The Stegosaurus is one of the largest and most well-known dinosaurs among the Thyreophora. Thyreophorans are characterized by two rows of bony plates running from their back to their tail, and they thrived from the late Jurassic to the early Cretaceous periods. Their curved back shape is also distinctive. It is believed that Stegosaurs, including Stegosaurus, lived in herds, as multiple fossilized individuals have been found together. The four spikes at the end of their tail are interpreted as being used for defense. Stegosaurus can be identified by the large, diamond-shaped or triangular bony plates lined up along its back. Compared to its large body, its head is notably small, and it is also famous for having a small brain (approximately 30 grams: about the size of a pickled plum). However, the actual intelligence of Stegosaurus is not fully understood.

English Name: Stegosaurus Etymology: Roofed Lizard Classification: Ornithischia / Stegosauria / Stegosauridae Size: Length approx. 6.7 meters / Estimated weight 2.6 tons Period: Late Jurassic (150 million years ago)

Dermal Plates on the Back

The bony plates on its back were diamond-shaped or triangular and grew alternately. When Stegosaurus was first discovered, complete specimens were not available, so it was thought that its back was covered with bony plates like a turtle's shell. Interestingly, the design of Godzilla's dorsal fins is actually based on the Stegosaurus.

Tail Spikes

The sharp, four long, formidable spikes at the end of the Stegosaurus's tail were its greatest weapon. The largest ones are said to have been up to 60cm long. They likely swung their tail from side to side to fight off predators.

Stegosaurus VS Allosaurus

Fossils of an Allosaurus have been discovered with wounds that are believed to have been inflicted by the Stegosaurus's tail spikes. The attacked area was near the base of the Allosaurus's tail. Was it retaliated against during a hunt? The discovery of fossils reveals various scenes from the age of dinosaurs.

Imagine the Size