Prestosuchus was a predatory reptile that lived during the Triassic Period in South America around 240 million years ago. It could grow over 20 feet long and had a massive head full of sharp teeth. Despite its dinosaur-like appearance, it was actually a rauisuchid, closely related to Postosuchus. Rauisuchids were not dinosaurs, but ancient relatives of crocodiles.
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Scientific Name: Prestosuchus chiniquensis (“Prestes Crocodile” after paleontologist Vicentino Prestes de Almeida)
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Characteristics: Prestosuchus walked mostly on four legs, with its limbs held erect beneath its body. Its head was very large with a deep skull, and it was likely covered in scales similar to its crocodile relatives.
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Size and Color: This figure measures 9 inches long and about 2 ½ inches tall, about the size of a pair of scissors. Prestosuchus is hand-painted with dark brown on its back, fading to lighter brown on its sides and a cream color below. Irregular black markings cover its body.
- The Prestosuchus is part of the Wild Safari® Prehistoric World collection
- All of our products are Non-toxic and BPA free
History:
Though Prestosuchus was first discovered and decribed around 1940, it wasn’t until 2013 that it was fully understood, as a nearly complete specimen was discovered that gave scientists new insight into how its leg muscles worked. This well preserved skeleton helped paleontologists learn how Prestosuchus walked and moved while alive.
- Recommended Age: 3+
- Size in cm: 22.3 L x 5.3 W x 6 H
- Size in inches: 8.78 L x 2.09 W x 2.36 H
- UPC: 095866003616
