Pictures and information about Cretaceous Period dinosaurs. A list of some of the most well-known Cretaceous Period dinosaurs, as well as pictures and information on each, can be found on this page.
This list includes numerous lesser-known species, such as sauropods with massive spikes on their backs, tank-like plant-eaters armed with tail clubs, and winged gliding dinosaurs… in addition to well-known dinosaurs like Tyrannosaurus and Iguanodon.
Cretaceous Dinosaurs: Introduction
The Mesozoic Era came to an end with the Cretaceous Period. It was the Mesozoic Era’s longest stretch, spanning 79 million years.
The continents progressively moved towards their current positions during the Cretaceous Period, making Earth increasingly visible. Flowering plants emerged, transforming the earth’s landscape and sparking the rapid evolution of numerous new insect species.
It was during the Cretaceous Period that dinosaurs were at their most diverse.
During this time, the titanososaurs were the world’s largest land animals. In many parts of the globe, herds of duck-billed hadrosaurids displaced huge sauropods as dominant plant-eaters. The carcharodontosaurids, the world’s biggest terrestrial predators, were also there, snatching unsuspecting prey with their enormous jaws.
Towards the end of the Cretaceous Period, Tyrannosaurus Rex roamed the Earth, perhaps the most renowned (and terrifying) hunter of all time.
Dinosaurs were undoubtedly the most successful large land creatures of all time. They, however, were not indestructible.
The Cretaceous Period would be the pinnacle of the tyrannosaurs, hadrosaurids, and other tyrannosaurs’ lives, but they had no idea. A big asteroid was on a collision course with Earth, billions of miles away.
It triggered a global extinction event that spelled the end for the dinosaurs, as well as all those who hadn’t evolved into birds, when it finally struck the planet some 66 million years ago.
Let’s meet some of the amazing dinosaurs that lived during the Cretaceous Period…
Cretaceous Period Dinosaurs
The Cretaceous Period produced a slew of famous (and non-famous) dinosaurs. Do you have a favorite? Do we know anything that isn’t listed? Tell us in the comments below!
Abelisaurus
- Type of Dinosaur: Theropod
- Existed: Late Cretaceous, 80 Million years ago (Mya)
- Where found: South America
- Estimated length:5 m (21 ft.)
During the Late Cretaceous in South America, Abelisaurus was a large, bipedal predatory dinosaur. The enormous titanosaurs that roamed South America at the period are thought to have been hunted by it.
Only a single skull fossil has provided information on Abelisaurus. The Anacleto Formation, a Late Cretaceous rock formation in Argentina, yielded the specimen.
Albertosaurus
- Type of Dinosaur: Theropod
- Existed: Late Cretaceous, 71-68 Mya
- Where found: Alberta, Canada
- Estimated length: 8-10 m (26-33 ft.)
The tyrannosaurid family, which includes Albertosaurus, was a member of the tyrannosauridae. Gorgosaurus (and associated species) belongs.) A partial skull was discovered as the first Albertosaurus specimen. During a trip organized by Canadian geologist Joseph Burr Tyrrell, it was discovered in 1884.
Many more specimens have subsequently been discovered, and three Albertosaurus species have been recognized.
Amargasaurus
- Type of Dinosaur: Sauropod
- Existed: Early Cretaceous, 129.4-122.46 Mya
- Where found: Argentina
- Estimated length: 12 m (39 ft.)
Amargosaurus had the sauropod shape, which is characteristic of this group. It shared a number of characteristics with other dinosaurs of this kind, including a big body, a long tail, and four pillar-like legs. It had two rows of tall spines that protruded upwards from the neck and back, and its neck was relatively short.
They were up to 60 cm (24in.) long along the back of the neck, where the spines were at their tallest. They might have served as a deterrent against predators, a weapon, or as a crest that was utilized for either display or temperature management.
Ankylosaurus
- Type of Dinosaur: Ankylosaurid, Ornithischian
- Existed: Late Cretaceous, 68-66 Mya
- Where found: North America
- Estimated length: 10 m (33 ft.)
In 1906, the first Ankylosaurus specimen was discovered in Montana’s well-known Hell Creek Formation. During the Late Cretaceous, these rocks were produced. Barnum Brown, a US paleontologist who named the Ankylosaurus in 1908, headed the expedition.
