Stegosaurus stenops

Part of the HORNS & ARMOR Exhibit

Late Jurassic Period, approx. 155-150 million years ago

1:2 Scale Skull Replica

SPECIMEN PROFILE

Stegosaurus stenops was a large herbivorous dinosaur inhabiting the semi-arid floodplains and forested environments of Late Jurassic North America. It is one of the most recognizable members of the stegosaur lineage, known for its distinctive arrangement of dermal plates along the back and defensive tail spikes.

The alternating plates along its spine were embedded in the skin and richly vascularized, likely serving multiple functions including display, thermoregulation, and species recognition. At the end of its tail were paired spikes, commonly referred to as the “thagomizer,” which served as a powerful defensive weapon against large predatory theropods. Despite its massive size, Stegosaurus had a relatively small brain and relied primarily on passive defense and herd behavior for survival.

COLLECTOR & CURATOR NOTE

A classic Late Jurassic armored herbivore - defined by its iconic dorsal plates and tail spike weaponry, representing one of the most visually distinctive defensive adaptations in dinosaur evolution.

CONSTRUCTION & DISPLAY

Scale

• 1:2, approx. 7.8 in or 20 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