Mapusaurus

Mapusaurus was one of the largest meat eating dinosaurs. The biggest specimens reached about 10.2 to 12.6 metres (33 to 41 feet) long and weighed 6 to 8 tonnes (13,000 to 18,000 pounds).12

Mapusaurus was similar in size to Tyrannosaurus rex, but some estimates suggest it was slightly longer. However, T. rex was probably heavier and more robust.1

Some scientists think Mapusaurus may have hunted in groups, based on a bonebed with at least seven individuals. But it is not known if they hunted together in an organized pack or just attacked in a mob.12

Mapusaurus was a carnivore that likely ate large plant-eating dinosaurs. It lived alongside the giant titanosaur Argentinosaurus and may have hunted it in groups.12

Mapusaurus lived during the Late Cretaceous, about 99 to 94 million years ago, in what is now Argentina.12

Mapusaurus fossils were found in the Huincul Formation of Neuquén Province, Argentina, at a site called Cañadón del Gato.12

Its name comes from the Mapuche word 'mapu' meaning Earth, and the Greek word for lizard, so it means 'Earth lizard'. The species name 'roseae' honors the rose-colored rocks where it was found and a sponsor named Rose Letwin.12

No one knows for sure. Mapusaurus was a large theropod, and while some smaller relatives had feathers, no direct evidence of feathers has been found for Mapusaurus.1