The most well-known Ankylosaurid is Ankylosaurus. It survived the death of the non-avian dinosaurs, up to and including the extinction event.
With rows of armored plates running down its body and horns on its head, the plant-eating Ankylosaurus was manufactured like a tank. It weighed between 5 and 8 tons, according to estimates. A large club was equipped at the end of the dinosaurs’ long tail.
Any predator contemplating attacking an Ankylosaurus would quickly discover that it would not be a simple meal!
Argentinosaurus
- Type of Dinosaur: Titanosaur, Sauropod
- Existed: Late Cretaceous, 97-93.5 Mya
- Where found: South America
- Estimated length: 30-39.7 m (98-130 ft.)
In the Late Cretaceous, Argentinosaurus lived in South America. It reached a height of 7.3 meters (24 feet) and a length of nearly 40 meters (131 feet). It weighs between 60 and 88 tons, according to estimates.
Argentinosaurus was most likely the mightiest terrestrial animal and the mightiest dinosaur that has ever existed.
Baryonyx
- Type of Dinosaur: Spinosaurud, Theropod
- Existed: Early Cretaceous
- Where found: England
- Estimated length: 10 m (33 ft.)
In 1983, William Walker discovered Baryonyx in a clay pit in England. It’s the most spinosaurid specimen ever discovered. Fish scales and the bones of an Iguanodon were discovered within its stomach.
Like with other spinosaurids, Baryonyx possessed crocodile-like jaws and straight, pointed teeth. It was most likely a semi-aquatic animal that fed on fish.
Carcharodontosaurus
- Type of Dinosaur: Theropod
- Existed: Late Cretaceous
- Where found: North Africa
- Estimated length: 14 m (46 ft.)
Carcharodontosaurus was a gigantic meat-eating dinosaur that stood at 30 feet tall and weighed up to 20 tons. It has a skull that is somewhat larger than that of Tyrannosaurus
During WWII, the first Carcharodontosaurus specimens were lost, but additional fossils have been discovered since then.
Carnotaurus
- Type of Dinosaur: Abelisaurid, Theropod
- Existed: Late Cretaceous, 72-69.9 Mya
- Where found: Argentina
- Estimated length:5-9 m (24.6-29.5 ft.)
A bipedal meat-eater called Carnotaurus. This Cretaceous Period dinosaur’s skeleton seems to have been a swift runner because of its structure. Its forelimbs were thought to be vestigial by scientists, who believe they were even shorter than Tyrannosaurus’s. They were “leftover” from the animal’s forebears, and they had no purpose.
The only known horned carnotaurus is Carnotaurus. Rival males may have battled for territory or dominance using these weapons.
Deinonychus
- Type of Dinosaur: Dromaeosaurid, Theropod
- Existed: Early Cretaceous, 115-108 Mya
- Where found: USA
- Estimated length: 4 m (13 ft.)
Deinonychus was used instead of the actual-life Velociraptor in the film Jurassic Park’s “Velociraptors. Since the name “velociraptor” seemed more dramatic, it was modified.
Deinonychus was a mid-sized predatory dinosaur, similar to the “Velociraptors” in the movie. Deinonychus skeletons have been discovered in pairs, and bigger creatures (too big for a single Deinonychus to bring down) with probable Deinonychus teeth marks have been discovered alongside them. Fossil remnants suggest that they were pack hunters.
Edmontosaurus
- Type of Dinosaur: Hadrosaurid, Ornithischian
- Existed: Late Cretaceous, 73-66 Mya
- Where found: USA, Canada
- Estimated length: 13 m (43 ft.)
One of the mightiest hadrosaurs was Edmontosaurus. It had the look of dinosaurs in this group, with a “duck-billed” appearance. Its beak was toothless, and its teeth were flat and replaced throughout the animal’s lifetime.
Edmontosaurus was a quadrupedal plant eater that could walk with four legs, but only use its hind legs if speed was needed. It may have been migratory and lived in herds.
Gallimimus
- Type of Dinosaur: Ornithomomid, Theropod
- Existed: Late Cretaceous, 70 Ma
- Where found: Mongolia
- Estimated length: 6 m (19.5 ft.)
