Dilophosaurus wetherilli

Dilophosaurus lived about 193 million years ago during the early Jurassic period. It was a medium-sized theropod dinosaur, growing to about 20 feet (6 meters) long, with a relatively light build compared to some of the larger theropods that came later. What made Dilophosaurus stand out were its distinctive, paired crests on top of its head. These crests were likely made of bone, and while their exact purpose is still debated, they might have been used for display, possibly to attract mates or for social signaling.


In the Jurassic Park films, Dilophosaurus is depicted as spitting venom and having a frilly neck crest, but there's no evidence to suggest it had venom or that its neck could expand like a modern-day frilled lizard. It likely just had the head crests and used them for some form of visual display.


This dinosaur was a carnivore, and it hunted smaller animals, though it may have also scavenged. Its sharp teeth and strong jaws would have helped it tear into meat, and it was probably a fast runner, given its relatively lightweight frame.