The Wild Safari Prehistoric World Utahraptor dinosaur model is now in stock. This extremely colourful and detailed dromaeosaur model is available from Everything Dinosaur. Team members got the opportunity to photograph the figure whilst visiting a trade show in Europe.
The Wild Safari Prehistoric World Utahraptor model spotted at a trade show. The soon to be available colourful Kentrosaurus figure can be seen to the left of the Utahraptor. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
This hand-painted Utahraptor replica measures twenty-three centimetres in length. It stands around eleven and a half centimetres tall. It is an extremely colourful dinosaur model. The vivid blue colouration reminds us of a budgerigar. Dromaeosaurids like Utahraptor are, after all, distantly related to modern birds. The Wild Safari Prehistoric World Utahraptor dinosaur model is supplied with an Everything Dinosaur Utahraptor fact sheet.
A Wild Safari Prehistoric World Utahraptor dinosaur model.
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur welcomed the arrival of the Utahraptor dinosaur model. Other new figures from Safari Ltd will be available later in the year.
Unpacking the new Wild Safari Prehistoric World Utahraptor dinosaur figure. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
To view the extensive range of prehistoric animal figures and dinosaur toys available from Everything Dinosaur’s award-winning website: Visit Everything Dinosaur.
Eurypterids (Eurypterida) are often referred to as sea scorpions. Like scorpions these extinct invertebrates are members of the Arthropoda Phylum. They are distantly related to extant scorpions and spiders. It is thought that the first eurypterids evolved during the Ordovician. They thrived in the Silurian and Devonian. Giant forms evolved, animals like Jaekeklopterus, Acutiramus and Pterygotus. However, the number of taxa was severely depleted during the end-Devonian extinction event and although they survived for at least another 100 million years or so, during the Carboniferous and Permian they only made up a very small percentage of the taxa described from fossil deposits.
Examples of the Pterygotioidea eurypterid lineage. Note the flattened, blade-like telson that probably helped with propulsion or acted like a rudder helping to steer the animal through the water. The fossils represent Pterygotus anglicus. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
The picture (above) shows two Pterygotus anglicus fossil specimens on display at the London Natural History Museum. These Early Devonian fossils come from Arbroath (Scotland).
The Shape of the Telson
Note the broad, flattened, blade-like final segment of the animal. This is the telson and in the Pterygotioidea lineage (as well as in some other Superfamilies), the telson evolved into an organ to help with propulsion and steering. In other eurypterids, the telson is shaped very differently. For example, in the sea scorpion fossil (below), the telson is long and pointed.
A fossil of a sea scorpion (eurypterid) on display at the Manchester Museum. Note the pointed end segment (telson). Probably an example of the Silurian eurypterid Eurypterus. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
The Giant Claws (Chelicerae) Seen in Some Sea Scorpion Fossils
The segmented body of eurypterids consisted of the frontal prosoma (head) and the posterior opisthosoma (abdomen). The prosoma contained the mouth and six pairs of appendages which are usually referred to as appendage pairs I to VI using Roman numerals. The segments that make up the opisthosoma are usually numbered using Arabic numerals 1, 2, 3 etc. The opisthosoma comprised twelve segments in total plus the telson.
The first pair of appendages, the only pair located in front of the mouth opening, is called the chelicerae (pronounced kel-iss-ser-ray). This pair of appendages evolved into a myriad of forms in the Chelicerata (pronounced kel-iss-ser-rat-ah), the Subphylum containing the eurypterids, spiders, mites, scorpions and horseshoe crabs. This pair of appendages form the fangs seen in spiders and form the feeding limbs of horseshoe crabs.
An Atlantic horseshoe crab in ventral view with the six pairs of appendages and the telson labelled. The first pair of appendages (chelicerae) help to push food into the mouth opening. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Powerful Pincers Adapted for Grasping Prey
Some of these appendages, such as the chelicerae of giant pterygotids evolved into powerful pincers armed with strong claws analogous to those seen in crabs and lobsters. These chelicerae seem to be adapted for grasping and subduing prey. This suggests that many eurypterids were predatory.
