Name:
Enigmosaurus (Greek for "puzzle lizard"); pronounced eh-NIHG-moe-SORE-us
Habitat:
Woodlands of central Asia
Historical Period:
Late Cretaceous (75-65 million years ago)
Size and Weight:
About 20 feet long and 1,000 pounds
Diet:
Probably omnivorous
Distinguishing Characteristics:
Large claws on hands; strangely shaped pelvis
About Enigmosaurus:
True to its name--Greek for "puzzle lizard"--not much is known about Enigmosaurus, scattered fossils of which have been found in Mongolia. This dinosaur was originally classified as a species of Segnosaurus--a bizarre, large-clawed theropod closely related to Therizinosaurus--then, on closer examination, was "promoted" to its own genus. Like other therizinosaurs, Enigmosaurus was characterized by is large claws and bizarre, "Big Bird"-like appearance, but much about its lifestyle remains, well, a puzzle.
