The Liliensternus was a medium-sized carnivorous dinosaur. It thrived in present-day Germany during the late Triassic period. Agile, slender, and lightly built, these ground-dwelling theropods were some of the most effective hunters of their time. With a well-built thigh bone and a slender tail for balance, the Liliensternus was capable of running at high speeds.
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Some Quick Facts about the Liliensternus
| Name | Liliensternus (pronounced as “Lil-e-en-ster-nus”) |
| Type of dinosaur | A small theropod |
| Territory | Swampy areas in Western Europe |
| Size | 6.5 feet tall, 17 feet long |
| Color | Unknown |
| Interesting Characteristics | Large head with sharp-edged teeth, and five fingers (fourth and fifth fingers were smaller than the other fingers) |
| Diet | Carnivore (fed on small reptiles and herbivores) |
| Major Threats | Changing climate and competition with other dinosaurs |
The Liliensternus was a formidable dino species that lived in modern-day Germany, approximately 210 million years ago. It measured 17 feet in length, as tall as an Ornithomimus, and weighed approximately 280 pounds, making it one of the biggest theropods of the Triassic period.
The Liliensternus is the most studied Triassic theropod from Western Europe and among the largest discovered globally.
How Tall Was a Liliensternus?
The Liliensternus was a ground-dwelling bipedal creature that could reach about 17 feet long at maturity. It measured 6.5 feet tall when fully grown. This made the Liliensternus one of the largest theropods from the late Triassic period.
It was also the largest carnivore (meat eater) at the time. A Liliensternus was able to feed on large herbivores due to its sharp teeth and high speeds.
Where Did the Liliensternus Live?
Since the remains of this theropod dinosaur were found in modern-day Germany, it is believed to have originated in Western Europe.
The fossils of this carnivorous dinosaur were discovered at a site known as the Trossingen Formation. Paleontologists found five different specimens consisting of almost the entire skeleton.
The Liliensternus lived in lowlands, flood plains, and wet forests. This allowed this carnivorous dinosaur to find a lot of herbivores and reptiles to eat.
What Is the Meaning of the Name Liliensternus?
The name “Liliensternus” means “Lilienstern’s Lizard” due to its long legs and lightly built body. The name “Liliensternus” is pronounced as ‘lily-en-shtern-us.”
The dinosaur was described and named after the German doctor and paleontologist named Hugo Rühle von Lilienstern.
After being earlier named Halticosaurus liliensterni (meaning “nimble lizard”) by Frederick Von Huene, Liliensternus was placed under the genus Halticosaurus. Later, it was renamed Liliensternus liliensterni when it was placed in its own genus.
How Did a Liliensternus Reproduce?
All dinosaurs from all over the world were oviparous. In other words, the Liliensternus was an egg-laying dinosaur.
The Liliensternus also took good care of its babies. However, it’s uncertain whether or not these animals did this as a pair. Although Liliensternus dinosaurs would stay in their natural environment, they rarely stayed together in groups. All other theropods were believed to be social, so odds are that the Liliensternus lived in social groups as well.
What Did the Liliensternus Look Like?
Unfortunately, only a few Liliensternus remains have been discovered so far. The skull itself has been a big mystery; only fragmentary remains have been discovered. This has led to numerous Liliensternus reconstructions with head crests that resemble the Dilophosaurus (which had thin bone crests on its head). Its tail was long, as was its neck.
Paleontologists think that the meat-eating Liliensternus dinosaurs came in between two other kinds of dinosaurs called Dilophosaurus and Coelophysis. They believe this because of the way they looked and when they lived on earth.
This shows that the Liliensternus existed between the timelines of these dinosaurs and suggests how they adapted to their natural environment over time. Besides, the Liliensternus had short hip bones just like the Dilophosaurus.
Another similarity is their fourth and fifth fingers, which were smaller than the other fingers on their hands. This may explain why the Triassic Period dinosaurs had five fingers while the Jurassic period dinosaurs had just three fingers.
What Made the Liliensternus a Good Predator?
Weighing about two and a half times more than the African lion, the Liliensternus was a fierce hunter, most likely the top carnivore in Europe at the time.
The length and height of a Liliensternus were quite impressive, as well. This animal stood 6.5 feet tall at maturity and reached up to 18 feet long when fully grown. They were a bit taller than the average man, making them one of the largest late Triassic theropods. These creatures were fast, active, and well-adapted to their environment.
Their sharp, serrated teeth and the fact that these prehistoric animals were extremely strong and very fast enabled them to feed on large herbivores.
The carnivorous Liliensternus caught herbivores by outrunning them thanks to their speedy legs. They also used their sharp teeth to disable miniature dino versions like the Plateosaurus.
Although the Liliensternus was one of the biggest theropods known at the time, it faced stiff competition from heavier predators like the larger Teratosaurus.