The Republic of Argentina, located in South America, is the eighth largest country in the world. This nation boasts not only magnificent natural landscapes and diverse flora and fauna, but also nine natural geographical regions. Among them, Iguazu Falls is hailed as one of the "Seven Natural Wonders of the World."
In addition to its rich modern ecosystem, the southern Patagonia region of this vast land was also home to numerous prehistoric dinosaurs. In this article, we will explore more than 30 dinosaur species discovered in Argentina , learning about their discovery background, era, physical characteristics , and scientific value.
1. Patagotitan mayorum (Mayor Patagotitan mayorum)
Discovered in Chubut Province, it is the largest dinosaur ever discovered , belonging to the Titanosaurian sauropod group. It lived approximately 101 million years ago during the Cretaceous period. In 2021, more than 100 eggshell fossils were also discovered in Argentina, confirming that this dinosaur may have lived in groups.
Body length : up to 40 meters
Weight : Approximately 80 tons
Features : Small head, extra-long neck and tail
Exhibition Location : The Field Museum in Chicago is exhibiting a restored skeleton; currently, there is no complete display in Argentina.
2. Saltasaurus loricatus (Loric Armored Dragon)
"Saltasaurus" means "leaping reptile" and is the only known species in its genus. It was a quadrupedal herbivorous dinosaur that lived approximately 77-66 million years ago, measuring 12 meters in length and weighing about 7 tons.
Features : Small head, spoon-shaped teeth, short neck, and bony plates covering the body as defensive armor.
3. Kritosaurus navajovius (Cracked Crown Dragon)
The name "Cercosaurus" means "separated lizard." It was a duck-billed dinosaur that lived about 73 million years ago.
Length : Approximately 10 meters, weight up to 4 tons
Features : Can walk on two or four legs, has a protrusion on its head, and is shaped like a crown.
4. Carnotaurus sastrei (Carnotaurus sastrei)
"Carnotaurus" means "carnivorous bull," and it was unique in that it had a pair of horns on its head. This carnivorous dinosaur lived approximately 72 to 70 million years ago.
Body length : 8–9 meters, height approximately 3.5 meters
Weight : Approximately 1.35 to 2.1 tons
Characteristics : Extremely short forelimbs, high speed, and strong aggression.
5. Herrerasaurus ischigualastensis
The name means "Herrera lizard of Ihigualasto," and it is the only species in the genus Herrerasaurus. It lived about 231 million years ago and is one of the most primitive known carnivorous dinosaurs.
Characteristics : Bipedal walking, long tail, small head
Exhibition Venue : Sengenburg Natural History Museum, Frankfurt, Germany
6. Piatnitzkysaurus floresi
The name means "Pyatnitsky lizard," and it lived about 165 million years ago. It was a medium-sized theropod dinosaur.
Body length : approximately 5 meters, height: approximately 4 meters
Characteristics : Skull approximately 50 cm long, strong hind limbs, relatively short forelimbs, and fast running speed.
7. Patagosaurus fariasi
Meaning "Patagonia lizard," this is the only known species. It lived approximately 163 million years ago.
Body length : Approximately 18 meters
Weight : Nearly 8 tons
Characteristics : Small head, long neck, disproportionate body shape
8. Argentinosaurus huinculensis (Argentinosaurus)
Its name means "lizard from Praza Unkour, Argentina." It lived approximately 97 million years ago and was one of the largest land animals on Earth.
Body length : Approximately 33 meters
Weight : Up to 67 tons
Habitat : Temperate or subtropical forests, avoid arid regions
9. Giganotosaurus carolinii (Giant Dragon)
Living approximately 100 million years ago, it was one of the top predators on land at that time.
Body length : 13 meters
Weight : 8 tons
Characteristics : Possessing a keen sense of smell and sharp teeth, adept at hunting large prey.
10. Eoraptor lunensis (Dawn Raptor)
Its name means "the thief of dawn in the valley of the moon," and it lived about 231 million years ago, making it one of the earliest dinosaurs.
Height : 1.3 meters
Weight : Approximately 10 kg
Features : Lightweight skull, large nostrils, four toes and limbs, tail for maintaining balance
11. Amargasaurus cazaui (阿玛加龙)
Living approximately 130 million years ago, it is the only member of the genus *Amagasaurus*. It is a relatively small sauropod dinosaur.
Body length : 9–10 meters, height approximately 2.5 meters
Features : A row of long spines on the neck and back, small head, and stout body.
Exhibition Venue : Melbourne Museum, Australia
Other dinosaurs discovered in Argentina
In addition to the types mentioned above, Argentina has also discovered numerous other dinosaur species, including:
Gasparinisaura cincosaltensis
Abelisaurus comahuensis
Kritosaurus australis
Thick-backed dragon ( Epachtosaurus sciuttoi )
Sarmientichnus scagliai
Mussaurus patagonicus
Riojasaurus incertus
Noasaurus leali
Patagonykus puertai
Pisanosaurus mertii
Zupaysaurus rougieri
Antarctosaurus wichmannianus
Panphagia protos
Adeopapposaurus mognai
Ligabueino andesi ( Andean Ligabueino )
Cathartesaura anaerobica
Rinconsaurus caudamirus
Aeolosaurus rionegrinus
Andesaurus delgadoi
Puertasaurus reuil
Chubutisaurus insignis
Notohypsilophodon comodorensis
Recommended Dinosaur Museums in Argentina
Want to see these dinosaur fossils in person? You can plan a trip to a dinosaur museum in Argentina:
Bernardino Rivadavia Natural Science Museum (Buenos Aires)
The exhibits include partial skeletons of Carnotaurus and a complete skeleton of Patagonia.
Echidio Ferrugrio Museum (Terelliu)
Several fossils of Carnotaurus are on display.
National Comauyu University Museum (Neuken)
Fossils of Argentinosaurus and Giganotosaurus are on display.
San Juan Museum of Natural Sciences
Fossils of the Dawnraptor are on display.
Other dinosaur attractions and sanctuaries
Kihadas Mountain National Park
Ihigualasto Provincial Park
Talampaya National Park
Salminto Fossil Forest Reserve
Dinosaur Geological Park
Castro Barros Cultural Trail
If you're fascinated by the world of dinosaurs, feel free to explore our popular science article on "How Many Species of Dinosaurs Ever Existed on Earth" or check out more fascinating content about extinct animals.
