Carnivorous Dinosaurs
Carnivorous dinosaurs--which included raptors, tyrannosaurs, ornithomimids, large theropods and small theropods (also known as "dino-birds")--were the most dangerous dinosaurs of the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. Here's an A to Z list of every carnivorous dinosaur of the Mesozoic Era.
Abelisaurus
"Abel's lizard" has been reconstructed from a single skull.
"Abel's lizard" has been reconstructed from a single skull.
Achillobator
This fierce raptor was discovered in modern-day Mongolia.
This fierce raptor was discovered in modern-day Mongolia.
Afrovenator
One of the few carnivores ever to be dug up in north Africa.
One of the few carnivores ever to be dug up in north Africa.
Albertosaurus
This carnivore was a close cousin of T. Rex.
This carnivore was a close cousin of T. Rex.
Alectrosaurus
Few specimens of this "unmarried lizard" have been found.
Few specimens of this "unmarried lizard" have been found.
Alioramus
All we know of this tyrannosaur is based on a single skull.
All we know of this tyrannosaur is based on a single skull.
Allosaurus
One of the most common predators of the Jurassic era.
One of the most common predators of the Jurassic era.
Anserimimus
This "goose mimic" didn’t bear much of a resemblance.
This "goose mimic" didn’t bear much of a resemblance.
Appalachiosaurus
One of the few dinosaurs ever to be discovered in Alabama.
One of the few dinosaurs ever to be discovered in Alabama.
Archaeornithomimus
A likely ancestor of Ornithomimus.
A likely ancestor of Ornithomimus.
Atrociraptor
This "cruel thief" wasn't as atrocious as its name implies.
This "cruel thief" wasn't as atrocious as its name implies.
Aucasaurus
This predator was a close relative of Carnotaurus.
This predator was a close relative of Carnotaurus.
Avimimus
A particularly bird-like cousin of Oviraptor.
A particularly bird-like cousin of Oviraptor.
Bambiraptor
Yes, this tiny raptor was named after you-know-who.
Yes, this tiny raptor was named after you-know-who.
Baryonyx
Long story short: you wouldn't want to clip this dino's claws.
Long story short: you wouldn't want to clip this dino's claws.
Buitreraptor
The oldest raptor ever discovered in South America.
The oldest raptor ever discovered in South America.
Carcharodontosaurus
Its name means "great white shark lizard." Impressed yet?
Its name means "great white shark lizard." Impressed yet?
Carnotaurus
The shortest arms of any meat-eater--and horns to match.
The shortest arms of any meat-eater--and horns to match.
Ceratosaurus
This primitive carnivore is hard to classify.
This primitive carnivore is hard to classify.
Chirostenotes
This birdlike dinosaur has been known by three different names.
This birdlike dinosaur has been known by three different names.
Citipati
This Mongolian theropod was a close relative of Oviraptor.
This Mongolian theropod was a close relative of Oviraptor.
Coelophysis
One of the most ancient dinosaurs that ever lived.
One of the most ancient dinosaurs that ever lived.
Coelurus
This tiny dinosaur was a close relative of Compsognathus.
This tiny dinosaur was a close relative of Compsognathus.
Compsognathus
The size of a chicken, but much meaner.
The size of a chicken, but much meaner.
Conchoraptor
This "conch thief" may have lunched on mollusks.
This "conch thief" may have lunched on mollusks.
Cryolophosaurus
This crested carnivore was once known as "Elvisaurus."
This crested carnivore was once known as "Elvisaurus."
Daspletosaurus
This "frightful lizard" was a cousin of T. Rex.
This "frightful lizard" was a cousin of T. Rex.
Deinocheirus
All we know for sure about this dino is the shape of its arms.
All we know for sure about this dino is the shape of its arms.
Deinonychus
One of the most fearsome predators of the Cretaceous era.
One of the most fearsome predators of the Cretaceous era.
Dilong
This "emperor dragon" may have been an ancestor of T. Rex.
This "emperor dragon" may have been an ancestor of T. Rex.
Dilophosaurus
This dino was distinguished by the bony crests on its noggin.
This dino was distinguished by the bony crests on its noggin.
Dromaeosaurus
This "running lizard" was probably covered with feathers.
This "running lizard" was probably covered with feathers.
Dromiceiomimus
Possibly the fastest dinosaur that ever lived.
Possibly the fastest dinosaur that ever lived.
Dubreuillosaurus
This megalosaur had an unusually long, low-slung snout.
This megalosaur had an unusually long, low-slung snout.
Eocursor
One of the earliest true dinosaurs.
One of the earliest true dinosaurs.
Eoraptor
This tiny dinosaur was among the first of its kind.
This tiny dinosaur was among the first of its kind.
Eotyrannus
This early tyrannosaur looked more like a raptor.
This early tyrannosaur looked more like a raptor.
Epidendrosaurus
Did this tiny dino-bird spend its life up a tree?
