Museum Grade Huge OVIRAPTOR cf philoceratops Fossil Egg Elongatoolithidae - Fossilised egg

03
days
12
hours
33
minutes
38
seconds
Current bid
€ 275
Reserve price not met
Manuel Quiring
Expert
Estimate  € 1,700 - € 1,900
IT
€275
DK
€255
IT
€200

Catawiki Buyer Protection

Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details

Trustpilot 4.4 | 145414 reviews

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.

   

This object will sell during a livestream so make sure you’re watching!

This museum-grade fossil egg of Oviraptor cf. philoceratops, classified as Macroolithus yaotunensis, is a natural Upper Cretaceous Campanian specimen from the Djadokhta Formation, measuring 21 × 8.5 × 5 cm, with a few eggshell fragments glued in place.

AI-assisted summary

Description from the seller

Scientific name: Oviraptor cf philoceratops, Osborn 1924. Fossilized Egg. form Macroolithus yaotunensis (Elongatoolithidae)

Location: Gobi Desert, Eastern Asia

Geological Formation: Djadokhta Formation

Age: Upper Cretaceous, Campanian stage, (~75 Million Years)

Size: 21 x 8,5 x 5cm

REF.: #J745

DESCRIPTION:

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.

Observations abour our specimen: It is completely natural, unrestored. It only has some small eggshell fragments that have been glued. A large percentage of its surface remains intact, with only some areas losing its shell. Its size is incredibly large compared to the average for this species. A true investment-grade marvel.

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.

Seller's Story

Jurassic Dreams is the world's largest online dinosaur fossils store, unrivaled as the most reputable source for authentic fossil specimens. We are the only leading online fossils store owned by an accredited geologist and paleontology expert. In addition, we have extraordinary authentic meteorites specimens from all over the universe. With dozens of different specimens in stock... our customers come back time and again. Because, simply put, our lifetime guarantee is unbeatable. My name is Juan A. Poblador and I have a strong academic background in Paleontology and Geology from the University of Madrid and University of Alicante. I have participated in fossil excavation projects in several locations mainly in Europe and Africa for over 10 years. Writing scientifically accurate descriptions of every specimen is one of the tasks that consume most of my time. Obviously, recognizing fake and restored fossils is second nature to me. So you can be sure that every fossil in this website has been carefully screened and inspected by me. I have served collectors and fossil enthusiasts over the years. I have also supplied museums and institutions. I combine the study and research of significant specimens with exhibiting and selling the many other finds, which helps fund the new expeditions. Additionally, I have a small team of support staff for logistics. I've personally trained them to handle and pack the fossils properly so that they can be shipped within 24 hours and arrive at your door in one piece. Last but not least, I'm fortunate to have a great network of other seasoned paleontologists with whom I discuss the rarest items, new discoveries, and exploration trips to remote quarries... If I don't know something, the paleontological community really helps out. I like to manage Jurassic Dreams as a well curated online exhibition of museum grade pieces. I'm a collector myself and I love to share the knowledge with other fellow collectors. That's why I will respond to any email when you have any doubt or when you buy, and you'll have a personalized fossil selection experience. Jurassic Dreams a proud member of the Association of Applied Paleontological Sciences (AAPS) and abide by its Code of Ethics. The Association of Applied Paleontological Sciences conforms to the recommendations of The National Academy of Sciences Report on Paleontological Collecting and standard business practices and ethics. In addition, we are the certified member #5681 of the International Meteorite Collectors Association (IMCA) and a certified member of GMA (Global Meteorite Association) G0043. IMCA and GMA are the most prestigious associations helping meteorite collectors in their search for Authentic Meteorites for their collections and assisting others in helping to learn more about meteorites. A physical certificate of authenticity is provided free of charge with every fossil we sell. This is our lifetime guarantee. The certificate, individually prepared for each fossil by Juan A. Poblador, an expert paleontologist, contains an accurate scientific description, and the certificate's validity can be verified online at all times. In addition, a 100% money-back guarantee is provided.

