Dinosaurs means “terrible lizards” is a animal species that appeared on planet Earth on the Triassic period, 231.4 million years ago. These species dominated planet Earth for 135 million years from the start of the Jurassic period until the end of the Cretaceous. Here is the list of 10 Dinosaurs with spikes on back,
Dinosaurs With Spikes on Back
1. Ankylosaurus
The Ankylosaurus, a member of the Ankylosauridae family, was the largest in its group and inhabited North America during the Cretaceous period. This dinosaur was characterized by its body covered in protective spikes, a defence against predators. Standing at approximately 5.6 feet tall (1.7 meters) and measuring about 24 feet long (7.3 meters), Ankylosaurus was an herbivore, feeding on various low-lying plants. Despite its fearsome appearance, Ankylosaurus primarily used its spiked tail as a defensive weapon, swinging it like a medieval club when threatened. The spikes that covered its back, head, and tail made it perilous for predators to approach.
Also Read: 10 Types Of Dinosaurs with horns
Image Source: Wikimedia
2. Polacanthus
Polacanthus, armoured dinosaurs from the Early Cretaceous period, thrived in western Europe approximately 130 to 125 million years ago, leaving behind fossil fragments. These terrestrial herbivores, though only partially represented in fossils, share characteristics with related species, aiding in their reconstruction. With a length reaching about 16 feet (5 meters) and a height of around 7 feet (2.13 meters), Polacanthus boasted a tough, spiked armour covering for defence. Weighing a hefty 2 metric tons (4409 lbs) when mature, they moved at the pace of a rhinoceros. Their body and tail spikes provided formidable protection against predators.
Image Source: Wikimedia
3. Pachycephalosaurus
Pachycephalosaurus, a herbivorous and bipedal dinosaur, roamed North America 65 to 100 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous period. Fossil discoveries in Alberta, Canada, and several U.S. states have provided insights into this Ornithopoda dinosaur, known for its thick skull and smaller spikes compared to armoured dinosaurs. The species, which includes Pachycephalosaurus grangeri and Pachycephalosaurus reinheimeri, stood about 6 feet tall (1.8 meters) and measured between 15 to 16 feet long (4.5 to 4.8 meters). Its skull, an impressive feature, was 10 inches thick (25 cm), ten times thicker than the average dinosaur’s, and sported small spikes on the skull and face, enabling it to ram obstacles with force.
Image Source: Wikimedia
4. Chungkingosaurus
Discovered in 1977 in China’s Upper Shaximiao Formation, Chungkingosaurus thrived during the late Jurassic period. Belonging to the Stegosauridae family, this herbivorous species moved on all fours and inhabited forested environments. They were social animals, living in groups alongside similar dinosaurs. Chungkingosaurus featured paired spikes along its back and on the sides of its tail, which were used for defense against land predators, much like other Stegosauridae. These spikes, a notable characteristic of the species, provided both protection and possibly served as a means of communication or display within their group.
Image Source: Wikimedia
Also Read: 10 Dinosaurs with a Crest on their Heads
5. Dacentrurus
Dacentrurus, a large Stegosauridae dinosaur, thrived during the Late Jurassic period in what is now Europe, with fossil finds primarily in Spain, France, and the United Kingdom. This herbivorous species, reaching lengths of 23 to 26 feet (7 to 8 meters) and weighing up to 5 tons (10,000 lbs), moved on all fours and persisted until the late Cretaceous extinction event. Unlike other Stegosauridae, Dacentrurus boasted two rows of spikes along its body and tail, complementing its armoured plates. With 20 fossil specimens discovered, Dacentrurus stands out among its relatives for its unique spike arrangement and formidable size.
Image Source: Wikimedia
6. Gastonia
Living 139 to 125 million years ago in North America, Gastonia was an ankylosaurian dinosaur with typical features of the Ankylosauridae family, such as quadrupedalism, herbivorous diet, and body armour. Fossils were first found in Utah’s lower Cedar Mountain Formation, named after Robert Gaston, who discovered them in 1998. Sporting large spikes on its body and tail, Gastonia used these defences to survive among predators. Medium-sized, weighing about 4,200 lbs (1905 kg) and measuring 16 feet long (4.8 meters), Gastonia exemplified the robust build typical of ankylosaurians, emphasizing their adaptation for protection in a prehistoric world full of threats.
Image Source: Wikimedia
7. Dicraeosaurus
When considering spiky dinosaurs, Stegosaurus and Ankylosaurus often come to mind, but Dicraeosaurus, a long-necked Sauropod genus, also sported prominent spikes along its back. Standing at 39 feet (12 meters), it was sizable but smaller than typical Sauropods, which averaged around 50 feet (15 meters) in length. These herbivores roamed Late Jurassic Africa, feeding on low-lying vegetation. Named for its distinctive back spines, Dicraeosaurus was first identified in 1914 by German Paleontologist Werner Janesch. Weighing an estimated 8.8 tons (8,000 kg), they moved on all fours, their immense size considerably reducing their mobility.
Image Source: Wikimedia
Also Read: 10 Fastest Dinosaurs In The World
8. Kentrosaurus
Kentrosaurus, a genus of the Stegosauridae family, inhabited Tanzania, East Africa, during the late Jurassic Period. These herbivores, around 15 feet long (4.57 meters) and weighing between 2,200 to 6,600 lbs (997.9 – 2721.5 kg), preferred low-lying vegetation and travelled in large herds for safety. With a body covered in spikes, including the tail, Kentrosaurus used its long spikes for defence, making it challenging for predators to attack successfully. These spikes might have also played a role in mate attraction. Similar to other armoured dinosaurs, Kentrosaurus employed its tail as a defensive weapon, using it to fend off threats by delivering powerful blows.
Image Source: Wikipedia
Also Read: 10 Dinosaurs With Long Necks
9. Stegosaurus
Stegosaurus, renowned for its distinctive spiked tail and plated back, lived during the late Jurassic period, approximately 155-145 million years ago, and is among the most easily recognizable dinosaurs. Fossil remains of Stegosaurus have been uncovered in several countries, including the United States, China, South Africa, India, and Europe. Three species are known: S. stenops, S. ungulatus, and S. sulcatus. These dinosaurs were sizable, reaching lengths of 21 to 30 feet (6.5 to 9 meters) and weighing an estimated 6,800 lbs (3084.42 kg). Herbivorous, they moved on all fours, featuring a long, thick tail armed with spikes for defence against predators. Their iconic plated backs were likely used for display. Despite their large size, Stegosaurus had a remarkably small head with a brain the size of a walnut.
Image Source: Wikimedia
10. Vectipelta barretti
Approximately 140 million years ago, the Vectipelta barretti roamed what is now the UK, boasting blade-like spikes along its body. This dinosaur, a member of the Ankylosauria family, was a large, quadrupedal herbivore with a small head and an armoured body for defence against predators. Palaeontologists discovered the partial skeleton of Vectipelta barretti in 1993 on the Isle of Wight, providing insights into its existence during the Early Cretaceous period. At that time, the region was a lush, humid forest thriving with diverse life forms, painting a vivid picture of the ancient environment in which this unique dinosaur lived.
Image Source: Wikimedia
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