Stegosaurus Forest Colouring

A mighty Stegosaurus is strolling calmly through a leafy fern forest! Stegosaurus lived during the Late Jurassic Period, about 155 to 150 million years ago. Most of its fossils come from the Morrison Formation of western North America, although close relatives and some Stegosaurus material are also known from Europe. An adult was usually around 7 to 9 metres long and could weigh several tonnes. Its body was large, but its head was surprisingly small. The front legs were shorter than the back legs, giving the dinosaur a gently arched back and a low feeding position that suited ferns, cycads, and other plants. The most famous Stegosaurus features are the big plates along its back and the four long spikes at the end of its tail. Scientists are still studying exactly how the plates were used. They may have helped the animals recognise one another, attract attention, or control heat, and their appearance could have changed as the dinosaur grew. The spiked tail was a serious defence against hungry predators. Look closely at this picture and count the large plates and the four pointed tail spikes. They make a wonderful pattern without turning the friendly dinosaur into a fantasy monster. You can colour the Stegosaurus in forest colours such as moss green, tan, golden brown, or warm grey. Make the plates stand out with a second shade: try orange, rust red, yellow, deep green, or a colourful repeating pattern. A lighter belly and darker back can show where light might fall. Colour the fern fronds with several greens, leaving small differences between the tall tree ferns and the low plants. The cycads can be rich green, the conifer trunks brown, and the smooth rocks grey, sandy beige, or speckled. A pale blue sky will give the dinosaur plenty of contrast. Start with the large body and plates, then use a sharpened pencil or crayon for toes, fern leaves, and tail spikes. Keep the white spaces clean and take care near the narrow tips. Imagine the sound of leaves brushing against those plates as the Stegosaurus walks. Your finished page can show that a well-armoured plant eater can look powerful, peaceful, and colourful all at once!

◫ A4 size✎ Bold outlines♡ Ages 3–8

Download JPEGHigh-resolution A4 image Download PDFPrint-ready A4 file

Make it an activity

Choose a favourite colour palette
Add a simple background
Display the finished artwork

Grown-up note: Please supervise printing and choose age-appropriate art materials.