Oviraptor
Order: Saurischia · Suborder: Theropoda · Infraorder: Tetanurae · Family: Oviraptoridae
Found in southern Mongolia, Oviraptor received its name, "Egg Thief," from the fact that it was found atop a clutch of eggs that were believed to be those of Protoceratops. With the discovery of an egg with an Oviraptor embryo in it, the eggs attributed to Protoceratops belong to Oviraptor. Moreover, a few new specimens show skeletons of Oviraptor crouching overclutches of these eggs. Instead of stealing the eggs, it seems likely that Oviraptor was trying to protect the nests, not plunder them. Oviraptor had long, slender legs and huge hands with three long, slender fingers. Although it possessed no teeth, Oviraptor's clawed hands argue for its predator status.
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Reference background: Natural History Museum, London — Dinosaurs; Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History — Dinosaurs; American Museum of Natural History — Dinosaurs & Fossils. Figures are typical published ranges; taxonomy follows the source era and modern consensus is noted where it differs. See our sources & fact-check policy.
Frequently asked questions
What does Oviraptor mean?
The name Oviraptor means “Egg Thief”. It is pronounced o-vih-RAP-tor.
When did Oviraptor live?
Oviraptor lived during the Late Cretaceous.
Was Oviraptor a carnivore or a herbivore?
Oviraptor was a carnivore.
How big was Oviraptor?
Oviraptor was about 5 feet (1.5 meters) long, around 3 feet (0.9 meters) tall, weighing up to 80 pounds (36 kg).
Related dinosaurs
Other dinosaurs from the Oviraptoridae family.
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