Prestosuchus (Safari)

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.

History: Though Prestosuchus was first discovered and described 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.

Scientific Name: Prestosuchus chiniquensis (“Prestes Crocodile” after paleontologist Vicentino Prestes de Almeida)

Characteristics: Prestosuchus walked mostly on four legs, with its limbs held erect beneath its body, which our Prestosuchus toy reflects. Its head was very large with a deep skull, and it was likely covered in scales similar to its crocodile relatives.

Size: This Prestosuchus toy measures 9 inches long and about 2 ½ inches tall, about the size of a pair of scissors.