List of South American dinosaurs facts for kids
This is a list of dinosaurs whose remains have been recovered from South America.
Contents
Criteria for inclusion
- The genus must appear on the List of dinosaur genera.
- At least one named species of the creature must have been found in South America.
- This list is a complement to Category:Mesozoic dinosaurs of South America.
List of South American dinosaurs
Valid genera
| Name | Year | Formation | Location | Notes | Images |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abelisaurus | 1985 | Allen Formation?/Anacleto Formation? (Late Cretaceous, Campanian) |  Argentina |
Only known from a single partial skull |  |
| Achillesaurus | 2007 | Bajo de la Carpa Formation (Late Cretaceous, Santonian) | Argentina |
Potentially a junior synonym of Alvarezsaurus |  |
| Adamantisaurus | 2006 | Adamantina Formation (Late Cretaceous, Turonian to Maastrichtian) |  Brazil |
Derived for a titanosaur as indicated by the ball-and-socket articulations of its caudal vertebrae |  |
| Adeopapposaurus | 2009 | Cañón del Colorado Formation (Early Jurassic, Hettangian to Pliensbachian) | Argentina |
May have had a keratinous beak based on the shape of its jaw bones |  |
| Aeolosaurus | 1987 | Allen Formation?, Angostura Colorada Formation, Lago Colhué Huapí Formation, Los Alamitos Formation?, Serra da Galga Formation? (Late Cretaceous, Campanian to Maastrichtian) | Argentina Brazil? |
Known from the remains of several individuals |  |
| Aerosteon | 2009 | Anacleto Formation?/Plottier Formation? (Late Cretaceous, Coniacian to Campanian) | Argentina) |
Its bones were extensively pneumatized, suggesting an air sac system like those of modern birds |  |
| Agustinia | 1999 | Lohan Cura Formation (Early Cretaceous, Aptian to Albian) | Argentina |
Originally described as possessing long, vaguely-stegosaur like spikes, although these turned out to be fragments of ribs and other bones | |
| Alnashetri | 2012 | Candeleros Formation (Late Cretaceous, Cenomanian) | Argentina |
The oldest alvarezsauroid known from South America |  |
| Alvarezsaurus | 1991 | Bajo de la Carpa Formation (Late Cretaceous, Santonian) | Argentina |
One of the largest known alvarezsaurids |  |
| Amargasaurus | 1991 | La Amarga Formation (Early Cretaceous, Barremian to Aptian) | Argentina |
Possessed two parallel rows of backward-pointing spines on its neck that may have been covered by keratin sheaths or a skin sail |  |
| Amargatitanis | 2007 | La Amarga Formation (Early Cretaceous, Barremian to Aptian) | Argentina |
Originally described as a titanosaur although it has since been reinterpreted as a dicraeosaurid |  |
| Amazonsaurus | 2003 | Itapecuru Formation (Early Cretaceous, Aptian to Albian) | Brazil |
Had tall neural spines on its caudal vertebrae |  |
| Amygdalodon | 1947 | Cerro Carnerero Formation (Early Jurassic, Toarcian) | Argentina |
Its teeth were shaped like almonds |  |
| Anabisetia | 2002 | Lisandro Formation (Late Cretaceous, Cenomanian to Turonian) | Argentina |
Four specimens are known but the skull remains incompletely known |  |
| Andesaurus | 1991 | Candeleros Formation (Late Cretaceous, Cenomanian) | Argentina |
Several osteological features indicate a basal position within the Titanosauria |  |
| Aniksosaurus | 2006 | Bajo Barreal Formation (Late Cretaceous, Cenomanian to Turonian) | Argentina |
Bone bed remains suggest a gregarious lifestyle |  |
| Antarctosaurus | 1929 | Adamantina Formation?, Anacleto Formation, Plottier Formation? (Late Cretaceous, Coniacian to Campanian) | Argentina Brazil? |
Multiple specimens have been assigned to this genus, including some from outside South America, but most may not represent the same taxon |  |
| Aoniraptor | 2016 | Huincul Formation (Late Cretaceous, Cenomanian to Turonian) | Argentina |
Either a valid megaraptoran or a synonym of Gualicho | |
| Arackar | 2021 | Hornitos Formation (Late Cretaceous, Campanian to Maastrichtian) |  Chile |
The most complete sauropod known from Chile |  |
| Aratasaurus | 2020 | Romualdo Formation (Early Cretaceous, Albian) | Brazil |
All three of its toes were symmetric |  |
| Argentinosaurus | 1993 | Huincul Formation (Late Cretaceous, Cenomanian to Turonian) | Argentina |
May be the largest known dinosaur |  |
| Argyrosaurus | 1893 | Lago Colhué Huapí Formation (Late Cretaceous, Campanian to Maastrichtian) | Argentina |
Several remains were historically assigned to this genus, but only the holotype can be confidently assigned to it |  |
| Arrudatitan | 2021 | Adamantina Formation (Late Cretaceous, Campanian to Maastrichtian) | Brazil |
