Dilophosaurus was gracefully built and sported two flamboyant crests on its head that were likely used for courtship and intimidation. Its skull and jaws were lightweight but still capable of delivering a bone-piercing bite. An apex predator, it preyed upon large plant-eating dinos such as Sarahsaurus as well as small reptiles and fish.

Fossilized Dilophosaurus footprints can be seen on the outskirts of Tuba City, Arizona.