Did this tiny dino-bird spend its life up a tree?
Eustreptospondylus
A close cousin of Megalosaurus.
A close cousin of Megalosaurus.
Fukuiraptor
One of the few carnivorous dinosaurs ever to be dug up in Japan.
One of the few carnivorous dinosaurs ever to be dug up in Japan.
Gallimimus
This "chicken mimic" roamed the plains of the late Cretaceous.
This "chicken mimic" roamed the plains of the late Cretaceous.
Garudimimus
A relative slowpoke compared to other ornithomimids.
A relative slowpoke compared to other ornithomimids.
Gasosaurus
Yes, that's its real name, and no, it isn't for the reason you think.
Yes, that's its real name, and no, it isn't for the reason you think.
Giganotosaurus
Not quite a "Gigantosaurus," but close enough.
Not quite a "Gigantosaurus," but close enough.
Gigantoraptor
This huge oviraptor weighed over two tons.
This huge oviraptor weighed over two tons.
Gojirasaurus
This early predator was named after Godzilla.
This early predator was named after Godzilla.
Gorgosaurus
Might this tyrannosaur have been a species of Albertosaurus?
Might this tyrannosaur have been a species of Albertosaurus?
Guanlong
Probably the first tyrannosaur ever to walk the earth.
Probably the first tyrannosaur ever to walk the earth.
Harpymimus
Named after the winged creature of Greek myth.
Named after the winged creature of Greek myth.
Herrerasaurus
This primitive carnivore roamed present-day South America.
This primitive carnivore roamed present-day South America.
Heyuannia
Yet another close relative of Oviraptor.
Yet another close relative of Oviraptor.
Huaxiagnathus
One of the biggest "dino-birds" of its time.
One of the biggest "dino-birds" of its time.
Ingenia
A small, birdlike dinosaur from Central Asia.
A small, birdlike dinosaur from Central Asia.
Irritator
This spinosaur was named by a very frustrated paleontologist.
This spinosaur was named by a very frustrated paleontologist.
Jinfengopteryx
This feathered dinosaur was once thought to be a true bird.
This feathered dinosaur was once thought to be a true bird.
Juravenator
Why didn't this presumed "dino-bird" have feathers?
Why didn't this presumed "dino-bird" have feathers?
Khaan
Few small mammals dared face the wrath of this dinosaur.
Few small mammals dared face the wrath of this dinosaur.
Liliensternus
One of the largest carnivores of the Triassic period.
One of the largest carnivores of the Triassic period.
Majungatholus
Fairly--or unfairly--known as the "cannibal dinosaur."
Fairly--or unfairly--known as the "cannibal dinosaur."
Megalosaurus
The first dinosaur ever to be discovered and named.
The first dinosaur ever to be discovered and named.
Megapnosaurus
Its name is Greek for "big dead lizard."
Its name is Greek for "big dead lizard."
Mei
The current record-holder for "shortest dinosaur name."
The current record-holder for "shortest dinosaur name."
Monolophosaurus
This Jurassic predator had a single crest on its skull.
This Jurassic predator had a single crest on its skull.
Mononykus
This dinosaur may have dug into termite mounds for its lunch.
This dinosaur may have dug into termite mounds for its lunch.
Nanotyrannus
Was it a new kind of tyrannosaur, or a juvenile T. Rex?
Was it a new kind of tyrannosaur, or a juvenile T. Rex?
Nemegtomaia
This oviraptor-like dinosaur had a bizarrely shaped skull.
This oviraptor-like dinosaur had a bizarrely shaped skull.
Noasaurus
Were this predator's giant claws on its hands, or on its feet?
Were this predator's giant claws on its hands, or on its feet?
Nomingia
This dinosaur had a peacock-like tail.
This dinosaur had a peacock-like tail.
Nqwebasaurus
One of the few theropods to be discovered in sub-Saharan Africa.
One of the few theropods to be discovered in sub-Saharan Africa.
Ornitholestes
This "bird robber" probably preyed on small lizards instead.
This "bird robber" probably preyed on small lizards instead.
Ornithomimus
This "bird mimic" was much like a modern ostrich.
This "bird mimic" was much like a modern ostrich.
Oviraptor
Turns out that this "egg thief" got a bad rap.
Turns out that this "egg thief" got a bad rap.
Pedopenna
One of the earliest known dino-birds.
One of the earliest known dino-birds.
Pelecanimimus
This "pelican mimic" sported over 200 teeth.
This "pelican mimic" sported over 200 teeth.
Piatnitzkysaurus
Its teeth were as sharp as its name is funny.
Its teeth were as sharp as its name is funny.
Podokesaurus
One of the earliest dinosaurs to live in eastern North America.
One of the earliest dinosaurs to live in eastern North America.
Proceratosaurus
Despite its name, this theropod wasn't a close relative of Ceratosaurus.
Despite its name, this theropod wasn't a close relative of Ceratosaurus.
