Coelurus
Coelurus fragilis
Pronounced: see - LURE - us
Diet: Carnivore (Meat-Eater)
Name Means: "hollow tail"
Length: 5 feet (1.8 m)
Height: 2.5 feet (.9 m)
Weight: 40 lbs. (20 kilos)
Time: Late Jurassic - 150 mya
Fossil remains for this Dinosaur have been found in Wyoming
United States
Coelurus was a small predator that walked on two legs. Many
of its bones had very thin walls, making them very light.
Coelurus may have been one of the fastest of the dinosaurs, as
it was lightweight and had long legs. It probably had very good
eyesight as well, and may have had feathers.
Coelurus would have preferred small, easily captured prey. Its is
possible that it was shy and avoided contact with heavier animals, as it
could not have been very strong. It is quite likely that its preferred
escape method would have been a rapid retreat from any threat.
There is still discussion among researchers as to the identification
of the type specimen. The most recent detailed study suggests that the
four specimens, which were found in the same quarry site, are actually
just one individual. It was also once suggested that Coelurus and
Ornitholestes was the same creature, but a recent study
concluded that they are in fact separate genera. |
