Stegosaurus stenops

Stegosaurus stenops, meaning “narrow-faced roof lizard,” is a species of stegosaurid dinosaur that lived during the Late Jurassic period, approximately 156 to 146 million years ago. Its fossils have been discovered throughout the western United States, particularly in Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah. 

This herbivorous dinosaur measured about 6.5 meters (21 feet) in length and weighed around 3.5 metric tons. It is characterized by its distinctive double row of kite-shaped bony plates along its back and the four long spikes on its tail, known as the “thagomizer,” which were likely used for defense against predators. 

Stegosaurus stenops had a small head with a toothless beak at the front and small, leaf-shaped teeth in the back of its jaws, adapted for a herbivorous diet. Its forelimbs were shorter than its hind limbs, resulting in a posture where the head was positioned relatively low to the ground, likely facilitating the browsing of low-lying vegetation. 

The first nearly complete skeleton of Stegosaurus stenops was discovered by Marshall P. Felch in 1885 at Garden Park, north of Cañon City, Colorado. This specimen provided significant insights into the anatomy of the species, including the arrangement of its plates and spikes. 

In December 2024, the American Museum of Natural History unveiled “Apex,” one of the most complete Stegosaurus skeletons ever discovered. Standing 11 feet tall and 20 feet long, this specimen features the iconic upright plates and spiked tail characteristic of the species. “Apex” was found in Colorado and sold for a record $44.6 million at a Sotheby’s auction before being loaned to the museum. 

Stegosaurus stenops remains one of the most recognizable dinosaurs, known for its distinctive appearance and significant contributions to our understanding of dinosaur anatomy and behavior.