Ornotithomimosauria, also known as the ‘ostrich dinosaurs,’ includes Gallimimus as a member. Because of similarities to the contemporary ostrich, the group is called that.
Long necks and long, muscular legs are two of these similarities. They were similarly constructed for speed, like ostriches are now, and may have been among the fastest dinosaurs.
The biggest ostrich dinosaur is Gallimimus. It possessed feathers and a toothless beak. It was a creature that lived in Asia’s Mongolia.
Jurassic Park featured Gallimimus.
Giganotosaurus
- Type of Dinosaur: Carcharodontosaurid, Theropod
- Existed: Late Cretaceous, 98-97 Mya
- Where found: Argentina
- Estimated length: 12-15 m (39-49.5 ft.)
Giganotosaurus vies with Spinosaurus for the title ‘biggest ever land predator’. It was a huge, fast-moving meat-eater with a skull even larger than that of Tyrannosaurus. Its bite force, however, is estimated not to have been as powerful as that of its North American cousin.
Giganotosaurus roamed the South American landscape, preying on titanosaurs and other sauropods that were alive at the time.
Gorgosaurus
- Type of Dinosaur: Tyrannosaurid, Theropod
- Existed: Late Cretaceous, 76.6-75.1 Mya
- Where found: North America
- Estimated length: 9 m (30 ft.)
A large bipedal predatory dinosaur named Gorgosaurus. It was related to the more well-known Tyrannosaurus, and was part of the Tyrannosauridae family. Later in the Cretaceous Period, rex arose. T. is less than twice the size of this species. Gorgosaurus was a top predator that lived during the period.
Lawrence Lambe, a paleontologist from Canada, discovered and named Gorgosaurus. It’s similar to Albertosaurus, a Tyrannosaurid that lived at the same time as it did.
Hypsilophodon
- Type of Dinosaur: Ornithopod (possible), Ornithischian
- Existed: Early Cretaceous, 130-125 Mya
- Where found: England, Spain
- Estimated length:5-1.8 m (5-6 ft.)
In 1849, on the Island of Wight, off England’s south coast, Hypsilophodon was discovered. It was first thought to be a tree-climbing kangaroo-like animal, but it is now recognized to be a rapid-moving ground animal.
With a lightweight skeleton and stiff tail, Hypsilophodon had long legs and was built for speed. It possessed a beak and fangs, as well as the ability to eat both animal and vegetation.
Iguanodon
- Type of Dinosaur: Ornithopod, Ornithischian
- Existed: Early Cretaceous, 126-113 Mya
- Where found: England, Spain, Belgium
- Estimated length: 10 m (33 ft.)
One of three dinosaurs employed by English paleontologist Richard Owen to introduce dinosaurs to the scientific community, Iguanodon was the second dinosaur ever discovered.
Teeth were the earliest Iguanodon fossils. Gideon Mantell, a paleontologist, discovered them. He dubbed the species Iguanodon after identifying them as reptile in origin.
A huge plant eater, Iguanodon was a big animal. A thumb-spike, three hoof-like fingers, and a longer fifth finger, which was flexible and able to grip, were all present on each forefoot.
Lambeosaurus
- Type of Dinosaur: Hadrosaurid, Ornithischian
- Existed: Late Cretaceous, 76-75 Mya
- Where found: North America
- Estimated length: 9-15 m (30-49 ft.)
Lambeosaurus is named after paleontologist Lawrence Lambe. Lambe found the first Lambeosaurus specimens, but it wasn’t until after his death that the specimens were combined with others and the dinosaur named in his honor.
Lambeosaurus had a distinctive, axe-shaped crest on its head, with the ‘blade’ projecting upwards and the horn-shaped ‘handle’ projecting backwards. The crest was connected to the dinosaur’s nasal passages, and may have been used to create or amplify sounds, or in display.
Microraptor
- Type of Dinosaur: Dromaeosaurid, Theropod
- Existed: Early Cretaceous, 120 Mya
- Where found: China
- Estimated length:6-0.77 m (24-30in.)
A tiny, bird-like dinosaur known as Microraptor In the Early Cretaceous, it was widespread in Asia, and over 300 specimens have been discovered.
Four wings and a feathered tail characterized Microraptor. It could have glided as well as flapping like a bird, according to recent research.
