1. Home
  2. Education
  3. Dinosaurs

Euoplocephalus

By Bob Strauss, About.com

Euoplocephalus (Wikimedia Commons)

Name:
Euoplocephalus (Greek for "well-armored head"); pronounced YOU-oh-plo-SEFF-ah-luss
Habitat:
Woodlands of North America
Historical Period:
Late Cretaceous (70-65 million years ago)
Size and Weight:
About 20 feet long and 2 tons
Diet:
Plants
Distinguishing Characteristics:
Large spines on back; clubbed tail; armored eyelids
About Euoplocephalus:

Probably the most evolved of all the ankylosaurs, Euoplocephalus was the Cretaceous equivalent of the Batmobile: this dinosaur's back, head and sides were completely armored, even its eyelids, and it had a prominent club on its tail. One can imagine that the predators of the time (such as T. Rex) went after easier prey, since the only way to kill and eat a Euoplocephalus was to somehow flip it onto its back and dig into its soft belly.

Although Ankylosaurus gets all the press, Euoplocephalus is the best-known ankylosaur among paleontologists, with the discovery of over 40 more-or-less complete skeletons (including about 15 skulls). Since the remains of multiple Euoplocephaluses have never been found heaped together, it's likely that this herbivore led a solitary lifestyle, though some experts believe it roamed the North American plains in herds.

Explore Dinosaurs
About.com Special Features

Tips that will help finance your education, excel in the classroom, and advance your career. More >

Being well prepared is the first step; here are more essential suggestions. More >

  1. Home
  2. Education
  3. Dinosaurs
  4. Types of Dinosaurs
  5. Herbivorous Dinosaurs
  6. Euoplocephalus - Dinosaur Euoplocephalus Characteristics, Behavior and Habitat>

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.