Lesothosaurus diagnosticus
Every month, 100,000 readers use the Dinosaur Database, but we receive no support from you. Developing and updating the database requires a lot of work. Therefore, as of September 1, 2025, the database will be closed. If you want it to remain open and be updated, please support us via the "Buy us a coffee" button available on every page or via the Support page.
Dinosaur: Lesothosaurus diagnosticus
Length*: | 2.5 m | 8.2 ft |
Weight*: | 40 kg | 88 lb |
*The largest known specimen
Period
Epoch: Early Jurassic
Stage: Hettangian-Sinemurian
Years: 201.4–190.8 Ma
Details
Status: valid
Author: Galton
Year: 1978
Distribution
Area: Africa
Country: Lesotho, South Africa
Region: Mafeteng, Quthing, Free State, Eastern Cape
Formation: Upper Elliot
Classification
Locations
Sources
Material: At least over a dozen individuals (skeletons and skulls).
References: Baron, M. G., Norman, D. B., & Barrett, P. M. (2016). Postcranial anatomy of Lesothosaurus diagnosticus (Dinosauria: Ornithischia) from the Lower Jurassic of southern Africa: implications for basal ornithischian taxonomy and systematics.