Minmi
- Type of Dinosaur: Ankylosaurian, Ornithischian
- Existed: Early Cretaceous
- Where found: Australia
- Estimated length: 3 m (9.8 ft.)
In Australia’s Early Cretaceous, Minmi was an early ankylosaurian. Of all dinosaur names, Minmi is the shortest. The name refers to the Queensland region where the dinosaur was discovered at Minmi Crossing.
Minmi had longer legs than other Ankylosaurids, which may indicate that it was a swift runner, as well as other anatomical features. It possessed spines on its hips, which were most likely used for defense.
Oviraptor
- Type of Dinosaur: Oviraptorid, Theropod
- Existed: Late Cretaceous
- Where found: Mongolia
- Estimated length:8 m (6 ft.)
A mound of fossilized eggs yielded the first Oviraptor specimen. The genus was given the scientific name ‘Oviraptor’, which means ‘egg thief,’ because it was believed that the dinosaur was in the process of eating the eggs.
Since the eggs were now assumed to be from the dinosaur itself, the name has proven deceptive. The dinosaur may have died protecting its own eggs, rather than being an egg thief.
One of the most bird-like dinosaurs was Oviraptor. It lacked teeth and had a beak. It was most likely covered in feathers as well.
Parasaurolophus
- vType of Dinosaur: Hadrosaurid, Ornithischian
- Existed: Late Cretaceous, 76.5-73 Mya
- Where found: North America
- Estimated length: 10 m (33 ft.)
The Hadrosauridae family of hadrosaurs included Parasaurolophus. On the basis of their flat, bill-like snouts, this group of Cretaceous dinosaurs is known as the “duck-billed dinosaurs.”
A long, curving crest protruding from the rear of Parasaurolophus’ skull was its most distinctive feature. From the nose to the tip of the crest, then back toward the head, tubes ran inside the crest.
The crest is thought to have been utilized by Parasaurolophus to make or reinforce calls. In another theory, the crest may have helped regulate the animal’s body temperature.
Protoceratops
- Type of Dinosaur: Ceratopsid, Ornithischian
- Existed: Late Cretaceous, 75-71 Mya
- Where found: Mongolia, China
- Estimated length:7 m (9 ft.)
The Late Cretaceous Protoceratops was a tiny, sluggish plant-eating dinosaur. It was plentiful in Asia, where it most likely lived in herds.
Protoceratops lacked horns, despite having a large armored frill protecting its neck, a feature shared by many members of the Ceratopsia (a dinosaur group whose name means “headed faces”).
Spinosaurus
- Type of Dinosaur: Spinosaurid, Theropod
- Existed: Albian Age, Early Cretaceous to Turonian Age, Late Cretaceous, 112-93.5 Mya
- Where found: North Africa
- Estimated length: 13-17 m (42.5-56 ft.)
Spinosaurus was one of the world’s largest predatory land animals, measuring a similar size to, if not slightly bigger than, Tyrannosaurus. Spinosaurus had a long, crocodile-like snout for catching fish and adapted to a semi-aquatic lifestyle. Land-based prey was also taken.
Spinosaurus’ sail-like fin was reinforced by rows of sharp bones. It may have been utilized as a method of display or to regulate the dinosaur’s body temperature.
Stegoceras
- Type of Dinosaur: Pachycephalosaurid, Ornithischian
- Existed: Late Cretaceous, 77.5-74 Mya
- Where found: North America
- Estimated length: 2 m (6.5 ft.)
Stegoceras belonged to the Pachycephalosauridae family of dinosaurs, which included the ‘bone-headed’ dinosaurs because of their reinforced skulls.
The Stegoceras was formed like a miniature battering ram, with a thick and domed top of the skull, as well as well-developed neck and back. Head butting ceremonies, comparable to those performed by contemporary goats, may have helped the species gain dominance in its group.
Suchomimus
- Type of Dinosaur: Spinosaurud, Theropod
- Existed: Aptian Age, Early Cretaceous
- Where found: Niger, Africa
- Estimated length: 11 m (36 ft.)
Suchomimus, a spinosaurid dinosaur that lived in Africa during the Early Cretaceous period, The scientific name of the dinosaur’s crocodile-like head is “crocodile mimic,” which alludes to its crocodile-like head.
Suchomimus lived in a semi-aquatic habitat and ate mostly fish.
