Caenagnathoidea

† Caenagnathoidea is a superfamily of oviraptorosaurian theropod dinosaurs encompassing both Oviraptoridae and Caenagnathidae. These toothless, omnivorous theropods from the Late Cretaceous were distinguished by beaked jaws, feathered bodies, and in many cases elaborate crests. China has yielded exceptional caenagnathoid specimens with preserved soft tissues. This clade represents a highly successful ecological radiation of omnivorous theropods across the Late Cretaceous of Asia and North America.

Diet & Feeding

Omnivore

Caenagnathoidea had a varied diet that included both plants and animals. Omnivorous dinosaurs were versatile feeders, able to exploit multiple food sources, which gave them an advantage in changing environments.

Time Period

Cretaceous Late Mesozoic Era

Caenagnathoidea lived during the Cretaceous Late period of the Mesozoic Era, approximately 100.5 to 66.0 million years ago.

The final age of dinosaurs, featuring iconic species like Tyrannosaurus rex, Triceratops, and Velociraptor. Dinosaurs reached their peak diversity before the catastrophic asteroid impact at the Chicxulub crater ended the Mesozoic Era.