A stunning fossil of a sea scorpion (eurypterid) claw housed at the National Museum Cardiff (Wales) photographed in 2019 when team members at Everything Dinosaur visited.The image shows a single chelicera ramus. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Note
A single appendage is referred to as a chelicera (pronounced kel-iss-ser-rah). Whereas a pair or more are referred to as chelicerae (kel-iss-ser-ray).
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented that these arthropods were remarkable animals.
“Some 250 different taxa have been described and some of these sea scorpions show adaptations that indicate they may have been partially terrestrial. Venturing out onto land is supported by trace fossils potentially preserving tracks of eurypterids walking across mud close to bodies of water.”
In 2020, CollectA introduced a Horseshoe crab model. These animals are members of the Limulidae family. This model of an ancient invertebrate is extremely detailed. The Horseshoe crab lineage has a fossil record that dates back to the Ordovician. Team members were asked to take some photographs of the figure for a palaeontology related project.
CollectA Horseshoe crab in lateral view. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
The CollectA Horseshoe Crab Model
The model is very detailed, and the paint scheme makes this replica look extremely realistic. However, it is on the underside where the care and dedication of the design team really shows.
The CollectA Horseshoe crab model in ventral view (view of the underside). Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
The small chelicerae (modified claws) are bent towards the mouth. These appendages pass food into the mouth. The walking legs show the bifurcated end segments, and the rear “pusher” leg is clearly visible. The design team have included a vent at the base of the long, pointed telson.
An Atlantic Horseshoe crab in ventral view (view of the underside). Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
The picture (above) shows an Atlantic Horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus) in ventral view. It is on display at the London Natural History Museum.
CollectA Age of Dinosaurs Popular Size Horseshoe crab figure. The model measures 15 centimetres in length and the width of the carapace is 7.7 cm approximately.
In horseshoe crabs, the head and thorax are fused. This structure is called the prosoma. It is also sometimes referred to as the cephalothorax. The cephalothorax is covered in a hard, protective carapace.
Our thanks to Mojo Fun for sending Everything Dinosaur some new images of the Mojo Fun prehistoric life dinosaur models. The images we received includes a clever illustration of a Mojo Fun Tyrannosaurus rex model.
We think this T. rex dinosaur model was introduced into the Mojo Fun prehistoric and extinct range in 2020. It has certainly proved to be popular with dinosaur fans and model collectors. The manufacturer has paid tribute to dinosaurs in films by mimicking a famous scene from the “Jurassic Park/Jurassic World” franchise.
Mojo Fun pays tribute to the “Jurassic Park/Jurassic World” franchise with this clever piece of artwork featuring a Mojo Fun T. rex model.
Mojo Fun Tyrannosaurus rex
The Mojo Fun T. rex figure is escaping from captivity. The image parodies scenes from the famous Universal Studio’s film franchise.
The Mojo Fun Tyrannosaurus rex Deluxe figure measures around 30 cm in length. Team members at Everything Dinosaur estimate its head height to be approximately 11 cm.
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented:
“Every dinosaur fan will get the connection between the Mojo Fun T. rex image and the movies. There are rumours circulating that a new film in the “Jurassic Park/Jurassic World” franchise will be released in 2025. Mojo Fun’s timing of the release of this new image is apposite.”
Team members at Everything Dinosaur took the opportunity to photograph the life-size Deinonychus replicas on display at the London Natural History Museum. These animated figures can be found in the Blue Zone of the Museum.
Visiting Deinonychus
Team members are not sure when the duo were installed in the Dinosaurs Gallery, but we estimate that these life-size replicas have been at the Museum for more than a decade.
Life-size Deinonychus replicas on display at the London Natural History Museum. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Animated Deinonychus Dinosaur Models
The robotic armature permits these figures to move. The models can lift their heads, open their jaws and make a bow-like gesture to visitors. There is audio too. The Deinonychus replicas make a hissing sound. It reminds us of the sound a cat makes when it is frightened or being threatened.
