Rock Nest Monster (Cryptogorgo petronidus)
 Preliminary Field Notes
James S. Lee, Ph.D.

NOTE: The National Cryptozoologic Museum in Raleigh, NC has recently opened an permanent exhibit of C. petronidus photos and artifacts. Please visit their wonderful slideshow.

For a more complete summary of Rock Nest Monster research, please see this 2004 edition of  National Cryptozoologic Magazine.

Notes:

1. No reliable sighting of the elusive Rock Nest Monster (Cryptogorgo petronidus). Probably Reptilian, maybe Testudinae.

2. Known only from its nests, distinctive clusters of large rocks arranged in a way to contain as many as twenty spherical porcelain-like eggs.

3. Eggs about 9 cm (3.5in.) in diameter. Color from mottled browns to light greens. Some rare sightings of bluish eggs as well. The texture varies from glass-like smoothness to a distinctly dimpled surface.

4. Nests  not incubated, no thermo-regulation by burial in mulch.. Eggs are left exposed to the elements and unguarded. Nests  found only in man-made and naturally occurring rock piles. No records of freestanding nests. All have been incorporated into existing rock pile formations.

5. Nests show no signs of the nesting material having been dragged or pushed into position. No scrape marks. The nest rocks appear to have been carefully placed, one at a time by the nest builder.

Questions? Send email to: jimlee@email.unc.edu