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Allosaurus
DRACULA - THE BEAUTY IN THE BEAST
As herbivorous species evolve towards gigantism, so do the predators that feed on them. Indeed, this is evident in the Ten Sleep dinosaur fauna, which include the remains of a one-ton predator. This Jurassic killer known to scientists as Allosaurus, is called Dracula by our discovery team. The specimen displays a complete set of razor sharp teeth, seemingly preserved in a menacing grin, and is reminiscent of a bloodthirsty vampire, which explains its catchy appellation. As articulated Jurassic dinosaur skulls that have been preserved intact and without distortion
are extremely rare, Dracula is one of several unique dinosaur skeletons that have emerged from our quarry. This find represents the best complete skeleton of one of the most popular dinosaur species. Allosaurus skeletons that are more than 50% complete are extremely rare, and only four adult skeletons, exhibited with their associated skulls, exist. Moreover, it is a beautifully preserved skeleton, with most of the bones intact and showing a rich black surface patina.
This Allosaurus skeleton appears to belong to the new species (A. jimmadsoni manuscript name) In the Dana specimen the lower jugal border is more horizontal, manus claws less hooked and the general slenderness of the skeleton contrasts in comparison to the well known Allosaurus fragilis.
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Dracula's metatarsal |
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Dracula's skeleton as it was uncovered in the ground |
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Beautiful claw |
* The following Allosaurus skulls are mostly complete and were found articulated: UUVP 6000 Carnegie Quarry Dinosaur National Monument; YPM 1894 Como Bluff; BYU 571-8901 Hinkle Quarry; BYU 9488 Easter Quarry; DINO 11541 DNM-116 Quarry; MOR 693 "Big Al" Howe Quarry; BYU 9466 San Rafael Swell area Utah, BYU 8901 skull with much of skeleton from Brushy Basin Member; skull with skeleton in the Paleontological Museum in Naples / Turin from San Rafael Swell area Utah; UMNH VP C481 Meilyn Quarry juvenile (disarticulated in place at the end of the neck); and "Ebeneezer" Gods Allosaur from Dinosaur Colorado now in Crystal River, FL.
The following skulls are mostly complete but disarticulated: USNM 4734 type Marsh's Felch Quarry 1, SMA 0005 "Big Al 2" Howe Quarry has a fairly complete skull with skeleton mounted at the Sauriermuseum Aathal, Switzerland; AMNH 5753 Como Bluff; AMNH 666 Como Bluff; AMNH 600 Como Bluff , SC 1 Sheridan College ; "yellow skull" from CLDQ; and The Canyon City specimen at Smithonian.
