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Artist's reconstruction · realistic art coming in a later version

Coelophysis

see-LOH-fie-sis

“Hollow Form”

Triassic
When
Late Triassic
Where
North America
Size
Up to 10 ft long
Diet
Meat

6 Facts

1–6
  1. Coelophysis was a slender, speedy hunter — most of its 10-foot length was neck and tail.
  2. Its name means “Hollow Form” because it had hollow bones, like birds, which kept it light and quick.
  3. Hundreds of skeletons were found together at Ghost Ranch, New Mexico, suggesting they may have lived or died in groups.
  4. It weighed only about 40 pounds — light enough to carry.
  5. It hunted small reptiles and insects with its sharp little teeth.
  6. A Coelophysis skull even traveled to space aboard the Space Shuttle in 1998!