Changpeipus carbonicus

† Changpeipus carbonicus is an ichnospecies of large theropod tracks from the Early Cretaceous coal-bearing strata of China, its species name reflecting the carboniferous depositional context. The three-toed impressions indicate a large cursorial predator, likely a carcharodontosaurid or spinosaurid. Track morphology shows a relatively narrow pace angulation, suggesting a fast, agile gait. These ichnofossils document theropod activity in Early Cretaceous Chinese coal-swamp environments.

Diet & Feeding

Carnivore

Changpeipus carbonicus was a meat-eating predator. Carnivorous dinosaurs were active hunters or scavengers, equipped with sharp teeth and claws for catching and consuming prey. They occupied the top of the food chain in their ecosystems.

Time Period

Cretaceous Early Mesozoic Era

Changpeipus carbonicus lived during the Cretaceous Early period of the Mesozoic Era, approximately 145.0 to 100.5 million years ago.

The Cretaceous saw continued dinosaur evolution with the rise of ornithopods and early ceratopsians. Flowering plants first appeared and began to transform terrestrial ecosystems. Spinosaurus and other large theropods lived during this time.