Its tail probably curved strongly downward, with the tip held very low to the ground |  |
| Asfaltovenator | 2019 | Cañadón Asfalto Formation (Early Jurassic, Toarcian) | Argentina |
Combines traits of both megalosauroids and allosauroids. Its describers suggest paraphyly of the former group |  |
| Atacamatitan | 2011 | Tolar Formation (Late Cretaceous) | Chile |
Only known from a single, fragmentary skeleton |  |
| Aucasaurus | 2002 | Anacleto Formation (Late Cretaceous, Santonian to Campanian) | Argentina |
Known from almost the entire skeleton, including most of the skull |  |
| Austrocheirus | 2010 | Cerro Fortaleza Formation (Late Cretaceous, Campanian to Maastrichtian) | Argentina |
Unusually for an abelisauroid, its arms were relatively long |  |
| Austroposeidon | 2016 | Presidente Prudente Formation (Late Cretaceous, Campanian to Maastrichtian) | Brazil |
The largest dinosaur known from Brazil |  |
| Austroraptor | 2008 | Allen Formation (Late Cretaceous, Campanian to Maastrichtian) | Argentina |
Possessed an elongated snout paralleling that of spinosaurids |  |
| Baalsaurus | 2018 | Portezuelo Formation (Late Cretaceous, Turonian to Coniacian) | Argentina |
Had a squared-off dentary with its teeth crowded to the front | |
| Bagualia | 2020 | Cañadón Asfalto Formation (Early Jurassic, Toarcian) | Argentina |
Represents an early radiation of eusauropods that displaced earlier basal sauropodomorphs after a global warming event |  |
| Bagualosaurus | 2018 | Santa Maria Formation (Late Triassic, Carnian) | Brazil |
Its hindlimbs were very robust |  |
| Bajadasaurus | 2019 | Bajada Colorada Formation (Early Cretaceous, Berriasian to Valanginian) | Argentina |
Possessed elongated, forward-pointing spines erupting in pairs from the neck |  |
| Barrosasaurus | 2009 | Anacleto Formation (Late Cretaceous, Campanian) | Argentina |
Only known from three vertebrae but are well-preserved enough to warrant recognition as a distinct genus |  |
| Baurutitan | 2005 | Serra da Galga Formation (Late Cretaceous, Campanian to Maastrichtian) | Brazil |
Originally described from an associated series of nineteen vertebrae; new remains were discovered later |  |
| Berthasaura | 2021 | Goio-Erê Formation (Early Cretaceous, Aptian to Albian) | Brazil |
Possessed a short, toothless beak, indicating a herbivorous or omnivorous diet |  |
| Bicentenaria | 2012 | Candeleros Formation (Late Cretaceous, Cenomanian) | Argentina |
Several individuals were preserved together, suggesting a gregarious lifestyle |  |
| Bonapartenykus | 2012 | Allen Formation (Late Cretaceous, Campanian to Maastrichtian) | Argentina |
Its holotype was preserved with two eggs that may have been within its oviducts when it died |  |
| Bonapartesaurus | 2017 | Allen Formation (Late Cretaceous, Campanian to Maastrichtian) | Argentina |
Belongs to the Austrokritosauria, an endemic South American clade of hadrosaurids |  |
| Bonatitan | 2004 | Allen Formation (Late Cretaceous, Campanian to Maastrichtian) | Argentina |
Analysis of its inner ear suggests a decreased range of head movements compared to other sauropods | |
| Bonitasaura | 2004 | Bajo de la Carpa Formation (Late Cretaceous, Santonian) | Argentina |
The proportions of its body were somewhat similar to those of diplodocoids, likely through convergent evolution |  |
| Brachytrachelopan | 2005 | Cañadón Calcáreo Formation (Late Jurassic, Oxfordian to Tithonian) | Argentina |
Possessed the shortest neck of any known sauropod |  |
| Brasilotitan | 2013 | Adamantina Formation (Late Cretaceous, Maastrichtian) | Brazil |
Had an L-shaped dentary similar to that of Antarctosaurus and Bonitasaura | |
| Bravasaurus | 2020 | Ciénaga del Río Huaco Formation (Late Cretaceous, Campanian to Maastrichtian) | Argentina |
Discovered close to a large concentration of titanosaur eggs | |
| Buitreraptor | 2005 | Candeleros Formation (Late Cretaceous, Cenomanian to Turonian) | Argentina |
May have been a pursuit predator due to its long legs |  |
| Buriolestes | 2016 | Santa Maria Formation (Late Triassic, Carnian) | Brazil |
Unlike all other sauropodomorphs, it was completely carnivorous, with serrated teeth to match |  |
| Bustingorrytitan | 2023 | Huincul Formation (Late Cretaceous, Cenomanian to Turonian | Argentina |
Large yet distantly related to other gigantic titanosaurs |  |
| Caieiria | 2022 | Serra da Galga Formation (Late Cretaceous, Maastrichtian) | Brazil |
Its caudal vertebrae had an unusual anatomy |  |
| Campylodoniscus | 1961 | Bajo Barreal Formation? (Late Cretaceous, Cenomanian) | Argentina |
