In today’s post, we’re going to uncover the dinosaurs that start with D.
Dinosaurs have always been a topic of interest for humans, inspiring movies, series, documentaries, and even academic fields of study. These magnificent beasts ruled the planet for millions of years. The word “dinosaur” means “terrible lizard” in Greek, though scientists have discovered that some dinosaurs were feathered and even flew. However, most of these reptiles were land dwellers, and they all have unique skeletal structures, shapes, and sizes. Some species were gentle giants, while others were formidable hunters, making them the ultra predators of their time. Regardless of their classification, all dinosaurs played a crucial role in shaping the history of life on Earth.
I spent countless hours researching, reading, and watching documentaries on dinosaurs. The amount of knowledge I gained about these creatures and their habitats was enormous. As I began compiling the list, it became clear that I needed to include all types of dinosaurs. And I was able to do just that, creating an all-encompassing list that covers the spectrum of these magnificent creatures.
So, let’s begin exploring this list of dinosaurs starting with D!
Contents
And here’s the list of dinosaurs that begin with D letter.
This small bipedal dinosaur lived during the early Jurassic period in what is now South America. It was only about 2 meters long and weighed around 20 kilograms. Its name means “dagger lizard” in reference to the sharp claws on its feet which it likely used for defense against predators.
Dacentrurus was a heavily armored dinosaur with sharp spikes on its back and tail. It lived during the late Jurassic period and is one of the largest members of the stegosaur family, growing up to 10 meters long and weighing over 5 tonnes. Despite its intimidating appearance, it was a herbivore that likely used its spiky defenses to deter predators such as Allosaurus.
Daemonosaurus, which means “demon lizard”, was a small predatory dinosaur that lived during the late Triassic period in what is now Arizona. Its striking feature was its unusually large eyes that suggest it had good night vision, making it an efficient hunter in the dim light of dusk or dawn. It was only about 1.5 meters long and weighed around 15 kilograms.
Dahalokely (meaning “lonely small bandit”) was a small predatory dinosaur that lived during the Cretaceous period in what is now Madagascar. Only a few teeth and skull fragments have been found, making it difficult to determine its exact size and appearance. However, it is believed to have been a fast runner with short arms and sharp claws for catching prey.
Dakosaurus was a large marine reptile that lived during the late Jurassic period in what is now Europe. It had a long and narrow snout with sharp teeth that were ideal for catching fish and other prey. It grew up to 5 meters long and would have been a formidable predator in the oceans of its time.
Dakotadon was a small plant-eating dinosaur that lived during the late Jurassic period in what is now North America. It was about 2 meters long and likely traveled in herds for protection. It had a bird-like beak for biting off vegetation and was covered in thick armor plates for protection against predators.
Dakotaraptor was a large predatory dinosaur that lived during the late Cretaceous period in what is now North America. It had a bird-like beak and sharp claws on its feet that it likely used for hunting prey. It grew up to 5 meters long and would have been a powerful predator in its ecosystem.
Daliansaurus was a small plant-eating dinosaur that lived during the early Cretaceous period in what is now China. It was only about 1 meter long and would have been a quick and agile runner to escape predators. It had a long tail for balance and a beak for eating vegetation.
Danubiosaurus was a plant-eating dinosaur that lived during the early Cretaceous period in what is now Europe. It was about 6 meters long and had a long neck for reaching vegetation. It lived in large herds for protection against predators such as Baryonyx and Spinosaurus.
Darwinsaurus was a small predatory dinosaur that lived during the early Jurassic period in what is now England. It was only about 1 meter long and likely fed on small insects and other prey. It had sharp teeth and claws for catching and killing its prey.
Dashanpusaurus was a large plant-eating dinosaur that lived during the early Jurassic period in what is now China. It was over 20 meters long and likely traveled in herds for protection against predators such as Dilong. It had a long neck for reaching vegetation and a peg-like tooth structure for grinding tough plants.
Daspletosaurus was a large predatory dinosaur that lived during the late Cretaceous period in what is now North America. It was about 9 meters long and had sharp teeth and claws for catching and killing prey, including other dinosaurs. It is closely related to Tyrannosaurus rex and likely had a similar hunting strategy.
Dasygnathoides was a small plant-eating dinosaur that lived during the early Jurassic period in what is now England. It was only about 1 meter long and had a beak for eating vegetation. It likely lived in small groups for protection against predators such as Eustreptospondylus.
Datanglong was a plant-eating dinosaur that lived during the early Cretaceous period in what is now China. It was about 4 meters long and had a long neck for reaching vegetation. It likely lived in large herds for protection against predators such as Sinosaurus.