Bony spines were fastened to the back of its low sail and dragged. This might have been used to attract mates or regulate the dinosaur’s temperature, according to researchers.
Tarbosaurus
- Type of Dinosaur: Tyrannosaurid, Theropod
- Existed: Late Cretaceous, 70 Mya
- Where found: China, Mongolia
- Estimated length: 14 m (46 ft.)
Tarbosaurus is considered to be a Tyrannosaurus by some paleontologists, and it is closely related to Tyrannosaurus.
Tarbosaurs’ arms were proportionally smaller than Tyrannosaurus’s, and it was somewhat narrower than its North American cousin.
Preying on the local hadrosaurs and sauropods, this fearsome Asian theropod would have been an apex predator.
Triceratops
- Type of Dinosaur: Ceratopsid, Ornithischian
- Existed: Late Cretaceous, 68-66 Mya
- Where found: North America
- Estimated length: 9 m (30 ft.)
Triceratops has three large horns on its skull, as well as a third horn above its nose (its scientific name translates to “three-horned face”). It was one of a kind, as far as dinosaurs go. The triceratops’ neck was protected by a massive bony shield known as a “frill.”
The horns and frill were used for a range of reasons, including protection from predators, indicating the Triceratops’ health and fitness to potential partners, fighting other Triceratops for supremacy, or maybe a mix of all three.
It was one of the most common plant-eaters of the period, as evidenced by the fact that it has been discovered in numerous Triceratops fossils. 40% of all fossils recovered in western USA’s Hell Creek Formation are Triceratops.
Troodon
- Type of Dinosaur: Troodont, Theropod
- Existed: Campanian Age, Late Cretaceous
- Where found: North America
- Estimated length: 2 m (6.5 ft.)
Troodon’s scientific name means “tearing tooth,” which refers to its serrated teeth. The genus’ name is derived from a single tooth found in Montana’s Judith River Formation.
A curving, velociraptor-style killing claw and huge, front-facing eyes were on each foot. Its large eyes are an adaptation for hunting at daybreak and dusk, according to researchers.
Tyrannosaurus
- Type of Dinosaur: Tyrannosaurid, Theropod
- Existed: Late Cretaceous, 68-66 Mya
- Where found: Western USA
- Estimated length: 12 m (39 ft.)
One of the most well-known dinosaurs is Tyrannosaurus. Most people can identify Tyrannosaurus Rex as a dinosaur species (most dinosaurs are identified by genus, such as Trachodon). Instead of species (e.g., Tyrannosaurus), Tyrannosaurus Rex (the name means “tyrant lizard”) is a genus of dinosaurs.
Tyrannosaurus was a massive bipedal eater with enormous jaws and a huge skull. It possessed the most powerful bite of any land creature, according to estimates.
It would have been a formidable predator, capable of taking down huge, well-armored prey with teeth up to 30.5 cm (12 in) in length (including root).
Utahraptor
- Type of Dinosaur: Dromaeosaurid, Theropod
- Existed: Early Cretaceous, 126 Ma
- Where found: Western USA
- Estimated length: 6 m (19.5 ft.)
The Dromaeosauridae family includes Cretaceous Period dinosaurs like Velociraptor and Deinonychus, and Utahraptor is a member of this family. ‘Raptors,’ or members of this family, are known.
Utahraptor would have stood taller than a man and is one of the largest-known Dromaeosaurids. It had a 35 cm (14 in.) sickle-shaped killing claw. The length of the rope is extended to a maximum of One of the first Dromaeosaurids was Utahraptor.
Velociraptor
- Type of Dinosaur: Dromaeosaurid, Theropod
- Existed: Late Cretaceous, 75-71 Mya
- Where found: Mongolia, China
- Estimated length: 07 m (6.8 ft.)
Velociraptor, rather than being taller than a man, was actually turkey-sized, which may surprise fans of the Jurassic Park films.
The velociraptor was probably around 0.5 m (1.6 ft.) tall in real life. It had feathers and walked on its hind legs. It had a huge sickle-shapedclaw on each foot, just like other Dromaeosaurids, which it used to kill its prey.
Cretaceous Period Dinosaurs List: Conclusion
We hope that you have enjoyed finding out about some of the amazing dinosaurs that lived in the Cretaceous Period.