Elongatoolithus magnus

† Elongatoolithus magnus is one of the largest oospecies within the genus Elongatoolithus, from the Late Cretaceous of China. Its species name magnus ('large') directly reflects the exceptional size of these eggs, which can exceed 22 cm in length, among the largest elongatoolithid eggs known. A very large oviraptorosaurian parent is inferred. The concentration of magnus clutches in specific nesting horizons of Henan Province suggests repeated use of preferred nesting grounds over multiple breeding seasons.

Diet & Feeding

Carnivore

Elongatoolithus magnus 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 Late Mesozoic Era

Elongatoolithus magnus 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.