Binomial Pachycephalosaurus wyomingensis · PAK-ee-SEF-uh-loh-SOR-us
Late Cretaceous · 68-66 Ma
AI reconstructionPachycephalosaurus fossil records in Fossil Atlas are mapped as selected modern discovery locations, with 12 source-backed records currently shown. Known from latest Cretaceous western North America, especially Hell Creek and Lance-style northern Great Plains records. Key mapped formations in the current dataset include Hell Creek Fm, Lance Formation, Lance Fm. These pins are fossil record locations, not a complete ancient habitat map.
This remains a specimen profile: the reconstruction, measurements, field account, and evidence sections stay intact. The fossil-map answer is surfaced here so visitors from search can orient themselves before reading the full dossier.
Pachycephalosaurus was a dome-headed dinosaur from latest Cretaceous North America. Its thick skull roof makes it instantly recognizable, but the behavior behind that dome remains debated. Fossil Atlas presents selected discovery records and keeps behavioral interpretations separate from fossil evidence.
Drawn true to scale on a metre ruler.
Length
measured4.5 m · 15 ft
Largest known specimens
Height
measured1.8 m · 6 ft
Body mass
estimate450 kg · 990 lb
Typical adult
Top speed
estimate32 km/h · 20 mph
Modelled, debated
Brain : body (EQ)
estimate1.3
Encephalization quotient
Position of this animal’s known range across 252 million years of the Mesozoic and beyond.
68-66 million years ago
Pachycephalosaurus means thick-headed lizard.
Its skull dome is the key feature most fossil fans remember.
The exact function of the dome is still debated.
It gives Hell Creek pages a compact, highly recognizable herbivore.
Pins show selected fossil records for Pachycephalosaurus; use them as modern discovery evidence, not a complete range map. Modern fossil discovery map: pins show where selected fossil and specimen records were found today, not ancient Earth positions. What does this mean?
Specimen evidence
These are sourced specimen assets, separate from the AI reconstruction. Only media with clear open or reusable rights is displayed by default.
USNM PAL 358114_1
Michael Brett-Surman
USNM PAL 358114_2
Michael Brett-Surman
USNM V 5314_1
Michael Brett-Surman
Pachycephalosaurus is represented here by selected fossil records from known from latest cretaceous western north america, especially hell creek and lance-style northern great plains records. Fossil Atlas maps those records as modern discovery locations.
No. The map shows modern fossil discovery locations from selected records. Ancient habitat and paleogeographic reconstructions are separate questions.
The current Fossil Atlas records include Hell Creek Fm. Formation coverage depends on the selected dataset and may not be complete.
Yes. Use the expedition card generator to turn the Pachycephalosaurus map and specimen profile into a shareable card.
Selected fossil records from PBDB and museum biodiversity aggregators. Source labels and confidence notes help distinguish canonical paleobiology records from specimen-media records.
Reconstruction images are labeled illustrations and do not represent fossil evidence. Size, speed, and bite-force figures are typical published estimates and remain subject to revision as new specimens are described.
Maps use curated PBDB, museum, and specimen-source records with visible caveats.
Pins show where fossils were found or reported today, not exact ancient habitat positions.
Artwork is labeled separately from specimen photos, maps, and source records.
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