New for 2020 the Wild Safari Prehistoric World Deinonychus dinosaur model. A replica of this large dromaeosaurid.
The picture (above) illustrates Deinonychus. This model is from the Wild Safari Prehistoric World range of replicas.
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented:
“There are lots of amazing exhibits at the London Natural History Museum. However, we always like to say hello to the pair of Deinonychus figures. A visit is not complete until we have spent a little time in their company.”
On the subject of a visit, take a look at the award-winning Everything Dinosaur website.
An award-winning and user-friendly dinosaur themed website: Everything Dinosaur.
Everything Dinosaur team members had the opportunity to view the five new Mojo Fun repaints for 2024 at the recent Spielwarenmesse trade fair in Germany. The repainted dinosaur models will be in stock at Everything Dinosaur soon. The five figures include the Parasaurolophus (biped and quadruped stance), the Baryonyx, Troodon and a Stegosaurus.
The five repainted Mojo Fun dinosaur models for 2024. The standing Parasaurolophus (left) and the Parasaurolophus in the quadrupedal pose (mid left). The repainted Baryonyx is at the back and the Stegosaurus repaint is also at the back (back right). A pair of Troodon repaints can be seen (right). Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Whilst there are new dinosaur models scheduled for 2025, the 2024 offering consists of five repainted figures. The Mojo Fun repaints for 2024 are listed below:
Standing Parasaurolophus.
Quadrupedal Parasaurolophus.
Stegosaurus.
Troodon with an articulated jaw.
Baryonyx with an articulated jaw.
The repainted Mojo Fun Baryonyx figure for 2024. This figure has a muted colour scheme compared to the original Mojo Fun Baryonyx. The articulated jaw has been retained. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented:
“We had the opportunity to see the new Mojo Fun repaints at the recent Spielwarenmesse in Germany. We were particularly impressed with the paint schemes. The Baryonyx and the Troodon figures are our personal favourites.”
To discover a new dinosaur species might mark the high point of a long career in palaeontology for some scientists. However, for one Oklahoma State University (OSU) student they can already put a tick in the “named a new dinosaur box” on their curriculum vitae. Kyle Atkins-Weltman (PhD student in the School of Biomedical Sciences), was studying a selection of foot and leg bone fossils of what was thought to be a juvenile Anzu wyliei. Remarkably, analysis of the fossils indicated that these bones came from a mature animal and as such they represented a new dinosaur species. Based on these findings, Kyle was able to erect a new Hell Creek theropod – Eoneophron infernalis.
Limb bones of the newly described Hell Creek Formation caenagnathid Eoneophron infernalis. Picture credit: Kyle Atkins-Weldman.
The picture (above) shows limb bones from the newly described caenagnathid. Metatarsals (left) with the right tibia (centre) and a femur (right).
Pharaoh’s Dawn Chicken from Hell
Bone histology revealed the fossils to represent a dinosaur at least six years of age when it died. These were not the bones from a juvenile A. wyliei, but from a smaller but closely related theropod species. The student named the new dinosaur Eoneophron infernalis. It translates as “Pharaoh’s dawn chicken from Hell”. Team members at UK-based Everything Dinosaur pronounce this dinosaur as ee-on-oh-fron in-fur-nal-lis.
The name honours the description of the Anzu taxon as well as the student’s late beloved pet, a Nile monitor lizard named Pharaoh.
Oklahoma State University PhD student Kyle Atkins-Weltman. Picture credit: Matt Barnard/OSU Centre for Health Sciences.
Eoneophron infernalis and Implications for Caenagnathid Diversity
Previously, only one caenagnathid (Anzu wyliei) was known from the Hell Creek Formation. It was formally named and described in 2014 (Lamanna et al). Palaeontologists were aware of smaller, fragmentary fossil bones representing caenagnathids from the Hell Creek Formation. It was unclear whether these fossils represented distinct, undescribed taxa or juvenile A. wyliei specimens. Eoneophron infernalis is estimated to have stood around one metre high at the hips and weighed approximately seventy kilograms. In contrast, Anzu wyliei was much larger, with a hip height of about 1.5 metres and weighing three hundred kilograms.