Protarchaeopteryx
"Before Archaeopteryx?" It actually lived millions of years later.
"Before Archaeopteryx?" It actually lived millions of years later.
Pyroraptor
This "fire thief" prowled the plains of prehistoric France.
This "fire thief" prowled the plains of prehistoric France.
Rahonavis
Was it a raptor-like bird, or a bird-like raptor?
Was it a raptor-like bird, or a bird-like raptor?
Rajasaurus
This "prince lizard" lived in what is now modern-day India.
This "prince lizard" lived in what is now modern-day India.
Raptorex
A pint-sized precursor of Tyrannosaurus Rex.
A pint-sized precursor of Tyrannosaurus Rex.
Rinchenia
Named after the famous paleontologist Rinchen Barsbold.
Named after the famous paleontologist Rinchen Barsbold.
Rugops
This wrinkly-faced carnivore probably fed on abandoned carcasses.
This wrinkly-faced carnivore probably fed on abandoned carcasses.
Santanaraptor
This carnivore was named after Brazil's Santana formation.
This carnivore was named after Brazil's Santana formation.
Saurophaganax
The official state dinosaur of Oklahoma.
The official state dinosaur of Oklahoma.
Saurornitholestes
A close cousin of Velociraptor.
A close cousin of Velociraptor.
Scansoriopteryx
This early proto-bird probably lived in trees.
This early proto-bird probably lived in trees.
Scipionyx
One of the most perfectly preserved dinosaur fossils ever found.
One of the most perfectly preserved dinosaur fossils ever found.
Segisaurus
An early dinosaur closely related to Coelophysis.
An early dinosaur closely related to Coelophysis.
Segnosaurus
One of the most unusual (and poorly understood) Cretaceous dinosaurs.
One of the most unusual (and poorly understood) Cretaceous dinosaurs.
Shenzhousaurus
A small, primitive ornithomimid from China.
A small, primitive ornithomimid from China.
Shuvosaurus
Was this meat eater an early dinosaur, or a two-legged crocodile?
Was this meat eater an early dinosaur, or a two-legged crocodile?
Sinocalliopteryx
The largest dino-bird yet discovered.
The largest dino-bird yet discovered.
Sinornithoides
A small, feathered dinosaur closely related to Troodon.
A small, feathered dinosaur closely related to Troodon.
Sinornithosaurus
A typical dino-bird of the early Cretaceous.
A typical dino-bird of the early Cretaceous.
Sinosauropteryx
The first dinosaur proven to have feathers.
The first dinosaur proven to have feathers.
Sinovenator
This "Chinese hunter" preyed on its fellow dino-birds.
This "Chinese hunter" preyed on its fellow dino-birds.
Sinraptor
Despite its name, this allosaur wasn't any better or worse than other dinosaurs.
Despite its name, this allosaur wasn't any better or worse than other dinosaurs.
Sinusonasus
It sounds like a disease, but it was actually a feathered dinosaur.
It sounds like a disease, but it was actually a feathered dinosaur.
Spinosaurus
This dino was distinguished by the sail-like structure on its back.
This dino was distinguished by the sail-like structure on its back.
Staurikosaurus
Another primitive theropod of the Triassic era.
Another primitive theropod of the Triassic era.
Struthiomimus
This "ostrich mimic" roamed the plains of North America.
This "ostrich mimic" roamed the plains of North America.
Suchomimus
A fish-eater with a distinctly crocodilian profile.
A fish-eater with a distinctly crocodilian profile.
Tanycolagreus
This mysterious theropod was once thought to be a species of Coelurus.
This mysterious theropod was once thought to be a species of Coelurus.
Tarbosaurus
The second-biggest tyrannosaur after T. Rex.
The second-biggest tyrannosaur after T. Rex.
Timimus
The only ornithomimid ever discovered in Australia.
The only ornithomimid ever discovered in Australia.
Torvosaurus
One of the largest predators of Jurassic North America.
One of the largest predators of Jurassic North America.
Troodon
Possibly the smartest dinosaur that ever lived.
Possibly the smartest dinosaur that ever lived.
Tsaagan
One of the earliest raptors yet discovered.
One of the earliest raptors yet discovered.
Tyrannosaurus Rex
The once--and always--king of the dinosaurs.
The once--and always--king of the dinosaurs.
Tyrannotitan
We know very little about this fearsomely named dinosaur.
We know very little about this fearsomely named dinosaur.
Unenlagia
A bird-like raptor native to South America.
A bird-like raptor native to South America.
Utahraptor
Probably the biggest raptor that ever lived.
Probably the biggest raptor that ever lived.
Velociraptor
This dino gave new meaning to the word "vicious"--but it was a lot smaller than you think.
This dino gave new meaning to the word "vicious"--but it was a lot smaller than you think.
Xuanhanosaurus
This small, big-headed carnivore prowled Jurassic Asia.
This small, big-headed carnivore prowled Jurassic Asia.