Only known from a single maxilla with seven teeth |  |
| Carnotaurus | 1985 | La Colonia Formation (Late Cretaceous, Maastrichtian) | Argentina |
Possessed a pair of short horns on the top of its skull | .png) |
| Cathartesaura | 2005 | Huincul Formation (Late Cretaceous, Cenomanian) | Argentina |
Had a well-muscled neck although it could not move strongly up or down |  |
| Chilesaurus | 2015 | Toqui Formation (Late Jurassic, Tithonian) | Chile |
Combines traits of theropods, sauropodomorphs, and ornithischians, with far-reaching implications for the evolution of the Dinosauria |  |
| Choconsaurus | 2017 | Huincul Formation (Late Cretaceous, Cenomanian) | Argentina |
One of the more completely known basal titanosaurs |  |
| Chromogisaurus | 2010 | Ischigualasto Formation (Late Triassic, Carnian) | Argentina |
Its discovery suggests that early dinosaurs were more diverse than previously thought |  |
| Chubutisaurus | 1975 | Cerro Barcino Formation (Early Cretaceous, Albian) | Argentina |
Unusually, its forelimbs were shorter than its hindlimbs |  |
| Chucarosaurus | 2023 | Huincul Formation (Late Cretaceous, Cenomanian to Turonian) | Argentina |
Smaller and more slender than the contemporary Argentinosaurus |  |
| Clasmodosaurus | 1898 | Bajo Barreal Formation (Late Cretaceous, Cenomanian to Turonian) | Argentina |
Similarly to Bonitasaura, its teeth were polygonal in cross-section | |
| Coloradisaurus | 1990 | Los Colorados Formation (Late Triassic, Norian) | Argentina |
Originally called Coloradia, although that genus name is occupied by a moth |  |
| Comahuesaurus | 2012 | Lohan Cura Formation (Early Cretaceous, Aptian to Albian) | Argentina |
Its holotype was originally assigned to Limaysaurus, but it was named as a separate genus due to several morphological differences |  |
| Condorraptor | 2005 | Cañadón Asfalto Formation (Early Jurassic, Toarcian) | Argentina |
Closely related to the coeval Piatnitzkysaurus but could be distinguished by several osteological features |  |
| Dreadnoughtus | 2014 | Cerro Fortaleza Formation (Late Cretaceous, Campanian to Maastrichtian) | Argentina |
The heaviest land animal whose mass can be calculated with reasonable certainty |  |
| Drusilasaura | 2011 | Bajo Barreal Formation (Late Cretaceous, Cenomanian to Turonian) | Argentina |
Potentially the oldest known member of the lognkosaurian lineage |  |
| Ekrixinatosaurus | 2004 | Candeleros Formation (Late Cretaceous, Cenomanian) | Argentina |
Had robust bones, indicating a massive build and a greater resistance to injuries |  |
| Elaltitan | 2012 | Bajo Barreal Formation (Late Cretaceous, Cenomanian to Turonian) | Argentina |
Extremely large as indicated by its long femur |  |
| Elemgasem | 2022 | Portezuelo Formation (Late Cretaceous, Turonian to Coniacian) | Argentina |
The first abelisaurid known from the Turonian-Coniacian interval | |
| Eoabelisaurus | 2012 | Cañadón Asfalto Formation (Early Jurassic, Toarcian) | Argentina |
Shows a transitional arm morphology for an abelisauroid, with a shortened lower arm and hand, but an unreduced humerus |  |
| Eodromaeus | 2011 | Ischigualasto Formation (Late Triassic, Carnian | Argentina |
Well-adapted for cursoriality despite its early age | .jpg) |
| Eoraptor | 1993 | Ischigualasto Formation (Late Triassic, Carnian) | Argentina |
Possessed different types of teeth, suggesting it was omnivorous |  |
| Epachthosaurus | 1990 | Bajo Barreal Formation (Late Cretaceous, Cenomanian to Turonian) | Argentina |
Its caudal vertebrae were procoelous; i.e. concave at the front and convex at the back |  |
| Erythrovenator | 2021 | Candelária Formation (Late Triassic, Carnian to Norian) | Brazil |
Known from the Riograndia Assemblage Zone, an area which is unusually dominated by cynodonts |  |
| Futalognkosaurus | 2007 | Portezuelo Formation (Late Cretaceous, Coniacian) | Argentina |
Possessed meter-deep cervical vertebrae with distinctive shark fin-shaped neural spines |  |
| Gasparinisaura | 1996 | Anacleto Formation (Late Cretaceous, Campanian) | Argentina |
Known from specimens of both adults and juveniles |  |
| Genyodectes | 1901 | Cerro Barcino Formation (Early Cretaceous, Aptian to Albian) | Argentina |
Had extremely large and protruding teeth |  |
| Giganotosaurus | 1995 | Candeleros Formation (Late Cretaceous, Cenomanian) | Argentina |
One of the largest known terrestrial carnivorous dinosaurs |  |
| Gnathovorax | 2019 | Santa Maria Formation (Late Triassic, Carnian) | Brazil |
Known from a well-preserved, almost complete skeleton |  |
| Gondwanatitan | 1999 | Adamantina Formation, Cambabe Formation? (Late Cretaceous, Maastrichtian) | Brazil |
