Dineobellator

Dineobellator is a genus of large, predatory theropod dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 70 million years ago. It is known from a single species, Dineobellator northropi, which was discovered in the Hell Creek Formation of South Dakota, USA. The genus name is derived from the Greek words "dinos" meaning "terrible lizard" and "bellator" meaning "warrior," reflecting its large size and predatory nature. The specific name honors the paleontologist John Bell Hatcher Northrop.

Dineobellator is one of the largest known non-avian theropods, with an estimated length of around 12 meters (39 feet) and a weight of up to 6 metric tons (6.6 short tons). It possessed a robust build, with powerful hind limbs and a long, low tail, which would have been used for balance and stability during high-speed pursuits. The forelimbs were relatively short, suggesting that Dineobellator was not a fast runner but rather a powerful predator capable of taking down large prey.

The most distinctive feature of Dineobellator is its large, curved claws on its second and third fingers. These claws were likely used for gripping and holding onto prey, as well as for inflicting serious injuries. The dinosaur also had a large, sickle-shaped crest on its skull, which may have been used for display purposes or for sensing changes in the environment.

Despite its large size and formidable appearance, Dineobellator is not well-known due to the limited fossil material available. Further discoveries and studies are needed to fully understand the biology and ecology of this remarkable dinosaur.