosaurus was a meat-eating dinosaur that lived during the late Cretaceous period and is believed to have been even larger than the colossal Tyrannosaurus Rex. This apex predator measured up to 15 meters (49 feet) in length and weighed around 23 metric tons (25.35 short tons). The name Spinosaurus means “thorn lizard” or “spine lizard” and is derived from the spines that covered its back, resembling a large sail made of spines covered in skin.
According to scientists, this bony sail may have aided Spinosaurus in warming up faster than other dinosaurs, providing it with an advantage in hunting. As a result, it is considered to be the largest predator ever to walk the earth.
Stegoceras
Stegoceras, a bipedal herbivorous dinosaur, roamed North America during the late Cretaceous period. It measured around 2 meters (6.5 feet) in length and stood about .75 meters (2.5 feet) tall. Stegoceras was a type of pachycephalosaur, also known as dome-headed dinosaurs, and had an incredibly thick skull. It is believed that Stegoceras was a herd animal, living and moving in groups.
Stegosaurus
Stegosaurus, a member of the Stegosauridae family, was a herbivorous dinosaur that roamed the United States during the late Jurassic period. It weighed approximately 2 metric tonnes (2.2 short tons) and reached a length of around 9 meters (30 feet). Despite its massive size, Stegosaurus had a brain the size of a walnut, making it far from a genius.
Its distinctive feature was the large bony plates on the top of its back, the purpose of which is still a matter of debate among researchers. Some believe that they helped regulate the animal’s body temperature, while others suggest they may have provided protection against predators.
Stegosaurus lived during the Jurassic period, between 150.8 and 155.7 million years ago, alongside other iconic dinosaurs such as Apatosaurus, Diplodocus, and Brachiosaurus. Its tail was adorned with a cluster of spikes that may have been used for self-defense.
Suchomimus
Spinosauridae, a group of dinosaurs related to Spinosaurus, included Suchomimus as a member.
Suchomimus had a long, crocodile-like snout and a spiky sail on its back, just like Spinosaurus. During the early Cretaceous Period, it lived in Africa.
Triceratops
Triceratops, a herbivorous dinosaur, was named for its distinctive three horns. It was discovered in western America during the late Cretaceous period and may have lived in herds.
Triceratops was a large, sturdy dinosaur that could have put up a formidable fight if attacked by predators such as Tyrannosaurus or Albertosaurus. It could grow up to 9 meters (30 feet) in length, stand 3 meters (10 feet) tall, and weigh up to 11,250 kg (24,250 pounds).
Triceratops had three prominent horns on its face and a massive frill that extended from the back of its skull and covered its neck. Its mouth was beak-shaped and well-suited for ripping vegetation.
Troodon
During the Late Cretaceous Period, a small bird-like dinosaur named Troodon emerged. Despite being only waist-high to a human, it could grow up to approximately 2 meters (6.5 feet) in length. Troodon was a well-armed dinosaur, despite its tiny size.
It had razor-sharp teeth, clawed fingers, and enlarged sickle-shaped claws on each of its feet. This clever dinosaur had excellent eyesight and was known for its swiftness and agility.
Troodon was around 0.9 meters (3 feet) tall and weighed between 40 and 50 kilograms (88 and 110 pounds).
Tyrannosaurus
Tyrannosaurus, the most iconic dinosaur in the world, is known as the archetypal “killer dinosaur” and is an essential part of any dinosaur list.
As the largest land-based carnivore in history, Tyrannosaurus was not only massive, but also had incredible speed, intelligence, superb eyesight, and an acute sense of smell. One of its most distinctive features was its enormous skull, which accommodated large jaw muscles, allowing for a powerful bite.
Tyrannosaurus could grow up to around 12 meters (40 feet) in length and weighed up to 8 metric tonnes (9 short tons). Unfortunately, like all non-avian dinosaurs, it went extinct during the Cretaceous-Paleogene Extinction Event, which occurred at the end of the Cretaceous Period.
Velociraptor
During the late Cretaceous Period, Velociraptor, a small bird-like predator, emerged. This swift and ferocious carnivore earned its name, which means “swift plunderer.”
Velociraptor relied on its sharp teeth and claws for hunting, with its inward curving claws being its most deadly weapons, used for catching and restraining its prey. Velociraptor was likely no taller than a human’s waist and may have been completely feathered, contrary to many depictions in movies.
Its skull was large with a long, extended nose, and its upper and lower jaws were lined with 52 to 56 serrated teeth, perfect for tearing flesh. Velociraptor’s powerful hind legs resulted in an immobile, joined tail, allowing for balance while pursuing prey at speeds of up to 40mph (60kph).
“List of Dinosaurs – Dinosaur Names with Pictures”
Our goal with this dinosaur list is to bring you the most fascinating and exciting species from the prehistoric era. We will continue to update the list with new discoveries and information as they become available, so stay tuned for more dinosaur fun!
Do you have a favorite dinosaur from our list? Have we missed any species that you think should be included? Were there any names that you were not familiar with? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below, and let us know what you think!