Scientific name: Oviraptor cf philoceratops, Osborn 1924. Fossilized Egg. form Macroolithus yaotunensis (Elongatoolithidae)

Location: Gobi Desert, Eastern Asia

Geological Formation: Djadokhta Formation

Age: Upper Cretaceous, Campanian stage, (~75 Million Years)

Size: 21 x 8,5 x 5cm

REF.: #J745

DESCRIPTION:

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.

Observations abour our specimen: It is completely natural, unrestored. It only has some small eggshell fragments that have been glued. A large percentage of its surface remains intact, with only some areas losing its shell. Its size is incredibly large compared to the average for this species. A true investment-grade marvel.

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.

Seller's Story

Jurassic Dreams is the world's largest online dinosaur fossils store, unrivaled as the most reputable source for authentic fossil specimens. We are the only leading online fossils store owned by an accredited geologist and paleontology expert. In addition, we have extraordinary authentic meteorites specimens from all over the universe. With dozens of different specimens in stock... our customers come back time and again. Because, simply put, our lifetime guarantee is unbeatable. My name is Juan A. Poblador and I have a strong academic background in Paleontology and Geology from the University of Madrid and University of Alicante. I have participated in fossil excavation projects in several locations mainly in Europe and Africa for over 10 years. Writing scientifically accurate descriptions of every specimen is one of the tasks that consume most of my time. Obviously, recognizing fake and restored fossils is second nature to me. So you can be sure that every fossil in this website has been carefully screened and inspected by me. I have served collectors and fossil enthusiasts over the years. I have also supplied museums and institutions. I combine the study and research of significant specimens with exhibiting and selling the many other finds, which helps fund the new expeditions. Additionally, I have a small team of support staff for logistics. I've personally trained them to handle and pack the fossils properly so that they can be shipped within 24 hours and arrive at your door in one piece. Last but not least, I'm fortunate to have a great network of other seasoned paleontologists with whom I discuss the rarest items, new discoveries, and exploration trips to remote quarries... If I don't know something, the paleontological community really helps out. I like to manage Jurassic Dreams as a well curated online exhibition of museum grade pieces. I'm a collector myself and I love to share the knowledge with other fellow collectors. That's why I will respond to any email when you have any doubt or when you buy, and you'll have a personalized fossil selection experience. Jurassic Dreams a proud member of the Association of Applied Paleontological Sciences (AAPS) and abide by its Code of Ethics. The Association of Applied Paleontological Sciences conforms to the recommendations of The National Academy of Sciences Report on Paleontological Collecting and standard business practices and ethics. In addition, we are the certified member #5681 of the International Meteorite Collectors Association (IMCA) and a certified member of GMA (Global Meteorite Association) G0043. IMCA and GMA are the most prestigious associations helping meteorite collectors in their search for Authentic Meteorites for their collections and assisting others in helping to learn more about meteorites. A physical certificate of authenticity is provided free of charge with every fossil we sell. This is our lifetime guarantee. The certificate, individually prepared for each fossil by Juan A. Poblador, an expert paleontologist, contains an accurate scientific description, and the certificate's validity can be verified online at all times. In addition, a 100% money-back guarantee is provided.

Details

Specimen
Museum Grade Huge OVIRAPTOR cf philoceratops Fossil Egg Elongatoolithidae
Geological period
Upper Cretaceous, Campanian stage, (~75 Million Years)
Condition
Natural
Authenticity
Original/official
Spain (Mainland & Balearic Islands)Verified
523
Objects sold
100%
protop

Giveaway Disclaimer

Giveaways may be organised as part of Catawiki Live. Participation in a giveaway is subject to the Giveaway Policy. By bidding on an object, you acknowledge that you may automatically be entered into a giveaway, where applicable.

Each giveaway may have different entry requirements and rules. The seller will announce these during the livestream. Make sure you understand the rules before taking part.

Similar objects

  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​

For you in

Fossils

  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​