For a titanosaur, it had relatively gracile limb bones |  |
| Gonkoken | 2023 | Dorotea Formation (Late Cretaceous, Campanian to Maastrichtian) | Chile |
The southernmost basal hadrosauroid known to date, known from more southern latitudes than true hadrosaurids |  |
| Guaibasaurus | 1999 | Caturrita Formation (Late Triassic, Norian) | Brazil |
Combines features of both early theropods and sauropodomorphs |  |
| Gualicho | 2016 | Huincul Formation (Late Cretaceous, Cenomanian to Turonian) | Argentina |
Originally described as having highly reduced arms with only two fingers, convergent with tyrannosaurids, although one study suggests a third finger was present |  |
| Guemesia | 2022 | Los Blanquitos Formation (Late Cretaceous, Campanian) | Argentina |
Unlike other abelisaurids, it lacked ornamentation on its skull |  |
| Herrerasaurus | 1963 | Ischigualasto Formation (Late Triassic, Carnian) | Argentina |
One of the largest early carnivorous dinosaurs. Usually considered a basal saurischian but may be just outside Dinosauria |  |
| Huallasaurus | 2022 | Los Alamitos Formation (Late Cretaceous, Santonian to Maastrichtian) | Argentina |
Remains originally misidentified as belonging to a southern species of Kritosaurus |  |
| Huinculsaurus | 2020 | Huincul Formation (Late Cretaceous, Cenomanian to Turonian) | Argentina |
The youngest known elaphrosaurine |  |
| Ibirania | 2022 | São José do Rio Preto Formation (Late Cretaceous, Santonian to Campanian) | Brazil |
May have attained its small size due to its arid inland habitat, unlike other dwarf titanosaurs which were affected by insular dwarfism |  |
| Ilokelesia | 1998 | Huincul Formation (Late Cretaceous, Cenomanian) | Argentina |
Its skull retains some basal abelisauroid traits |  |
| Inawentu | 2023 | Bajo de la Carpa Formation (Late Cretaceous, Santonian) | Argentina |
Possessed a short neck and squared-off snout, convergent with the rebbachisaurids that went extinct shortly before this genus lived |  |
| Ingentia | 2018 | Quebrada del Barro Formation (Late Triassic, Norian to Rhaetian) | Argentina |
The earliest known very large sauropodomorph |  |
| Irritator | 1996 | Romualdo Formation (Early Cretaceous, Albian) | Brazil |
May have been the apex predator of its habitat, hunting both aquatic and terrestrial prey |  |
| Isaberrysaura | 2017 | Los Molles Formation (Middle Jurassic, Bajocian) | Argentina |
Preserves gut contents including whole seeds |  |
| Isasicursor | 2019 | Chorrillo Formation (Late Cretaceous, Campanian to Maastrichtian) | Argentina |
Four individuals of different ages were found together, suggesting it lived in herds |  |
| Itapeuasaurus | 2019 | Alcântara Formation (Late Cretaceous, Cenomanian) | Brazil |
Only known from six vertebrae |  |
| Jakapil | 2022 | Candeleros Formation (Late Cretaceous, Cenomanian) | Argentina |
Represents a novel lineage of ornithischians, characterized by small size, deep jaws, and a bipedal stance |  |
| Kaijutitan | 2019 | Sierra Barrosa Formation (Late Cretaceous, Coniacian) | Argentina |
One of the latest-surviving basal titanosaurs | |
| Katepensaurus | 2013 | Bajo Barreal Formation (Late Cretaceous, Cenomanian to Turonian) | Argentina |
Distinguished by a certain opening in its dorsal vertebrae |  |
| Kelumapusaura | 2022 | Allen Formation (Late Cretaceous, Campanian to Maastrichtian) | Argentina |
Known from the remains of various individuals |  |
| Kurupi | 2021 | Marília Formation (Late Cretaceous, Maastrichtian) | Brazil |
Would have had a stiff tail as indicated by the anatomy of its caudal vertebrae |  |
| Lajasvenator | 2020 | Mulichinco Formation (Early Cretaceous, Valanginian) | Argentina |
One of the smallest known allosauroids |  |
| Lapampasaurus | 2012 | Allen Formation (Late Cretaceous, Campanian to Maastrichtian) | Argentina |
Known from a partial skeleton lacking the skull | |
| Laplatasaurus | 1929 | Anacleto Formation (Late Cretaceous, Campanian) | Argentina |
Osteoderms have been assigned to this taxon although this referral is uncertain |  |
| Laquintasaura | 2014 | La Quinta Formation (Early Jurassic, Hettangian) |  Venezuela |
One study recovered it as a basal thyreophoran despite the fact no osteoderms have been found |  |
| Lavocatisaurus | 2018 | Rayoso Formation (Early Cretaceous, Aptian to Albian) | Argentina |
May have possessed a keratinous beak |  |
| Leinkupal | 2014 | Bajada Colorada Formation (Early Cretaceous, Berriasian to Valanginian) | Argentina |
The youngest known diplodocid |  |
