Compsognathus was a genus of small theropod dinosaur that lived in Europe during the Jurassic period. Compsognathus, sometimes nicknamed ‘Compie’, is among the smallest dinosaurs, not accounting for modern birds, growing anywhere between 2 and 3 feet in length and weighing up to 8 lbs. The Solnhofen specimen was even smaller, about 30 inches long from nose to tail and weighing between 1 and 3 lbs, but this specimen was later determined to be a juvenile. It is thought that the Compsognathus would use its speed, agility, and sharp teeth to ambush small prey like lizards, insects, and possibly even small pterosaurs. Unlike their depiction in popular media, it is unlikely that they hunted in socially active groups.
Compsognathus was a genus of small theropod dinosaur that lived in Europe during the Jurassic period. Compsognathus, sometimes nicknamed ‘Compie’, is among the smallest dinosaurs, not accounting for modern birds, growing anywhere between 2 and 3 feet in length and weighing up to 8 lbs. The Solnhofen specimen was even smaller, about 30 inches long from nose to tail and weighing between 1 and 3 lbs, but this specimen was later determined to be a juvenile. It is thought that the Compsognathus would use its speed, agility, and sharp teeth to ambush small prey like lizards, insects, and possibly even small pterosaurs. Unlike their depiction in popular media, it is unlikely that they hunted in socially active groups.