Binomial Triceratops horridus · try-SAIR-uh-tops
Late Cretaceous - 68-66 Ma
AI reconstructionTriceratops fossil records in Fossil Atlas are mapped as selected modern discovery locations, with 136 source-backed records currently shown. Western North America, especially Hell Creek, Lance, Laramie, Frenchman, and other latest Cretaceous records. Key mapped formations in the current dataset include Hell Creek Formation, Williams Fork Formation, Lance Formation. 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.
Triceratops is one of the most recognizable dinosaurs, known for its three-horned face, parrot-like beak, and large bony frill. It was a herbivorous ceratopsian from the very end of the Cretaceous in what is now western North America. Fossil Atlas maps selected records from formations such as Hell Creek, Lance, Laramie, Frenchman, and related units. Triceratops is represented by skulls, horns, frills, postcranial bones, and many isolated remains, making it one of the best-known latest Cretaceous dinosaurs. Its horns and frill are often discussed in relation to display, combat, species recognition, and defense. The map shows modern fossil discovery locations, not the full ancient range of the animal.
Drawn true to scale on a metre ruler.
Length
measured9 m · 30 ft
Largest known specimens
Height
measured3 m (10 ft) at the shoulder
Body mass
estimate8,600 kg · 19,000 lb
Typical adult
Top speed
estimate32 km/h · 20 mph
Modelled, debated
Teeth
measured≈ 432
Brain : body (EQ)
estimate1
Encephalization quotient
Position of this animal’s known range across 252 million years of the Mesozoic and beyond.
68-66 million years ago
Triceratops had one of the largest skulls of any land animal, with some skulls approaching 2.5 meters long.
The frill may have been used for display, species recognition, thermoregulation, or defense.
Triceratops brow horns could grow over 1 meter long.
Triceratops is one of the most commonly collected dinosaurs from latest Cretaceous western North America.
Some Triceratops fossils preserve injuries and bite marks that help researchers study predator-prey interactions.
Triceratops lived alongside Tyrannosaurus rex in several latest Cretaceous formations.
The name Triceratops means 'three-horned face.'
Pins show selected fossil records for Triceratops; 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 V 7085_1
Bruce Martin
USNM V 5786_2
Bruce Martin
USNM V 5786_5
Bruce Martin
USNM V 5786_1
Bruce Martin
Triceratops is represented here by selected fossil records from western north america, especially hell creek, lance, laramie, frenchman, and other latest cretaceous 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 Formation. Formation coverage depends on the selected dataset and may not be complete.
Yes. Use the expedition card generator to turn the Triceratops 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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