Dilophosaurus: The Two-Crested Hunter of the Jurassic 🦖⚡

The Two-Crested Hunter of the Jurassic

Among the carnivorous dinosaurs of the Early Jurassic, Dilophosaurus wetherilli stands out for its distinctive appearance and popularity in pop culture. This medium-sized theropod had two prominent crests on its skull, whose function is still debated by paleontologists.

With a combination of speed, sharp claws, and serrated teeth, Dilophosaurus was one of the top predators of its time. However, its true history has often been overshadowed by its fictional portrayal in Jurassic Park, where it was depicted as smaller, with a retractable neck frill, and capable of spitting venom—features for which there is no scientific evidence.

In this article, we will explore the real Dilophosaurus, its discovery, characteristics, and its presence in the world of collectibles.

Discovery and Name Meaning

The first Dilophosaurus fossils were discovered in 1940 in Arizona, USA, but it wasn’t until 1954 that they were scientifically described by Samuel P. Welles.

The name «Dilophosaurus» means «two-crested lizard,» referring to the two thin bony crests on its head. These crests were fragile and lightweight, suggesting they were not used for combat but rather as display structures for species recognition or attracting mates.

Physical Characteristics and Adaptations

Despite its cinematic portrayal as a small predator, Dilophosaurus was actually a large and formidable carnivore, making it one of the dominant predators of the Early Jurassic.

• Length: Approximately 6-7 meters (20-23 feet).
• Height: 2 meters (6.5 feet) at the hips.
• Weight: Around 400 kg (880 lbs).
• Jaws with long, curved teeth: Perfect for gripping and tearing prey.
• Strong arms with sharp claws: Likely used for holding onto victims.
• Cranial crests: Their exact function remains uncertain, but they likely served for display or species recognition.

Recent studies have revealed that Dilophosaurus had a more robust jaw than previously thought, disproving the theory that it was a weak scavenger.

Dilophosaurus in Collectible Figures

Over the years, Dilophosaurus has been widely represented in collectible figures, but many are heavily influenced by its Jurassic Park depiction, which distorts its real appearance.

In my collection, I own two figures that represent this dinosaur, each with its own unique features:

1. Generic Figure (Jurassic Park-Based)

• Faithful to the movie, but not the real dinosaur.
• Features a retractable neck frill and an inaccurate «collar,» elements with no fossil evidence.
• The sculpt exaggerates its aggressive posture, similar to the one shown in the movie.
• Coloration is vibrant and eye-catching, with patterns that are not necessarily realistic.
• A great piece for movie fans, but not ideal for scientifically accurate collections.

2. PAPO Figure (More Accurate and Dynamic)

• One of the best representations of the real Dilophosaurus.
• More realistic posture and structure, though it still retains some movie-inspired traits.
• Exceptionally dynamic pose: As is typical with PAPO figures, they avoided a static stance. Instead, the figure appears mid-movement, as if stalking its prey.
• Highly detailed skin texture, with well-defined scales and muscle structure.
• The coloration is more muted and natural, steering away from the exaggerated movie colors.
• Although more realistic, it still has a slight «cinematic» feel, but much less than the generic figure.

3. Haolonggood Figure (Not in My Collection, but Worth Mentioning)

• Extremely faithful to the scientifically accurate Dilophosaurus.
• Anatomically precise, with proportions that align with paleontological studies.
• More natural color patterns, likely suited for camouflage in its environment.
• An excellent addition to scientific collections.

In the future, I plan to acquire a 1:1 scale Dilophosaurus skull, as I prefer full-scale representations to fully capture the essence of the animal. A life-sized skull replica would be a fantastic centerpiece for any collection.

Habitat and Lifestyle

Dilophosaurus lived 193 million years ago, during the Early Jurassic, in what is now North America.

• Environment: Humid forests and riverbank regions with abundant vegetation.
• Diet: A carnivore that preyed on small and medium-sized vertebrates.
• Predators and Competition: As one of the first large theropods, it likely had few rivals in its ecosystem.

It is believed that it relied on stealth and speed to hunt, rather than brute force alone.

An Icon of the Jurassic, Beyond the Movies

Although its fame largely comes from its appearance in Jurassic Park, Dilophosaurus is much more than a fictional movie monster.

Its unique skeletal structure, speed, and distinctive crests make it one of the most interesting dinosaurs of the Early Jurassic, standing out as one of the first major predators of its time.

A Must-Have for Dinosaur Collectors

For any dinosaur enthusiast and collector, Dilophosaurus is a key figure.

While many figures do not accurately represent its real appearance, brands like PAPO and Haolonggood have managed to capture it with greater precision.

If you’re looking for a Dilophosaurus figure, make sure to choose one based on scientific evidence rather than movie fiction.

The True Two-Crested Hunter

Dilophosaurus was an agile and formidable predator that ruled its ecosystem in the Early Jurassic.

While Hollywood has transformed it into a fictionalized creature, its real history is even more fascinating.

If you ever get the chance to add a Dilophosaurus to your collection, don’t hesitate—this dinosaur is an essential piece for any prehistoric enthusiast.