Alioramus altai

Part of the RAPTORS & HUNTERS Exhibit

Late Cretaceous Period, approx. 70-66 million years ago

1:2 Scale Skull Replica

SPECIMEN PROFILE

Alioramus altai was a slender-built tyrannosaurid inhabiting the arid floodplains of Late Cretaceous Mongolia alongside larger apex predators such as Tarbosaurus. Unlike its massive relatives, Alioramus evolved a lighter frame, an elongated skull, and narrow jaws suited for speed and precision rather than overwhelming bite force.

Its distinctive skull was lined with a series of low nasal crests, giving it one of the most visually unique profiles within the tyrannosaur lineage. These adaptations suggest a specialized hunter targeting smaller, faster prey within open environments, occupying a more agile predatory niche than the heavily built giant tyrannosaurs of its ecosystem.

COLLECTOR & CURATOR NOTE

A lightweight tyrannosaurid hunter from the Late Cretaceous of Mongolia—its elongated skull and nasal crests reveal a faster, more specialized branch of the tyrannosaur lineage.

CONSTRUCTION & DISPLAY

Scale

• 1:2, approx. 8.6 in or 22 cm

Fossil Finishes

• Aged Bone: A weathered bone-white aesthetic, evoking exposed skeletal remains and museum restorations.

• Canyon: Warm earth tones and terracotta hues, inspired by fossil beds such as Picketwire and Mill Canyon.

• Fossilized: Deep browns and near-black coloration, replicating the mineral-rich preservation seen in authentic fossil specimens.

Specimen Format

• Unmounted study specimen: A standalone skull, ideal for shelves, cases, or custom display setups.

• Desktop-mounted display specimen: Presented on a handmade desktop stand, crafted from wood with brass furnishings and a custom specimen placard — designed to elevate the specimen as a true exhibit piece.

Medium

• Hand-painted resin