Compsognathus
Small Jurassic theropod known from two nearly complete skeletons.
Compsognathus is a genus of small, bipedal, carnivorous theropod dinosaur. Members could grow to around the size of a chicken. Compsognathus is the first theropod dinosaur known from a reasonably complete fossil skeleton, though it was not recognized as such at the time of its discovery. Until the 1990s, it was the smallest-known non-avialan dinosaur.
- scientific_name
- Compsognathus longipes
- location
- Europe (Germany and France)
- diet
- Carnivorous (small vertebrates, known from lizard remains in both specimens)
- size
- German specimen 70–89 cm long; French specimen 1.25–1.4 m long
- weight
- German specimen 0.32–0.58 kg; French specimen 2.5–3.5 kg
- known_for
- First theropod dinosaur known from a reasonably complete skeleton; once considered the smallest non-avialan dinosaur
Lore & Background
Compsognathus is known from two almost complete skeletons. Oberndorfer lent it to paleontologist Johann A. The exact locality remains uncertain, possibly from Jachenhausen or the Riedenburg–Kehlheim region, part of lagoonal deposits of the Painten Formation.
Reader's Guide
Compsognathus holds a significant place in paleontology as the first theropod dinosaur known from a reasonably complete fossil skeleton, though this was not recognized at its discovery. In the 1860s and 1870s, Thomas Huxley compared Compsognathus with Archaeopteryx, finding them closely similar and referring to Compsognathus as a 'bird-like reptile.' This led Huxley to conclude that birds evolved from dinosaurs, establishing Compsognathus as one of the most widely known dinosaurs. For decades it was considered the smallest non-avialan dinosaur, until smaller species like Mahakala and Microraptor were discovered. The diet of Compsognathus is known with certainty from the remains of small, agile lizards preserved in the bellies of both specimens. The German specimen is now believed to be a juvenile, while the larger French specimen was once thought to be a separate species, C. corallestris, but is now considered C. longipes.
Did You Know?
- Compsognathus is one of the few dinosaur species whose diet is known with certainty: the remains of small, agile lizards are preserved in the bellies of both specimens.
- Until the 1990s, Compsognathus was the smallest-known non-avialan dinosaur.
Common Misconceptions (Editorial)
Some people assume Compsognathus was the smallest non-avialan dinosaur in general, but it held that title only until the 1990s, and the French specimen reached 1.4 meters in length—much larger than a chicken. Others might think its diet is unknown or speculative, but the fossil evidence clearly shows lizard remains preserved in the bellies of both known specimens.
Why It Matters (Editorial)
Compsognathus matters because it was the first theropod dinosaur found as a nearly complete skeleton, giving paleontologists an early, vivid window into the anatomy of small predatory dinosaurs. Its preserved stomach contents offer rare, direct proof of diet, making it a key example of how fossil evidence can confirm behavior that is usually only guessed at.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Compsognathus?
Compsognathus is a small, two-legged carnivorous theropod dinosaur known from a single species, Compsognathus longipes. Its remains come from two nearly complete skeletons recovered in Europe, making it one of the best-preserved Jurassic meat-eaters.
How big was Compsognathus?
The German specimen measured roughly 70 to 89 centimeters and weighed about 0.32 to 0.58 kilograms, while the French specimen reached 1.25 to 1.4 meters and 2.5 to 3.5 kilograms. In everyday terms, it was in the ballpark of a large chicken.
What did Compsognathus eat?
It was a small-vertebrate predator, and both known specimens preserve lizard remains in their gut regions, confirming a carnivorous diet focused on animals like lizards.
Why is Compsognathus important to paleontology?
It was the first theropod ever identified from a reasonably complete skeleton, a fact that was not fully appreciated at the time of its original description. It also held the record as the smallest known non-avialan dinosaur until new species were described in the 1990s.
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