This new taxon is also distinct from other small caenagnathid material previously described from the area. Scientists postulate that there are potentially three distinct caenagnathid genera in the Hell Creek Formation. These results show that caenagnathid diversity in the Hell Creek ecosystem has probably been underestimated.
A life reconstruction of Eoneophron infernalis (left), an as yet, undescribed caenagnathid MOR 752 (bottom), and Anzu wyliei (right). Picture credit: Zubin Erik Dutta.
A Feathered Dinosaur
When asked to describe Eoneophron infernalis, Kyle highlighted how closely related to birds these dinosaurs were. He stated:
“It was a very bird-like dinosaur. It had a toothless beak and a relatively short tail. It’s hard to tell its diet because of the toothless beak. It definitely had feathers. It was covered in feathers and had wings.”
Co-author of the scientific paper and Kyle’s faculty advisor Associate Professor Eric Snively commented:
“Kyle is the first student researcher at OSU-CHS to reveal, describe and name a new dinosaur.”
When it looked like the fossils may not belong to an Anzu, Atkins-Weltman turned to caenagnathid researchers Greg Funston, PhD, a palaeontologist with the Royal Ontario Museum in Ontario, Canada, and palaeontology PhD candidate Jade Simons with the University of Toronto for their assistance.
He was also able to involve Associate Professor of Anatomy Dr Holly Woodward Ballard, an expert in bone histology.
A view of the metatarsal bones of Eoneophron infernalis. Picture credit: Kyle Atkins-Weldman.
A Thrilling Discovery
Kyle Atkins-Weltman explained that his project and published findings would not have been possible without his co-authors and those who assisted him.
He added:
“It was really thrilling. Based on the work and research I do, I never thought I would be someone to discover a new dinosaur species.”
Eoneophron infernalis life reconstruction. Picture credit: Zubin Erik Dutta.
Everything Dinosaur acknowledges the assistance of a media release from Oklahoma State University in the compilation of this article.
The scientific paper: “A new oviraptorosaur (Dinosauria: Theropoda) from the end-Maastrichtian Hell Creek Formation of North America” by Kyle L. Atkins-Weltman, D. Jade Simon, Holly N. Woodward, Gregory F. Funston and Eric Snively published in PLOS One.
Everything Dinosaur has commissioned a new drawing of Carnotaurus sastrei. The abelisaurid drawing will be used in the company’s updated Carnotaurus fact sheet. The Carnotaurus fact sheet is sent out with sales of Carnotaurus models and figures.
Everything Dinosaur has commissioned a new drawing of a Carnotaurus (C. sastrei). Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Carnotaurus sastrei
This large theropod was named and described in 1985 by José Fernando Bonaparte. Bonaparte was an extremely influential figure in the development of palaeontology in South America. He is responsible for the scientific description of numerous dinosaurs from Patagonia, and he inspired a new generation of Argentinian palaeontologists.
The Carnotaurus illustration was inspired by the CollectA Deluxe 1:40 scale Carnotaurus sastrei figure. This popular dinosaur model was introduced in 2019.
The CollectA Age of Dinosaurs 1:40 scale deluxe Carnotaurus dinosaur model.
A spokesperson for Everything Dinosaur explained that for the vast majority of models and figures that the company supplies a free fact sheet about that prehistoric animal is sent out. Hundreds of fact sheets have been researched and written.
The spokesperson added:
“We continue to add to our free fact sheet inventory. The last two new fact sheets we introduced were for the tyrannosaur Alectrosaurus and the South American theropod Megaraptor namunhuaiquii. We commission illustrations of prehistoric animals such as Carnotaurus and this drawing will be used to update the scale drawing on our Carnotaurus fact sheet.”
Everything Dinosaur team members were given the opportunity to handle the prototype for the new Papo Suchomimus dinosaur model. This new Papo dinosaur was on display at the Spielwarenmesse (Nuremberg, Germany). It is one of three new Papo dinosaur models due to be released this year (2024). The Papo Suchomimus is scheduled to be in stock in quarter 4 of 2024.
