Dilophosaurus

Small carnivorous dinosaur characterized by head crests

A small carnivorous dinosaur with distinctive head crests, said to spit venom. Appears in the Jurassic Park series.

Quotes

  • “That’s one big pile of shit.”
  • It is said to spit venom in the movie, but it is denied in reality.

Trivia

  • The Dilophosaurus in the movie is depicted as small, but actual fossils are said to be about 6 meters in length.
  • The venom spitting setting is original fiction of the work, with no scientific basis.
  • The distinctive crests are part of the skull bones, thought to be used for mating displays or species identification.
  • Original author Michael Crichton was originally an expert in livestock science and was conscious of scientific backing in dinosaur depictions, but the movie version includes many fictional elements.
  • Appears in numerous games and merchandise, one of the popular dinosaurs in Jurassic Park.

Alternate names

Dilophosaurus Dilopho Crested lizard

Tags

Profile

Species
Dinosaur

Appearance

Overall appearance
Has two large crests on its head, a small bipedal dinosaur about 6-7 meters in total length. Agile and slender body type.
Height
About 1.2-1.5m (shoulder height)
Weight
About 400kg
Distinguishing features
  • Two head crests
  • Elongated snout
  • Three fingers per forelimb
  • Sharp teeth
Iconic items
  • Spits venom
  • Jurassic Park attack scene

Personality and abilities

Core personality
Aggressive
Detailed personality
Depicted as an aggressive and ferocious carnivorous dinosaur. The movie version also possesses cunning to corner prey with intimidation and venom spitting.
Keywords
  • Ferocious
  • Cunning
  • Agile
  • Aggressive
  • Acts in packs
Talents
  • Venom spitting (fiction)
  • Agile movements
  • Sharp biting force
  • Balances with tail
  • Sharp sensory organs
Skills
  • Hunting prey
  • Intimidation behavior
  • Quick evasion
Motivation
Predation of prey, survival
Habits
Spreads crests during intimidation (movie setting)

History

Backstory
A real carnivorous dinosaur from the early Jurassic period of the Mesozoic era. Known as a small and agile predator, but the movie version adds fictional features of unique crests and venom spitting.
Debut date
June 11, 1993
Work title
Jurassic Park
Media type
Movie

First appearance in Jurassic Park

Significant event
First appearance in Jurassic Park
Description
Ian Malcolm, played by Jeff Goldblum, mentions unique features such as 'spitting venom.' Depicted in the story as a dangerous creature different from raptors.

Popularization of the movie version image

Significant event
Popularization of the movie version image
Description
Became famous for its unique crests and venom spitting image, greatly influencing dinosaur perceptions, though the settings are scientifically denied.

Relationships

Carnivorous dinosaurs

Carnivorous dinosaurs: unknown

Media appearances

Jurassic Park (1993)

Movie / Supporting

1993 theatrical release

Jurassic Park: Operation Genesis

Game

2003

Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous

Anime / Supporting

2020

Voice cast and creators

Michael Crichton

Creator name
Michael Crichton
Role
Original author

Steven Spielberg

Creator name
Steven Spielberg
Role
Director

unknown

Creator name
unknown
Role
Character designer

Industrial Light & Magic

Creator name
Industrial Light & Magic
Role
Animation studio

Related goods

Dilophosaurus Figure

Item name
Dilophosaurus Figure
Category
Figure
Availability
Regular

Jurassic Park Crested Dilophosaurus Plush

Item name
Jurassic Park Crested Dilophosaurus Plush
Category
Plush or doll
Availability
Limited