Maryland State Dinosaur - Astrodon johnstoni

In 1998, the Astrodoni johnstoni was named the State dinosaur of Maryland (Chapter 404, Acts of 1998). The Astrodon lived in Maryland during the Early Cretaceous period, from 95 to 130 million years ago.

Astrodons were sauropods ("reptile feet"). They were large dinosaurs with small heads, long necks, and long tails. Strong, solid legs supported their rounded bodies. Adult Astrodons could be 50 to 60 feet long, and more than 30 feet tall. They weighed up to 20 tons. These dinosaurs were herbivorous, probably feeding on conifers, ferns, and other plants.

[black and white drawing of Astrodon johnstoni]
Astrodoni johnstoni. Drawing courtesy of Maryland Geological Survey.
Original drawing by Gregory S. Paul, 1988.


[color drawing of Astrodon johnstoni]
Astrodoni johnstoni. Illustration by Mark Crowell, 1998.

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