Sue Judd (Everything Dinosaur) carefully holding a prototype of the new for 2024 Papo Suchomimus. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
This new spinosaurid figure is going to be available after the Papo Corythosaurus and the Ampelosaurus models. It is likely to be available in the latter part of the year. The model at the tradeshow was not an actual production figure. It is a prototype that will assist with the painting guide required for when these models are made at scale.
A close-up view of the Papo Suchomimus dinosaur prototype model. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Everything Dinosaur
Sue Judd from Everything Dinosaur commented:
“This new Suchomimus figure is stunning! We were given the opportunity to handle all three new for 2024 Papo dinosaurs. However, this Suchomimus model is very precious as it is effectively the prototype. It really is a beautiful model, and we hope our photographs do it justice.”
The Papo Suchomimus model is scheduled to be in stock at Everything Dinosaur towards the end of 2024. We hope our photographs have whetted the appetites of Papo fans and model collectors.
Team members photographed a sauropod skin impression whilst visiting the London Natural History Museum. The specimen is part of the Patagotitan exhibition entitled “Titanosaur – Life as the Biggest Dinosaur”. Although most visitors probably overlook this fossil it is perhaps one of the most important fossil specimens on display in this part of the museum.
A detailed analysis of the skin impression provided new information on the anatomy of sauropods. A study revealed features on the skin that might explain how these dinosaurs were able to grow so big.
A sauropod skin impression (NHMUK R1868) on display as part of the London Natural History Museum Patagotitan exhibition. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Studying a Sauropod Skin Impression
This is a fossilised imprint of sauropod skin. It is specimen number NHMUK R1868. It was the first skin impression to be described in any non-avian dinosaur. The fossil, discovered in 1852 provided the first evidence that sauropods had scaly skin. The impression was formed when the skin of a carcase was pressed into soft mud. This left an impression of the skin contours imprinted on the sediment. Over millions of years the ground hardened into rock.
The fossil was discovered in Hastings along with a large forelimb. The material comes from the Hasting Beds, which are part of the Wealden Group and represent Lower Cretaceous deposits. The sauropod, possibly a basal titanosaur, has been named Haestasaurus becklesii. The skin impression is thought to have come from the forearm, the presence of smaller scales at one end of the specimen suggests that the skin impression might have come from the elbow area. The smaller scales would have permitted greater flexibility in the joint.
Sue from Everything Dinosaur poses in front of the colossal Patagotitan skeleton which is being exhibited at the Natural History Museum (London). Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
A Patagotitan dinosaur model. The long neck and tail may have helped with thermoregulation, enabling this super-sized tetrapod to lose heat efficiently.
The image above shows the recently introduced Wild Safari Prehistoric World Patagotitan dinosaur model.
A paper published in February 2022 (Pittman et al) examined NHMUK R1868 in detail using laser-simulated fluorescence (LSF). This technique reveals much more detail at the microscopic level than exposure to normal light and UV light. The researchers discovered that the skin was covered in tiny bumps (papillae). These convex bumps increased the surface area of the skin, and it was thought that they played a role in thermoregulation.
Large animals, such as sauropods need to find ways to stop their bodies overheating. The extended surface area of their long necks and tails would have helped, but the researchers speculate that these small bumps greatly increased the skin surface area, thus permitting more efficient heat exchange between their bodies and the environment.
A review of other sauropod skin fossils demonstrated that intrascale papillae were unique to and widespread across the Neosauropoda. This suggests that this trait evolved early in the Sauropoda, and it might explain why these types of dinosaurs were able to grow so big and to become giants.
The scientific paper: “Newly detected data from Haestasaurus and review of sauropod skin morphology suggests Early Jurassic origin of skin papillae” by Michael Pittman, Nathan J. Enriquez, Phil R. Bell, Thomas G. Kaye and Paul Upchurch published in Communications Biology.
