Dryptosaurus was originally known as Laelaps.
Paleontology, palaeontology or palæontology (from Greek: paleo, "ancient"; ontos, "being"; and logos, "knowledge") is the study of prehistoric life forms on Earth through the examination of plant and animal fossils. This includes the study of body fossils, tracks (ichnites), burrows, cast-off parts, coprolites, palynomorphs and chemical residues. Because mankind has encountered fossils for millennia, paleontology has a long history both before and after becoming formalized as a science. This article records significant discoveries and events related to paleontology that occurred in the year 1866.
Dinosaurs[]
Newly named dinosaurs[]
| Name | Status | Authors | Notes |
| Calamospondylus | Nomen dubium | Fox vide: Anonymous | |
| Euskelosaurus | Valid | Thomas Henry Huxley | |
| Laelaps | Preoccupied | Edward Drinker Cope | Preoccupied by Koch, 1836. Renamed Dryptosaurus. |