Omeisaurus

Omeisaurus is one of the most prolific and celebrated sauropods from the Middle to Late Jurassic Shaximiao Formation of Sichuan, China. Named after the sacred Mount Emei, this long-necked browser is represented by numerous well-preserved specimens ranging in size across several recognised species, typically reaching twelve to eighteen metres in total length. Omeisaurus possessed extraordinarily elongated neck vertebrae, allowing it to feed on tall conifer canopies that were out of reach for lower-browsing herbivores. Notably, some specimens preserve an enlarged, bony tail club similar to that of its relative Shunosaurus, which may have served for defence against predators like Sinraptor.

Some species of Omeisaurus appear to have possessed a bony club at the tip of the tail.

Where and when

Omeisaurus lived in the Middle Jurassic, from 165 to 159 million years ago (Bathonian-Callovian age). Its remains come from China, in the Shaximiao Formation.

The numbers

Length 15 m (estimates run from 12 to 18 m). Mass about 8.5 t. Hip height about 3.5 m. That is 8.8 human-lengths, or 1.34 of a double-decker bus. These are estimates from near-complete skeleton; fields marked estimated by the site are length, mass, hip height.

Compare Omeisaurus with a bus Place on the timeline