Dilophosaurus
"If you look to the right, you'll see a herd of the first dinosaurs on our tour, called: Dilophosaurus"
~Richard Kiley
Species:
Dilophosaurus sp./wetherilli?
Common Name:
None
Family:
Unknown
Seen in:
• Jurassic Park (1993)
• Evolution of Claire (2004)
• Jurassic World (2015)
• Jurassic World Camp Cretaceous (2016)
• Jurassic World Dominion (2022)
Vocalizations:
Description:
The Dilophosaurus is a species of carnivorous theropod dinosaur from the Early Jurassic Period. Dilophosaurus sports a unique set of traits that set it apart from other theropods cloned by InGen, such as the ability to spit a lethal viscous venom and the use of a colorful retractable frill for intimidation.
The InGen clones of Dilophosaurus were first seen in 1993, concealed within the underbrush of the dense jungles of Isla Nublar. These Dilophosaurs are small, reaching the waist of a human. Their skin tone is predominantly a light lime green, countered by a light tan belly and black patternings outlined in white reaching down from their backs. Their expandable frills sport a striking red pattern highlighted in white on a yellow canvas speckled with block dots. A pair of red inflatable venom sacs flare up beneath their throats.
This dinosaur uses a wide range of vocalizations to communicate, ranging from high-pitched "hoots" to deep raspy growls. Dilophosaurs are curious creatures, at first patiently watching and inspecting potential prey in short kangaroo-like hops, before deploying their rattling frill and hissing viciously. It is then only a matter of seconds before the Dilophosaur spits their blinding venom at their unsuspecting prey from distances of up to 15 meters.
Dilophosaur venom is believed to be a powerful hematoxin, consisting of seven different toxic enzymes. This venom is extremely hazardous, with exposure inducing an intense burning sensation, blindness, and eventually paralysis. The venom itself is dark and highly viscous with corrosive properties. The venom is secreted from two twin passages beneath the tongue and is supplied from a pair of venom sacs beneath the throat which engorge before spitting.
While Dilophosaurus does not appear to be a particularly sophisticated animal with an advanced social structure, they can often be seen hunting or investigating in small gatherings, congregating to take advantage of vulnerable prey.
Size Estimates:
Male: Unknown
Female: 1m Tall 2.6m Long
Did you know?
During the production of Jurassic Park in Behind-the-Scenes footage, Stan Winston, while talking with Steven Spielberg, briefly suggests the Dilo could potentially be a juvenile to explain its small size. This concept didn't carry over as all future media features small Dilos instead.
Habitat & Geographical Ranging:
The Dilophosaurus is primarily found living within the dense rainforests of Isla Nublar. The hot climate and extensive vegetation help this small predator blend into the humid environment. The geographic range of this dinosaur extends through three Costa Rican Islands: Isla Nublar (between the years of early 90s to late 2010s), Isla Sorna (where they were first cloned in the late 80s or early 90s), and Mantah Corp’s Island (introduced around early 2016, shortly after the Jurassic World incident). These islands contain primarily hot and tropical habitats. A "Swamp Bio-Dome" is present on Mantah Corp’s Island where a small Dilophosaur population is held, suggesting that they thrive in predominantly wetland environments.
Dilophosaurus can also be found in Biosyn Valley, a secure reserve located in the Italian Dolomites established by Biosyn Genetics in the late 2010s after the incident at the Lockwood Manor. The high humidity of the valley creates a unique microclimate supporting lush deciduous pine forests and dense fern undergrowth, which the Dilophosaurus utilizes to ambush its prey.
Individual Variation:
Variation of this dinosaur mostly consists of coloration and patterning differences. In Jurassic World, a Dilophosaurus hologram is briefly seen. This Dilophosaurus has a single horizontal stripe across its back, rather than the typical splotchy black pattern seen in 1993.
In Season 5 of Camp Cretaceous, a population of Dilophosaurs sporting the classic 1993 pattern is seen on Nublar but with a muted reddish brown color, including a red frill with blue markings.
Jurassic World Dominion features Dilophosaurs with a more subdued look. Their body is predominantly a toned-down green with undefined faded dark patterns on their dorsum, while the underside is a muted yellow tone. These dull colors are contrasted by their amber-colored crests and frills. These individuals are believed to be males.