Dictyoolithus

†Dictyoolithus is an extinct ootaxon — a fossil egg genus — from the Cretaceous of Asia, recognized by a reticulate (net-like) eggshell surface texture. These eggs are attributed to sauropod dinosaurs based on size and structural characteristics. Their occurrence in Mongolia and China adds to the global record of Cretaceous dinosaur reproductive diversity.

Time Period

Cretaceous Early Mesozoic Era

Dictyoolithus 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.