| Leonerasaurus | 2011 | Las Leoneras Formation (Early Jurassic, Sinemurian to Toarcian) | Argentina |
Has an unusual combination of basal and derived traits |  |
| Lessemsaurus | 1999 | Los Colorados Formation (Late Triassic, Norian) | Argentina |
Grew very large despite lacking the anatomical traits usually seen as supporting gigantism |  |
| Leyesaurus | 2011 | Quebrada del Barro Formation (Early Jurassic, Hettangian to Toarcian) | Argentina |
Had an unusually small skull |  |
| Ligabueino | 1996 | La Amarga Formation (Early Cretaceous, Barremian to Aptian) | Argentina |
Known from a single, very small, juvenile skeleton | |
| Ligabuesaurus | 2006 | Lohan Cura Formation (Early Cretaceous, Aptian to Albian) | Argentina |
Its forelimbs were extremely long, with similar proportions to those of brachiosaurids |  |
| Limaysaurus | 2004 | Candeleros Formation, Huincul Formation (Late Cretaceous, Cenomanian) | Argentina |
Possessed elongated neural spines on its dorsal vertebrae |  |
| Llukalkan | 2021 | Bajo de la Carpa Formation (Late Cretaceous, Santonian) | Argentina |
May have had a keen sense of hearing due to the shape of its ear | |
| Loncosaurus | 1899 | Cardiel Formation?/Metasiete Formation? (Late Cretaceous, Campanian to Maastrichtian) | Argentina |
Poorly known | |
| Loricosaurus | 1929 | Allen Formation (Late Cretaceous, Maastrichtian) | Argentina |
Potentially synonymous with Neuquensaurus or Saltasaurus | |
| Lucianovenator | 2017 | Quebrada del Barro Formation (Late Triassic, Norian to Rhaetian) | Argentina |
One of the few theropods known from the Rhaetian |  |
| Macrocollum | 2018 | Candelária Formation (Late Triassic, Norian) | Brazil |
One of the oldest sauropodomorphs with an extremely elongated neck |  |
| Macrogryphosaurus | 2007 | Sierra Barrosa Formation (Late Cretaceous, Coniacian) | Argentina |
Preserves a series of mineralized plates along the side of the torso |  |
| Mahuidacursor | 2019 | Bajo de la Carpa Formation (Late Cretaceous, Santonian) | Argentina |
Its holotype was sexually mature but not fully grown | |
| Maip | 2022 | Chorrillo Formation (Late Cretaceous, Maastrichtian) | Argentina |
The largest, youngest, and most completely known megaraptoran |  |
| Malarguesaurus | 2008 | Portezuelo Formation (Late Cretaceous, Turonian to Coniacian) | Argentina |
Large and robustly built | |
| Manidens | 2011 | Cañadón Asfalto Formation (Early Jurassic, Toarcian) | Argentina |
May have been arboreal due to the structure of its feet, with toes adapted for grasping |  |
| Mapusaurus | 2006 | Huincul Formation (Late Cretaceous, Cenomanian to Turonian) | Argentina |
At least seven specimens of different growth stages are known, possibly suggesting that lived and/or hunted in packs |  |
| Maxakalisaurus | 2006 | Adamantina Formation (Late Cretaceous, Maastrichtian) | Brazil |
Unusually for a sauropod, it had ridged teeth |  |
| Megaraptor | 1998 | Portezuelo Formation (Late Cretaceous, Turonian to Coniacian) | Argentina |
Possessed a large, strongly curved claw on its first finger |  |
| Mendozasaurus | 2003 | Sierra Barrosa Formation (Late Cretaceous, Coniacian) | Argentina |
Had spherical osteoderms that were probably located in rows along the flanks |  |
| Menucocelsior | 2022 | Allen Formation (Late Cretaceous, Maastrichtian) | Argentina |
Coexisted with multiple other titanosaurs that may have niche-partitioned | |
| Meraxes | 2022 | Huincul Formation (Late Cretaceous, Cenomanian) | Argentina |
Possessed reduced forelimbs convergent with several other groups of theropods |  |
| Microcoelus | 1893 | Bajo de la Carpa Formation (Late Cretaceous, Santonian to Campanian) | Argentina |
May be a synonym of Neuquensaurus |  |
| Mirischia | 2004 | Romualdo Formation (Early Cretaceous, Albian) | Brazil |
Its holotype preserves an intestine |  |
| Murusraptor | 2016 | Sierra Barrosa Formation (Late Cretaceous, Coniacian) | Argentina |
Had a brain morphology similar to that of tyrannosaurids but its sensory capabilities were closer to the level of allosauroids |  |
| Mussaurus | 1979 | Laguna Colorada Formation (Early Jurassic, Sinemurian) | Argentina |
Multiple specimens from different growth stages are known. Juveniles may have been quadrupedal and shifted to bipedality as adults |  |
| Muyelensaurus | 2007 | Plottier Formation (Late Cretaceous, Coniacian to Santonian) | Argentina |
Relatively gracile for a titanosaur | |
| Narambuenatitan | 2011 | Anacleto Formation (Late Cretaceous, Campanian) | Argentina |
Its neural spines are very similar to those of Epachthosaurus |  |
| Neuquenraptor | 2005 | Portezuelo Formation (Late Cretaceous, Coniacian) | Argentina |
