Dendroolithus dendriticus

†Dendroolithus dendriticus is the type oöspecies of Dendroolithus, named for its dendritic eggshell crystallite pattern. Recovered from Late Cretaceous red-bed formations of China, these large sauropod eggs reveal details of clutch size and nest structure. The dendritic microstructure is unique among known ootaxa and may reflect specific incubation strategies.

Time Period

Cretaceous Late Mesozoic Era

Dendroolithus dendriticus 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.