Diplodocus hallorum

One of the giants of Templer , Diplodocus hallorum is one of those animals that stands out when their herds walk through the forests. Their meat is said to be one of the best in all of Mesos to the point where they are hunted for the renowned event of the Rex Feast.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Diplodocus hallorum is one of the longest dinosaurs in Mesos. They average around 32 meters and length, 4 meters in height and weight up to 30 tons.

Their most distinguishable traits are their long neck and tail, which take more than half of the length of the animal. Their long tails are relatively thin and are used to as a whip to defend against predators like Giganotosaurus carolinii] and @[Tyrannosaurus rex. Their neck counterweights their tails, keeping their center of gravity in the center, where the legs are.

Their legs are very column-like and and give a space between the belly and the ground of around a meter. They also possess no claws expect for one on each front feet.

Their skin is scaly, with keratinous, pointed spines running along the neck, back and tail.

Genetics and Reproduction

This dinosaur reproduces twice a year. The most dominant males push aside the smaller ones to reproduce with the females around them. To reproduce, this dinosaurs do a "cloacal kiss".

A week after the mating season, the dinosaurs reach one of the two nesting spots in Templer. The females head into the woods, lay their eggs and cover them with dirt and fallen leaves. They can lay between 20 to 50 eggs. After all females have laid their eggs, they leave back to the open areas and migrate back to the next nesting spot. The eggs long around a week or two to hatch.

Growth Rate & Stages

Hatchlings weight no more than some kilograms when newly hatched. They quickly run into dense bushes and start eating. They grow exponentially in the woods until they reach subadulthood. During their younger ages, they aren't able to defend themselves against most predators, so they rely on camouflage and large numbers to survive.

Around 10 years after living in the woods, the juveniles have turned into subadults. They are too big for the forest and must head to the open areas to walk freely. This size transition usually coincides with the arrival of their mother herd to the nesting spot. The subadults usually take this opportunity to join their herd.

Ecology and Habitats

Diplodocus hallorum prefers open spaces where they can walk through. However, they still need to be close to low growing trees from which they can eat. They also seems to prefer slightly temperate climates over hot ones.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Diplodocus hallorum is a very specialized forager. It eats from the leaves of trees where it neck height can reach and uses its specialized teeth to precisely grasp on the leaves.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Diplodocus hallorum live in herds of adults that are too big to live in the woods. They are lead by the most old member of the herd through Templer to find the best eating spots.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

This species is hunted once each time before the beginning of the Rex Feast. Its said that their meat is the most delicious and tasty there is.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Diplodocus hallorum doesn't have very good sense. Their sight is no better than a humans, and their smell and hearing are pretty bad. Instead, when faced by danger, they rely on their size and powerful tail to defend themselves.

Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms

Some small creatures take advantage of the deforestation this animals make when walking through forests to eat on the fallen leaves and exposed insects.

Scientific Name

Diplodocus hallorum

Origin/Ancestry

Morrison Formation - Jurassic Period

Lifespan

90 years

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Average Height

4 meters

Average Weight

30 tons

Average Length

32 meters

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

This animal has very dull colors on their skin, from brown to dark green and gray.