Potentially synonymous with Unenlagia |  |
| Neuquensaurus | 1992 | Anacleto Formation (Late Cretaceous, Campanian) | Argentina Uruguay? |
One of the smallest known titanosaurs |  |
| Nhandumirim | 2019 | Santa Maria Formation (Late Triassic, Carnian) | Brazil |
Originally described as a theropod but has since been reinterpreted as a sauropodomorph |  |
| Niebla | 2020 | Allen Formation (Late Cretaceous, Campanian to Maastrichtian) | Argentina |
Had a uniquely-built scapulocoracoid very similar to that of Carnotaurus |  |
| Ninjatitan | 2021 | Bajada Colorada Formation (Early Cretaceous, Berriasian to Valanginian) | Argentina |
The oldest known titanosaur | |
| Noasaurus | 1980 | Lecho Formation (Late Cretaceous, Campanian to Maastrichtian) | Argentina |
Originally mistakenly believed to have possessed a dromaeosaurid-like sickle claw |  |
| Nopcsaspondylus | 2007 | Candeleros Formation (Late Cretaceous, Cenomanian) | Argentina |
Named from a single, lost vertebra |  |
| Notoceratops | 1918 | Lago Colhué Huapí Formation (Late Cretaceous, Campanian to Maastrichtian) | Argentina |
Originally described as a ceratopsian but this identity is today doubted |  |
| Notocolossus | 2016 | Plottier Formation (Late Cretaceous, Coniacian to Santonian) | Argentina |
Unusually for a sauropod, its unguals were truncated |  |
| Notohypsilophodon | 1998 | Bajo Barreal Formation (Late Cretaceous, Cenomanian to Turonian) | Argentina |
Only known from a skull-less, juvenile skeleton |  |
| Nullotitan | 2019 | Chorrillo Formation (Late Cretaceous, Campanian to Maastrichtian) | Argentina |
Would have niche-partitioned with smaller ornithopods |  |
| Orkoraptor | 2008 | Cerro Fortaleza Formation (Late Cretaceous, Campanian) | Argentina |
Had highly specialized dentition similar to that of maniraptorans |  |
| Overoraptor | 2020 | Huincul Formation (Late Cretaceous, Cenomanian to Turonian) | Argentina |
Shows adaptations for both flight and cursoriality |  |
| Overosaurus | 2013 | Bajo de la Carpa Formation (Late Cretaceous, Santonian) | Argentina |
One of the smallest known aeolosaurins |  |
| Padillasaurus | 2015 | Paja Formation (Early Cretaceous, Barremian) |  Colombia |
Originally described as a brachiosaurid although it could also be a somphospondylian |  |
| Pampadromaeus | 2011 | Santa Maria Formation (Late Triassic, Carnian) | Brazil |
Some features of its jaws are similar to those of theropods |  |
| Pamparaptor | 2011 | Portezuelo Formation (Late Cretaceous, Turonian to Coniacian) | Argentina |
Had a troodontid-like metatarsal |  |
| Panamericansaurus | 2010 | Allen Formation (Late Cretaceous, Campanian to Maastrichtian) | Argentina |
Known from a single partial skeleton | |
| Pandoravenator | 2017 | Cañadón Calcáreo Formation (Late Jurassic, Oxfordian to Tithonian) | Argentina |
Inconsistent in phylogenetic placement | |
| Panphagia | 2009 | Ischigualasto Formation (Late Triassic, Carnian) | Argentina |
Was omnivorous as indicated by its heterodont dentition |  |
| Patagonykus | 1996 | Portezuelo Formation (Late Cretaceous, Turonian to Coniacian) | Argentina |
Its discovered allowed researchers to connect Alvarezsaurus and parvicursorines |  |
| Patagopelta | 2022 | Allen Formation (Late Cretaceous, Campanian to Maastrichtian) | Argentina |
Described as the first nodosaurid recovered from South America |  |
| Patagosaurus | 1979 | Cañadón Asfalto Formation (Early Jurassic, Toarcian) | Argentina |
Known from remains of adults and juveniles, depicting how various features developed in sauropods as they aged |  |
| Patagotitan | 2017 | Cerro Barcino Formation (Early Cretaceous, Albian) | Argentina |
One of the largest dinosaurs known from reasonably complete remains |  |
| Pellegrinisaurus | 1996 | Allen Formation (Late Cretaceous, Campanian to Maastrichtian) | Argentina |
May have lived inland unlike other contemporaneous titanosaurs |  |
| Perijasaurus | 2022 | La Quinta Formation (Early Jurassic to Middle Jurassic, Toarcian to Aalenian) | Colombia |
Only known from a single vertebra | |
| Petrobrasaurus | 2011 | Plottier Formation (Late Cretaceous, Coniacian to Santonian) | Argentina |
Shares somes features with lognkosaurs, but its membership within this clade cannot be confirmed |  |
| Piatnitzkysaurus | 1979 | Cañadón Asfalto Formation (Early Jurassic, Toarcian) | Argentina |
One of the few early theropods with a well-preserved braincase |  |
| Pilmatueia | 2019 | Mulichinco Formation (Early Cretaceous, Valanginian) | Argentina |
Had elongated spines on its cervical vertebrae, although they weren't as tall those of Amargasaurus and Bajadasaurus | |
