Saltopus: Dinosaur Quick Facts

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Saltopus was a small, lightly-built dinosaur that walked on two legs. It was about 2 feet long and weighing about 2 pounds, about the size of a small cat. It resembled a miniature version of a Tyrannosaurus Rex.

The Saltopus name:

Meaning – Saltopus means “hopping foot”
Named By – Friedrick von Huene in 1910

What did the Saltopus eat?

The Saltopus dinosaur was a carnivore, meaning it ate meat and probably, due to its size, mostly ate insects and possibly worms.

How big was the Saltopus?

Length – 2 ft long
Height – 8 inches tall at the hips
Weight – 2 pounds

When did the Saltopus live?

Dating the fossils scientists believe the Saltopus lived during the late triassic period, about 225-222 million years ago.

Where did the Saltopus live?

Because fossils have been found in Scotland and parts of Europe that is where scientist believe this ancient creature once roamed.

Where have fossils from the Saltopus been found?

Only an incomplete, poorly-preserved fossil including part of the skull of Saltopus have been found.

What is the classification of the Saltopus?

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Archosauria
Order Saurischia
Suborder Theropoda
Genus Saltopus
Species elginensis

Interesting facts about the Saltopus

Saltopus may have been a very early dinosaur that some of the later dinosaurs evolved from. It was small, lightly-built dinosaur that walked on two legs. It had light, hollow bones similar to the Eoraptor, and a long head with dozens of small, sharp teeth. Saltopus has five fingers on its hands for gripping small bugs.

Resource by F.Rosseti

I am a teacher in Michigan. I grew up in Florida and have lived here in MI for close to 15 years. I enjoy writing and skiing in my spare time.

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