Key Information
Saltasaurus
| Species | Saltasaurus loricatus |
| Diet | Herbivore |
| Length | 28 ft |
| Height | 9 ft |
| Weight | 2.5 tonnes |
| Classification | Sauropoda > Titanosauria > Saltasauridae |
| Similar Species | Neuquensaurus, Alamosaurus, Opisthocoelicaudia |
Learning Point
- Saltasaurus was a smaller sauropod, but which had osteoderms (bone-like bumps or plates) across its body, suggesting it could have been used as a form of armor. It had a short neck and stubby limbs and represented a smaller group of sauropods.
Project
- Draw a herd of Saltasaurus and their young.
- Overview
- X-Ray
Location
| Confirmed | Argentina |
Fun Facts
- The name Saltasaurus comes from Greek words meaning “lizard from Salta“.
- The osteoderms they found with Saltasaurus were the first suggestions that some sauropods had armor-like protection.
- A group of fossilised eggs have also been found with young sauropods inside that also have osteoderms, strongly suggesting they belong to Saltasaurus, or some similar sauropod.
- They were among the smallest of the sauropods in the Americas during the Late Cretaceous period.
Past Lessons
| 49 | April 10, 2023 | (North America) |
| 227 | March 23, 2026 | (North America) |