| Pitekunsaurus | 2008 | Anacleto Formation (Late Cretaceous, Campanian) | Argentina |
Known from several bones from different parts of the body, including a braincase |  |
| Powellvenator | 2017 | Los Colorados Formation (Late Triassic, Norian) | Argentina |
Some of this genus' remains were originally associated with those of a pseudosuchian | |
| Puertasaurus | 2005 | Cerro Fortaleza Formation (Late Cretaceous, Campanian to Maastrichtian) | Argentina |
Large but only known from very few remains |  |
| Punatitan | 2020 | Ciénaga del Río Huaco Formation (Late Cretaceous, Campanian to Maastrichtian) | Argentina |
Contemporary with Bravasaurus but was most likely distantly related | |
| Pycnonemosaurus | 2002 | Cachoeira do Bom Jardim Formation (Late Cretaceous, Campanian) | Brazil |
Potentially the largest known abelisaurid |  |
| Quetecsaurus | 2014 | Lisandro Formation (Late Cretaceous, Turonian) | Argentina |
Its humerus was uniquely-shaped |  |
| Quilmesaurus | 2001 | Allen Formation (Late Cretaceous, Campanian to Maastrichtian) | Argentina |
Had proportionally robust legs despite its small size |  |
| Rayososaurus | 1996 | Candeleros Formation (Late Cretaceous, Cenomanian) | Argentina |
Very similar to Rebbachisaurus despite only being known from scant remains |  |
| Rinconsaurus | 2003 | Bajo de la Carpa Formation (Late Cretaceous, Santonian) | Argentina |
Unusually, its caudal vertebrae had a repeating pattern of procoely, amphicoely, opisthocoely, and biconvex states |  |
| Riojasaurus | 1969 | Los Colorados Formation (Late Triassic, Norian) | Argentina |
Although commonly depicted as quadrupedal, the structure of its shoulder girdle suggests it may potentially be bipedal |  |
| Rocasaurus | 2000 | Allen Formation (Late Cretaceous, Campanian to Maastrichtian) | Argentina |
Small for a sauropod yet was very robust |  |
| Saltasaurus | 1980 | Lecho Formation (Late Cretaceous, Maastrichtian) | Argentina |
Possessed osteoderms in the form of large round nodules connected by a mass of smaller plates |  |
| Sanjuansaurus | 2010 | Ischigualasto Formation (Late Triassic, Carnian) | Argentina |
Coexisted with Herrerasaurus but most likely represents a separate taxon |  |
| Santanaraptor | 1999 | Romualdo Formation (Early Cretaceous, Aptian to Albian) | Brazil |
Preserves soft tissues including the remains of skin, muscle, and possibly blood vessels |  |
| Sarmientosaurus | 2016 | Bajo Barreal Formation (Late Cretaceous, Cenomanian to Turonian) | Argentina |
Analysis of its inner ear suggests it held its head downwards, possibly indicating a preference for low-growing plants |  |
| Saturnalia | 1999 | Santa Maria Formation (Late Triassic, Carnian) | Brazil |
Known from at least three partial skeletons |  |
| Secernosaurus | 1979 | Lago Colhué Huapí Formation (Late Cretaceous, Campanian to Maastrichtian) | Argentina |
Would have lived in an arid gypsum desert |  |
| Sektensaurus | 2019 | Lago Colhué Huapí Formation (Late Cretaceous, Campanian) | Argentina |
The first non-hadrosaurid ornithopod recovered from central Patagonia | |
| Skorpiovenator | 2009 | Huincul Formation (Late Cretaceous, Cenomanian to Turonian) | Argentina |
Had an unusually short and deep skull |  |
| Spectrovenator | 2020 | Quiricó Formation (Early Cretaceous, Barremian to Aptian) | Brazil |
Its holotype was found underneath a sauropod skeleton |  |
| Staurikosaurus | 1970 | Santa Maria Formation (Late Triassic, Carnian to Norian) | Brazil |
May have been a rare component of its environment as only two specimens are known |  |
| Stegouros | 2021 | Dorotea Formation (Late Cretaceous, Campanian to Maastrichtian) | Chile |
Possessed a "macuahuitl" at the end of its tail, made of a connected "frond" of pointed osteoderms |  |
| Tachiraptor | 2014 | La Quinta Formation (Early Jurassic, Hettangian) | Venezuela |
Closely related to ceratosaurs and tetanurans |  |
| Talenkauen | 2004 | Cerro Fortaleza Formation (Late Cretaceous, Campanian to Maastrichtian) | Argentina |
May have practiced parental care as an adult and a hatchling have been found together |  |
| Tapuiasaurus | 2011 | Quiricó Formation (Early Cretaceous, Aptian) | Brazil |
One of the few titanosaurs from which a complete skull is known |  |
| Taurovenator | 2016 | Huincul Formation (Late Cretaceous, Cenomanian to Turonian) | Argentina |
Only known from a single postorbital. May be synonymous with Mapusaurus |  |
| Tehuelchesaurus | 1999 | Cañadón Calcáreo Formation (Late Jurassic, Oxfordian to Tithonian) | Argentina |
Preserves impressions of scaly skin |  |
