JurassicHerbivoreLarge
Stegosaurus
STEG-oh-SORE-us
"Roofed lizard"
Overview
Stegosaurus is instantly recognizable by the double row of large bony plates along its back and the four lethal spikes on its tail, known as a thagomizer. This Jurassic herbivore had a remarkably small brain relative to its body size.
Vital Statistics
Length
9 m
Height
4 m
Weight
5 t
Est. Speed
7 km/h
Discovered
1877
Named by
Othniel Charles Marsh
Countries Discovered
United StatesPortugal
Fossil Locations
Leaflet © OpenStreetMap
📍 Morrison Formation, Colorado
Interesting Facts
Stegosaurus had a brain the size of a walnut, weighing only about 80 grams.
Its tail spikes, called the thagomizer, could deliver devastating blows to attacking predators.
The back plates were likely used for thermoregulation and display rather than defense.
Its hind legs were much longer than its front legs, giving it a distinctive low-headed posture.
Closest Relatives
KentrosaurusHuayangosaurusTuojiangosaurusMiragaia