Key Information
Nanotyrannus
| Species | 1 species |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| Length | 17 ft |
| Height | 7 ft |
| Weight | 1,550 to 2,600 lb |
| Timescale | Late Cretaceous |
| Classification | Saurischia > Theropoda > Tyrannosauroidea > Eutyrannosauria > Nanotyrannidae |
Learning Point
- Nanotyrannus was the ultimate lightweight athlete of the Late Cretaceous, long mistaken for a juvenile Tyrannosaurus rex. Unlike its heavy-hitting cousin, this “dwarf tyrant” was built for high-speed chases, sporting long, slender legs and surprisingly large, powerful arms. The mystery of its identity was recently solved when scientists found adult growth rings in smaller skeletons, proving it was a distinct, “hyper-speed” predator. With more teeth and a narrower skull, Nanotyrannus filled the role of a nimble pursuit hunter, proving that in the world of dinosaurs, being the biggest wasn’t the only way to rule.
Project
- Draw a picture of how you imagine Nanotyrannus to look.
- Overview
- X-Ray
- Dueling Dinosaurs
Location
| Confirmed | United States |
Fun Facts
- The name Nanotyrannus means “dwarf tyrant”.
- While a big T. rex was a heavy power-walker, Nanotyrannus was a sprinter. It had super long legs made for chasing down fast prey like a racecar.
- Unlike the tiny, famous arms of a Tyrannosaurus rex, Nanotyrannus had much larger, stronger arms and big claws to help it grab onto things.
- Don’t let its name fool you – it was still a fierce predator that weighed as much as a small car!
- One famous Nanotyrannus fossil was found tangled up with a Triceratops. Scientists think they might have been in the middle of a big prehistoric battle!
Past Lessons
| 230 | April 13, 2026 | (North America) |