| Thanos | 2020 | São José do Rio Preto Formation (Late Cretaceous, Santonian) | Brazil |
Only known from a single vertebra. The generic name honors the Marvel Comics villain Thanos |  |
| Tralkasaurus | 2020 | Huincul Formation (Late Cretaceous, Cenomanian to Turonian) | Argentina |
Exhibits a conflicting blend of characteristics from basal and derived abelisauroids | |
| Tratayenia | 2018 | Bajo de la Carpa Formation (Late Cretaceous, Santonian) | Argentina |
One of the youngest known megaraptorans |  |
| Traukutitan | 2011 | Bajo de la Carpa Formation (Late Cretaceous, Santonian) | Argentina |
Retained basal features in its caudal vertebrae despite its late age | |
| Trigonosaurus | 2005 | Serra da Galga Formation (Late Cretaceous, Maastrichtian) | Brazil |
Potentially synonymous with Baurutitan |  |
| Triunfosaurus | 2017 | Rio Piranhas Formation (Early Cretaceous, Berriasian to Valanginian) | Brazil |
Originally described as a titanosaur but similarities have been noted with basal somphospondylians | |
| Tyrannotitan | 2005 | Cerro Barcino Formation (Early Cretaceous, Aptian) | Argentina |
Unlike other carcharodontosaurids, its sacral and caudal vertebrae were not pneumatic |  |
| Uberabatitan | 2008 | Serra da Galga Formation (Late Cretaceous, Maastrichtian) | Brazil |
Several individuals are known, some of which are very large |  |
| Unaysaurus | 2004 | Caturrita Formation (Late Triassic, Carnian to Norian) | Brazil |
Described as the first plateosaurid-grade sauropodomorph from Brazil |  |
| Unenlagia | 1997 | Portezuelo Formation (Late Cretaceous, Coniacian) | Argentina |
Could potentially be adapted for flapping due to the structure of its shoulder girdle |  |
| Unquillosaurus | 1979 | Los Blanquitos Formation (Late Cretaceous, Campanian) | Argentina |
Has been suggested to be a dromaeosaurid or a carcharodontosaurid | |
| Velocisaurus | 1991 | Bajo de la Carpa Formation (Late Cretaceous, Santonian) | Argentina |
Unusually, its third metatarsal is the thickest, which may be an adaptation to running |  |
| Vespersaurus | 2019 | Rio Paraná Formation (Cretaceous) | Brazil |
Possessed raised claws on its second and fourth toes, making it functionally monodactyl, a possible adaptation to its desert habitat |  |
| Viavenator | 2016 | Bajo de la Carpa Formation (Late Cretaceous, Santonian) | Argentina |
May have relied on quick movements of its head and gaze stabilization when hunting |  |
| Volkheimeria | 1979 | Cañadón Asfalto Formation (Early Jurassic, Toarcian) | Argentina |
Coexisted with at least three other eusauropods | |
| Willinakaqe | 2010 | Allen Formation (Late Cretaceous, Campanian to Maastrichtian) | Argentina |
As originally described, it represented a chimera of two different taxa, one of which was later named Bonapartesaurus |  |
| Xenotarsosaurus | 1986 | Bajo Barreal Formation (Late Cretaceous, Cenomanian to Turonian) | Argentina |
Had an unusually-shaped astragalus and calcaneum |  |
| Yamanasaurus | 2019 | Río Playas Formation (Late Cretaceous, Maastrichtian) |  Ecuador |
The northernmost saltasaurine known to date |  |
| Ypupiara | 2021 | Serra da Galga Formation (Late Cretaceous, Maastrichtian) | Brazil |
May have been a piscivore due to the shape of its teeth |  |
| Zapalasaurus | 2006 | La Amarga Formation (Early Cretaceous, Hauterivian to Aptian) | Argentina |
Known from an incomplete skeleton, including several caudal vertebrae |  |
| Zupaysaurus | 2003 | Los Colorados Formation (Late Triassic, Norian) | Argentina |
Although commonly depicted with head crests, they may in fact be misplaced lacrimal bones |  |
Invalid and potentially valid genera
-
"Ubirajara"
- Angaturama limai: Only known from the tip of the snout. It may belong to the contemporary Irritator, but it could also represent its own taxon.
- "Bayosaurus pubica": An abelisaurid known from partial postcranial remains.
- Oxalaia quilombensis: Potentially a junior synonym of Spinosaurus.
- "Ubirajara jubatus": Known from a single specimen that preserves impressions of feathers, including display feathers on its sides. Its description was retracted before it could be published due to allegations that the specimen was illegally exported from Brazil.
Timeline
This is a timeline of selected dinosaurs from the list above. Time is measured in Ma, megaannum, along the x-axis. Carnivores are shown in red, herbivores in green and omnivores in blue.
See also
- List of birds of South America
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List of South American dinosaurs Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.