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Dinosaurs: Juravenator (Jura Hunter)

 

Choose a topic: -- Select an option -- What is Juravenator? How big was Juravenator? How fast was Juravenator? What did Juravenator eat? Appearance Where did Juravenator live? Interesting facts Which family of Dinosaurs did Juravenator belong to? How did Juravenator move? Other Late Jurassic Creatures

 

Last updated: 28th Oct 2025

 

What is Juravenator?

 

Juravenator was a small, speedy dinosaur that lived during the Late Jurassic Period, about 150 million years ago in what is now southern Germany. Its name means “Jura Hunter” because its fossils were found in the Jura Mountains. Although not very big, Juravenator helps scientists learn a lot about feathered dinosaurs!

 

 

How big was Juravenator?

 

Juravenator was a small dinosaur, growing up to about 75 centimetres (2.5 feet) long, about the size of a large chicken or a house cat. It likely weighed only a few kilograms, making it light and quick on its feet. Its small size meant it could move swiftly through the forests and underbrush where it lived.

 

 

Was Juravenator a fast runner?

 

With its long legs and light build, Juravenator was built for speed. It could probably sprint quickly to chase down insects and small animals or escape from larger predators.

 

 

Appearance

 

Juravenator had a slim body, a long tail for balance, and strong hind legs for running. Its head was narrow with sharp, conical teeth. Fossil evidence suggests it had scaly skin along much of its body, but it may also have had simple, hair-like filaments, especially when young. Its arms were short but strong, ending in clawed hands it might have used to grab food.

 

Juravenator

 

Generative AI Notification: Some elements of this image have been created or enhanced using AI technology. To find out how we create all our dinosaurs, click here.

 

Juravenator Facts Pronounced: joo-rah-ven-AY-tor Name Means: “Jura Hunter” Length: up to 0.75 m (2.5 feet) Height: about 0.3 m (1 foot) at the hip Weight: about 1–2 kilograms (as much as a chicken or rabbit) Diet: Carnivore (meat-eater) Time: Late Jurassic (about 150 million years ago) Fossils Found: Europe (Germany)

 

What did Juravenator eat?

 

Juravenator was a carnivore, which means it ate meat. With its sharp teeth and agile body, it probably hunted insects, small reptiles, and perhaps even young mammals or small dinosaurs. Its pointed teeth were perfect for catching and eating its prey.

 

 

Did Juravenator have feathers?

 

Juravenator is famous because its fossil is so well-preserved that scientists can see details of its skin. Most of its body was covered in scales, but there may have been simple filaments (similar to very basic feathers) on some parts, especially when it was young. This tells us that feather-like coverings were starting to appear in some dinosaurs, but not all of them were fluffy!

 

Partially-feathered (Down-like fur covering) Juravenator

 

 

Where did Juravenator live?

 

Juravenator lived in what is now southern Germany, which was a warm, tropical area filled with islands, lagoons, and forests during the Jurassic Period. It probably hunted for food along the shores and among the plants, staying alert for bigger predators.

 

Which family of Dinosaurs did Juravenator belong to?

 

Juravenator was part of the Compsognathidae family, a group of small, fast, meat-eating dinosaurs. Its relatives include Compsognathus and Sinosauropteryx. These dinosaurs are known for their light bodies and bird-like features.

 

 

Did Juravenator have any unique features?

 

Juravenator had a long, flexible neck, a slender head with sharp teeth, and a long tail for balance. Its birdlike legs helped it run quickly.

 

 

Was Juravenator intelligent?

 

Juravenator had a fairly large brain for its size, which helped it to be alert and quick. Like other small theropods, it needed to be clever to hunt for food and avoid danger.

Interesting Facts

 

• Meaning: Juravenator means "pretty jaw" in Greek.

• Size: Juravenator was about 0.7 meters (2-3 feet) long and weighed around 3 kg (8 pounds).

• Diet: It was a carnivore, mainly eating small vertebrates.

• Fossil: The first fossil evidence of Juravenator was discovered in Bavaria in southern Germany in the late 1850s.

What other Dinosaurs / Prehistoric animals lived at the same time as Juravenator?

During the Late Jurassic Period, which spanned approximately 163 to 145 million years ago, Juravenator emerged as one of the most remarkable small theropod dinosaurs of its time. This period was marked by a rich diversity of life, as ecosystems were dominated by giant sauropods and other iconic dinosaurs. Some notable animals from the Late Jurassic include:

• Diplodocus: One of the longest sauropods of the Late Jurassic, Diplodocus roamed the plains with its massive size and whip-like tail, contributing to the diversity of herbivorous life.
• Allosaurus: A formidable apex predator of the Late Jurassic, Allosaurus dominated terrestrial ecosystems with its powerful jaws and sharp teeth.
• Stegosaurus: Famous for its distinctive plates and spiked tail, Stegosaurus is one of the best-known herbivorous dinosaurs of this era.
• Plesiosaurs: These marine reptiles continued to thrive during the Late Jurassic, showcasing advanced swimming adaptations for oceanic hunting.
• Archaeopteryx: Often considered the earliest known bird, Archaeopteryx represents a critical evolutionary link between non-avian dinosaurs and modern birds.
• Compsognathus: A close cousin of Juravenator, small and quick, living in the same area. 

 

 

Juravenator FAQ

 

Q1: What is a Juravenator?

A1: Juravenator was a small, carnivorous dinosaur that lived during the Late Jurassic Period, around 150 million years ago. Its name means "Jura Hunter".

Q2: What does Juravenator mean?

A2: Juravenator means “Jura Hunter”, named after the Jura Mountains where it was found.

Q3: Was Juravenator a carnivore?

A3: Yes, Juravenator ate meat, probably insects, small reptiles, and other tiny animals.

Q4: Did Juravenator have feathers?

A4: Juravenator was mostly covered in scales, but some evidence of simple, hair-like filaments, especially when young, have been found.

Q5: Where did Juravenator live?

A5: Juravenator lived in what is now southern Germany, in a tropical island environment during the Jurassic.

Q6: Was Juravenator fast?

A6: Yes, Juravenator was a speedy runner!

Q7: How big was Juravenator?

A7: Juravenator was approximately 0.75 metres (2.5 feet) long, about the size of a chicken or cat.

Q8: Who were Juravenators’ closest relatives?

A8: Juravenator was related to other small, fast hunters like Compsognathus and Sinosauropteryx.

 

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