Datonglong was a large plant-eating dinosaur that lived during the early Cretaceous period in what is now China. It was over 12 meters long and had a long neck for reaching vegetation. It likely lived in small groups for protection against predators such as Guanlong.
Datousaurus was a plant-eating dinosaur that lived during the early Jurassic period in what is now China. It was over 15 meters long and had a long neck for reaching vegetation. It likely lived in large herds for protection against predators such as Dilophosaurus.
Daurlong was a large predatory dinosaur that lived during the late Jurassic period in what is now Mongolia. It was about 6 meters long and had sharp teeth and claws for catching and killing prey, including other dinosaurs. It likely lived in the forests and grasslands of its time.
Daurosaurus was a small plant-eating dinosaur that lived during the early Cretaceous period in what is now Spain. It was only about 1 meter long and had a beak for eating vegetation. It likely lived in groups for protection against predators such as Concavenator.
Daxiatitan was a huge plant-eating dinosaur that lived during the early Cretaceous period in what is now China. It was one of the largest dinosaurs to ever live and grew up to 30 meters long, weighing over 50 tonnes. It had a long neck for reaching vegetation and a whip-like tail for protection against predators such as Tarbosaurus.
Deinocheirus is a dinosaur with a strange combination of features, including a duck-like beak, a hump on its back, and massive arms with huge claws.
Deinodon is a controversial dinosaur that may or may not actually be a valid genus. Some researchers suggest that it may actually be the same species as Albertosaurus.
Deinonychus was a small, agile dinosaur that is famous for its large, curved claws on its hind feet. These claws were likely used for grasping prey and tearing flesh.
Delapparentia is a sauropod dinosaur that lived during the Early Cretaceous period. It was a relatively small sauropod, reaching only about 30 feet in length.
Deltadromeus is a theropod dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period. It was a fast and agile carnivore that may have been one of the fastest dinosaurs of all time.
Demandasaurus is a titanosaur dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period. It was a relatively small titanosaur, reaching only about 30 feet in length.
Denversaurus is a hadrosaurid dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period. It was a relatively small hadrosaurid, reaching only about 20 feet in length.
Deuterosaurus is a prosauropod dinosaur that lived during the Late Triassic period. It was a relatively small prosauropod, reaching only about 10 feet in length.
Diabloceratops is a ceratopsian dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period. It was relatively small for a ceratopsian, reaching only about 6 feet in length.
Diamantinasaurus is a titanosaur dinosaur that lived during the Early Cretaceous period. It was a relatively small titanosaur, reaching only about 50 feet in length.
Dianchungosaurus is a stegosaurian dinosaur that lived during the Early Jurassic period. It was a relatively small stegosaur, reaching only about 15 feet in length.
Diceratus is a ceratopsian dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period. It was relatively small for a ceratopsian, reaching only about 8 feet in length.
Dicraeosaurus is a diplodocoid dinosaur that lived during the Late Jurassic period. It was a relatively small diplodocoid, reaching only about 50 feet in length.
Didanodon is a theropod dinosaur that lived during the Late Jurassic period. It was a relatively small theropod, reaching only about 20 feet in length.
Dilong is a tyrannosauroid dinosaur that lived during the Early Cretaceous period. It was a small predator that may have been the earliest known tyrannosauroid.
Dilophosaurus is a theropod dinosaur that lived during the Early Jurassic period. It is famous for the distinctive pair of crests on its skull, which were likely used for display or species recognition.
Diluvicursor is a ornithopod dinosaur that lived during the Early Cretaceous period. It was a small herbivore that likely traveled in large herds for protection.
Dineobellator is a dromaeosaurid dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period. It was a small carnivore that likely hunted in packs.
Dinheirosaurus is a titanosaur dinosaur that lived during the Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous periods. It was a relatively small titanosaur, reaching only about 30 feet in length.
Dinodocus is a sauropod dinosaur that lived during the Late Jurassic period. It was a relatively small sauropod, reaching only about 50 feet in length.
Dinotyrannus is a tyrannosauroid dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period. It was a relatively small tyrannosauroid, reaching only about 20 feet in length.
Diplodocus is a sauropod dinosaur that lived during the Late Jurassic period. It was a large herbivore that was well-adapted for reaching high foliage.
Diplotomodon is a stegosaurian dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period. It was a relatively small stegosaur, reaching only about 15 feet in length.
Dolichosuchus is a theropod dinosaur that lived during the Late Triassic period. It was a relatively small theropod, reaching only about 10 feet in length.
