About Massospondylus fossils
Massospondylus is a genus of sauropodomorphs, the long-necked group and its relatives. The database records 2 species of it: Massospondylus carinatus and Massospondylus kaalae.
The 80 finds on the map come from 4 countries. South Africa has the most, with 61 (76%).
The rock formation with the most finds is called Elliot, with 60. The rocks are 237 to 184.2 million years ago, in the Triassic and Jurassic periods.
Genus of reptiles (fossil). (Description from Wikidata, CC0.)
Read about Massospondylus on Wikipedia.
- 80finds
- 4countries
- 237oldest, million years ago
- 184.2youngest, million years ago
Which countries have Massospondylus fossils?
| Country | Finds | Share |
|---|---|---|
| South Africa | 61 | 76% |
| Zimbabwe | 14 | 18% |
| Lesotho | 4 | 5% |
| Namibia | 1 | 1% |
Rock formations that produced Massospondylus
A formation is a named body of rock. These are the ones with the most Massospondylus finds.
| Formation | Finds |
|---|---|
| Elliot | 60 |
| Mpandi | 8 |
| Clarens | 4 |
| Forest Sandstone | 4 |
| Etjo | 1 |
| Pebbly Arkose | 1 |
| Upper Karroo Sandstone | 1 |
Other dinosaurs found in South Africa
- Plateosaurus (36)
- Syntarsus (11)
- Lesothosaurus (9)
- Melanorosaurus (9)
- Megapnosaurus (8)
- Heterodontosaurus (7)
- Lycorhinus (5)
- Eucnemesaurus (4)
More to explore
Before you go fossil hunting. A dot shows where a find was recorded, not where you may dig. Many fossil sites are on private or protected land and collecting rules differ by country. Check the rules before collecting and never dig on protected sites.
Questions about Massospondylus
Where was Massospondylus found?
Massospondylus fossils are recorded in the Paleobiology Database from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Lesotho and Namibia. Most of the 80 finds on this map (61) are from South Africa. The rock formation with the most finds is the Elliot (60).
How old are Massospondylus fossils?
Finds of Massospondylus on this map date from 237 to 184.2 million years ago, which is the Triassic and Jurassic periods. Ages are ranges, because rock layers are dated to a stage and not to a single year.
Where can I see Massospondylus fossils near me?
Open the map and press Near me to list the nearest dinosaur finds and the most notable dinosaurs found around you. Remember that a dot shows where scientists recorded a find, not where you can dig: many fossil sites are on private or protected land, so check the rules before collecting and never dig on protected sites.