When it comes to dinosaur facts, it’s easy to focus on the seemingly big things, like teeth or weight. How heavy was a sauropod? How many teeth did T.rex have and how long were they? But an often overlooked part of a dinosaur - the tail - can actually tell us a lot about it. Here, we explore six fascinating facts about dinosaur tails. 

It’s possible to tell if a dinosaur tail is complete

The very last bone in the tails of vertebrates (creatures with a backbone) is a distinctive shape, so it’s possible for scientists to tell if they have a complete dinosaur tail when they find fossils. Without that final bone, it’s difficult to tell exactly how long the tail was - most of the time, tail length is an educated guess. 

Less than 25 complete dinosaur tails have been discovered

As you might expect, since dinosaurs often had long tails, they had many bones, and finding a complete tail is tricky. In fact, among thousands of dinosaur skeletons that have been discovered - several hundred of which could be considered complete - there are less than 25 complete tails in existence. 

The longest known dinosaur tail belonged to Supersaurus

The longest dinosaur known to have roamed the earth is Supersaurus, thought to have measured 40 metres from snout to tail tip. Being so long, it’s also estimated to have had the longest tail at about 18 metres (again, an educated guess without all the tail bones). That means its tail alone may have been as long as an entire Spinosaurus. 

Ankylosaurus used its tail as a weapon

Ankylosaurus was an armoured herbivore that could use its tail as a weapon. It had a heavy club at the end of its tail, which it used to defend itself against predators. It’s thought the creature could swing its tail from side to side to deliver powerful blows to any dinosaur trying to eat it.  

Giraffatitan probably used its tail for movement

A 2025 study published in Royal Society Open Science reconstructed the movements of a Giraffatitan tail. It found that while tails helped sauropods with balance, they may have had many more functions, such as helping the animals propel themselves forward, and communicating with other dinosaurs. 

A dinosaur tail has been found perfectly preserved in amber

In 2016, a feathered dinosaur tail was found perfectly preserved in amber. Discovered in Myanmar in South East Asia, it’s thought to have belonged to an animal the size of a sparrow that lived about 99 million years ago. Researchers think it was chestnut brown on the top and white underneath.   

Discover a dinosaur tale in London

If you’re looking to enjoy family theatre in London with your kids this summer, don’t miss Dinosaur World Live. This roarsome production is aimed at children aged three and up, and introduces them to a handful of fascinating beasts, from the popular Triceratops to the lesser-known Giraffatitan and Segnosaurs. Playing at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre until 6 September 2026, it’s the perfect chance to see lifelike dinosaurs in London. A Dinosaur World UK and Ireland tour then begins on 1 October. Book your tickets today.