Camposaurus arizonensis

† Camposaurus arizonensis was a Late Triassic phytosaur from the Chinle Formation of Arizona, United States. Despite the '-saurus' suffix, phytosaurs were large, crocodile-like archosaurs — not dinosaurs — that occupied semi-aquatic predator niches in Triassic river systems. This carnivore likely ambushed fish, amphibians, and terrestrial vertebrates along riverbanks. Phytosaurs were a dominant component of Late Triassic ecosystems before being replaced by crocodylomorphs in the Early Jurassic.

Diet & Feeding

Carnivore

Camposaurus arizonensis was a meat-eating predator. Carnivorous dinosaurs were active hunters or scavengers, equipped with sharp teeth and claws for catching and consuming prey. They occupied the top of the food chain in their ecosystems.

Time Period

Triassic Late Mesozoic Era

Camposaurus arizonensis lived during the Triassic Late period of the Mesozoic Era, approximately 237,0 to 201,4 million years ago.

The first true dinosaurs appeared during the late Triassic, including early theropods like Eoraptor and Herrerasaurus. Dinosaurs were still small and not yet dominant. The period ended with the Triassic-Jurassic extinction event.