Museum Grade OVIRAPTOR cf philoceratops Fossil Eggs in...

Scientific name: Oviraptor cf philoceratops, Osborn 1924. Fossilized Eggs in natural matrix. form Macroolithus yaotunensis (Elongatoolithidae) Location: Gobi Desert, Eastern Asia Geological Formation: Djadokhta Formation Age: Upper Cretaceous, Campanian stage, (~75 Million Years) Size: Matrix: 22 x 13 x 3 cm - the egg: 21cm x 7 cm x 5cm REF.: #J739 DESCRIPTION: An exceptionally rare, museum-quality Oviraptor egg featuring a nearly complete fossil egg in its original natural matrix, embedded in characteristic red brecciated matrix from the Late Cretaceous of the Gobi Desert. Its almost virtually complete, with only a few sections of eggshell missing. Absolutely no restoration or reconstruction has been performed. Preparation was limited to careful sandblasting, with only minor fractures professionally re-glued on tiny eggshell fragments. An outstanding, scientifically significant display specimen of extraordinary preservation and exceptional rarity, representing a remarkable opportunity to acquire an authentic fossil egg nest in its original geological context. Oviraptor eggs from the Late Cretaceous Djadokhta Formation (Gobi Desert in Eastern Asia) are elongated, ridge-textured, and were originally mistaken for Protoceratops prey, but subsequent finds of embryos (e.g., IGM 100/971) confirmed they belong to Oviraptor. These eggs, often arranged in pairs within circular, brooding nests, demonstrate that these theropods displayed bird-like nesting behavior. Key Details on Djadokhta Oviraptor Eggs: Initial Misconception: Discovered in 1923 by Roy Chapman Andrews, they were thought to be stolen eggs from Protoceratops, leading to the name "egg thief". Brooding Evidence: Fossil finds, such as the one described in 1993, showed that the adult was not stealing the eggs, but instead brooding, or sitting on, its own nest. Egg Characteristics: The eggs are of the form Macroolithus yaotunensis (Elongatoolithidae). They are characterized by their elongated shape (approx. 163–198 mm long) and a surface with ridges aligned to the long axis. Embryo Discoveries: Significant specimens include IGM 100/971 (first known theropod embryo) and others from sites like Ukhaa Tolgod, which solidified the link between the eggs and the parent. Nesting Structure: Eggs were arranged in pairs, forming a circular, open, or partially covered nest, often with 15 or more eggs. Pigmentation: Research on oviraptorid samples suggests these eggs possessed pigments, likely giving them a blue-green color, similar to some modern birds. These discoveries were crucial in bridging the understanding of the relationship between dinosaurs and modern birds. All of our fossils come with a Certificate of Authenticity. Every week, the issued Certificates of Authenticity are updated in our database verification system on our website. If you find that your certificate has not yet been updated, please contact us and we will update it immediately. Display box NOT included.

Estimate:£1,421.03

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