Name:
Struthiomimus (Greek for "ostrich mimic"); pronounced STROO-thee-oh-MIME-us
Habitat:
Plains of western North America
Historical Period:
Late Cretaceous (75 million years ago)
Size and Weight:
About 10 feet long and 300 pounds
Diet:
Plants and meat
Distinguishing Characteristics:
Ostrich-like posture; long tail and hind legs
About Struthiomimus:
A close relative of Ornithomimus, which it closely resembled, Struthiomimus ("ostrich mimic") galloped across the plains of western North America during the late Cretaceous period. This ornithomimid ("bird mimic") dinosaur was distinguished from its more famous cousin by its slightly longer arms and stronger fingers, but because of the position of its thumbs it couldn't grasp food quite as easily.
Like other ornithomimids, Struthiomimus pursued an opportunistic diet, feeding on plants, small animals, insects, fish or even carrion (when a kill was left unattended by other, larger theropods). This dinosaur was probably capable of short sprints of 50 miles per hour, but had a less taxing "cruising speed" in the 30 to 40 mph range.
