a large titanosaurid nesting ground was discovered in auca mahuevo, in patagonia, argentina and another colony has reportedly been discovered in spain. several hundred female saltasaurs dug holes with their back feet, laid eggs in clutches averaging around 25 eggs each, and buried the nests under dirt and vegetation. the small eggs, about 11–12 cm (4–5 in) in diameter, contained fossilised embryos, complete with skin impressions. the impressions showed that titanosaurs were covered in a mosaic armour of small bead-like scales. the huge number of individuals suggests herd behavior which, with their armour, could have helped give protection against large contemporary predators such as "abelisaurus".