CollectA Ampelosaurus Dinosaur - Armored Titanosaur Conical Spikes France #88466

The Heavily Armored Titanosaur from France!

The CollectA Ampelosaurus #88466 brings one of Europe's most distinctive titanosaurs to life with exceptional detail. This heavily armored herbivore featured a back covered with a network of large conical spikes and bony plates that provided impressive protection against predators. As one of the last dinosaurs to live in Europe before the mass extinction, Ampelosaurus represents the final chapter of the Age of Dinosaurs on the European continent.

The Vine Lizard from Southern France

Ampelosaurus atacis lived approximately 70-66 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous Period in what is now southern France. Growing up to 50 feet long and weighing around 15 tons, Ampelosaurus was a medium-sized titanosaur with exceptional defensive armor. The name means "vine lizard," referring to the vineyard region of France where it was discovered.

Museum-Quality Detail & Scientific Accuracy

• Conical spike armor - network of large osteoderms covering the back
• Bony plate pavement - dense arrangement of plates protecting the hips
• Titanosaur anatomy - long neck, massive body, powerful tail
• Realistic armor texture - detailed sculpting of defensive plates
• 1:18 scale accuracy - proportionally correct to the actual animal
• Hand-painted details - expert coloring brings this armored giant to life
• Paleontologist approved - reviewed by expert Anthony Beeson
• Model #88466 - part of CollectA's Prehistoric Life series

Heavily Armored for Defense

Ampelosaurus was one of the most heavily armored titanosaurs ever discovered. Its back was covered with a network of large osteoderms (bony plates) in the form of conical spikes, while the hip region featured a dense pavement of smaller bony plates. This impressive armor provided protection against the large predatory dinosaurs that shared its environment, making Ampelosaurus a formidable opponent despite being a peaceful herbivore.

One of Europe's Last Dinosaurs

Ampelosaurus lived during the final million years of the Cretaceous Period, making it one of the last dinosaurs to inhabit Europe before the mass extinction event 66 million years ago. During this time, Europe was an archipelago of islands with a unique dinosaur fauna quite different from other continents. Ampelosaurus was one of the dominant herbivores in this island ecosystem.

Discovered in French Vineyards

The first Ampelosaurus fossils were discovered in the 1990s in the Aude region of southern France, an area famous for its vineyards—hence the name "vine lizard." Multiple specimens have been found, including extensive armor plating that revealed just how heavily protected this titanosaur was. The discoveries have made Ampelosaurus one of the best-known European titanosaurs.

Island Dwarf or Full-Sized Giant?

At 50 feet long, Ampelosaurus was smaller than some of its South American titanosaur relatives like Argentinosaurus. Some scientists believe this reduced size may be an example of island dwarfism—a phenomenon where animals evolve smaller body sizes when living on islands with limited resources. However, Ampelosaurus was still an impressive giant by any standard.

Authentic CollectA Craftsmanship

CollectA's attention to detail is evident in every aspect of this Ampelosaurus replica. The conical spike armor is prominently displayed, the body proportions reflect current scientific understanding at 1:18 scale, and the hand-painted coloring brings this French titanosaur to life. Measuring 8.3 inches long by 2.6 inches high, this figurine is perfect for display, educational purposes, or imaginative prehistoric adventures.

All CollectA models are crafted from high-quality, phthalate-free, lead-free materials that are safe for ages 3 and up. The durable construction ensures this armored dinosaur will be treasured for years to come.