Dollodon is a stegosaurian dinosaur that lived during the Late Jurassic period. It was a relatively small stegosaur, reaching only about 20 feet in length.
Dongbeititan is a titanosaur dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period. It was a large herbivore that likely traveled in herds for protection.
This armored dinosaur from the Early Cretaceous of China is known for its unique combination of features, including spikes on its shoulders and a flattened, pointed tail.
Discovered in the same formation as Dongyangopelta, this large sauropod was likely an important part of the local ecosystem, feeding on vegetation and possibly providing a food source for predators.
This theropod is known from a single fossil bone, possibly representing a juvenile of another species. Its name means “spear bearer lizard” in reference to the shape of the bone.
With a name that means “dragon claw,” this dinosaur had sharp, hook-like claws on its hands and feet that were likely used for catching prey.
This armored dinosaur from Brazil lived around 110 million years ago and had a distinctive horseshoe-shaped head shield.
This small theropod from Wales lived about 200 million years ago and is one of the earliest known dinosaur fossils from the United Kingdom.
With an unusual, bumpy skull, this dinosaur has been the subject of much debate among paleontologists. Some have suggested that it may be a juvenile of another species, while others argue that it represents a distinct genus.
This theropod from South Africa lived during the Early Jurassic period and is known from a single pelvic bone. Its name means “dragon hunter.”
This sauropod from India is known from a single fossil bone, which is not enough to determine much about its appearance or behavior.
One of the largest dinosaurs ever discovered, this titanosaur is estimated to have weighed more than 65 tons and may have been nearly 85 feet long.
This ancient amphibian from the Pennsylvanian period was not a dinosaur, but rather a member of the temnospondyl group.
This small theropod from China is one of the earliest known members of the dromaeosaur group, which includes famous dinosaurs like Velociraptor.
Found in Montana and Wyoming, this carnivorous dinosaur was a close relative of Velociraptor and likely hunted in packs.
This bird-like dinosaur from Late Cretaceous North America was a fast runner and likely used its long tail for balance.
This herbivorous dinosaur from Argentina is known from a single, well-preserved fossil skeleton. Its name means “Drusilla’s lizard,” in reference to the daughter of the person who discovered the fossil.
This herbivorous dinosaur from the Late Jurassic period is known for its long legs and lightweight body, which would have allowed it to move quickly and gracefully.
This early theropod from eastern North America lived during the Late Cretaceous period and was likely a fast runner and skilled predator.
Found in New Jersey, this large theropod was among the earliest known dinosaurs from North America.
This carnivorous dinosaur from the Late Cretaceous period of Argentina is known from a partial skeleton and is sometimes considered a species of Megaraptor.
With a name that means “Duria’s titan,” this sauropod from Spain is known from a partial skeleton and is one of the largest dinosaurs ever discovered in Europe.
This theropod from the Early Cretaceous period of England is known from a partial skeleton and appears to have been a close relative of other European dinosaurs like Baryonyx.
This small theropod from New Mexico is known from a partial skeleton, including a distinctive jaw that suggests it was a skilled hunter of small prey.
This heavily armored dinosaur from North America had a distinctive club tail and likely used its armor for protection against predators.
This small theropod from Greece is known from a partial skull and is sometimes considered a species of the larger dinosaur Genusaurus.
This nodosaurid dinosaur from Argentina is known from a partial skeleton and had distinctive, spiky projections on its shoulders and along its back.
This early sauropod from the Late Triassic period of North America is known only from a few bones, making it difficult to determine its appearance or behavior.
This small theropod from Russia is known from a partial skull and is sometimes considered a species of the related dinosaur Velociraptor.
With a name that means “Jara-Titan’s dinosaur,” this sauropod from Uzbekistan is known from a partial skeleton and is one of the largest dinosaurs ever discovered in Central Asia.
And that’s our list of D dinosaurs.
As an enthusiast of prehistoric creatures, compiling this list has been a dream project. It has allowed me to dive deep into the world of dinosaurs, and explore every aspect of their existence. With an understanding of their natural habitats, diets, and behavior, my list is an ode to these fascinating creatures.
In conclusion, the world of dinosaurs is a fascinating and complex realm of scientific inquiry and popular culture. From blockbuster movies to real-life dinosaur fossils and recreations, these creatures continue to captivate our imaginations and inspire awe. As we continue to learn more about their history, behavior, and adaptations, we gain valuable insights into our own evolutionary past and the complex web of life that exists on our planet. We must continue to preserve and protect these incredible fossils and the knowledge they provide for future generations to come.
Hope this post on dinosaur names beginning with D alphabet has been useful to you!