Addis Ababa, April 27, 2026 (FMC) – A fossil dinosaur egg uncovered in east China’s Jiangxi Province has been certified by Guinness World Records as the smallest non-avian dinosaur egg ever identified.
The announcement was made by the Jiangxi Provincial Institute of Geological Survey and Exploration, highlighting the significance of the find for global palaeontological research, TV BRICS reported, citing its Chinese partners Xinhua News Agency.
The record-setting specimen measures just 29.93 millimetres in length and forms part of a clutch of six eggs discovered in 2021 in Meilin Township, Ganzhou City. The fossils date back to the Late Cretaceous period, more than 80 million years ago, offering a rare glimpse into prehistoric reproductive biology.
Following detailed analysis conducted by researchers from the China University of Geosciences (Wuhan) and the Jiangxi geological research team, the eggs were classified as belonging to a newly identified genus and species named Minioolithus ganzhouensis. Advanced imaging techniques, including scanning electron microscopy, were used to examine the microstructure of the eggshells.
Scientific assessment indicates that the eggs likely belonged to a non-avian theropod dinosaur.
Experts note that the discovery contributes to a broader understanding of dinosaur egg diversity during the Late Cretaceous period. The Ganzhou Basin continues to be recognised as one of the most significant global sites for dinosaur egg fossils, supporting ongoing research into evolutionary patterns and prehistoric ecosystems.