Megalosaurus was scientifically described way back in 1824 (Buckland), over the last 197 years, this dinosaur has had a number of makeovers. The lizard-like quadruped as depicted in the world-famous Crystal Palace dinosaur sculptures may be long gone, but its appearance is still debated. For example, did theropod dinosaurs have lips? The new CollectA Age of Dinosaurs Popular Megalosaurus model provides collectors with a very modern interpretation of “Big Lizard”, lips are included along with a plume of bristles beginning at the back of the hips and running about a quarter of the tail’s length.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

CollectA Age of Dinosaurs Popular Megalosaurus

Part of the extensive CollectA Age of Dinosaurs Popular range, this new for 2021 Megalosaurus replica replaces an early CollectA Megalosaurus that was first introduced around eleven years ago. The “kangaroo posture” has gone, the hands are not pronated and the feet have been correctly proportioned.

The model is more scientifically accurate and it has been posed “mouth shut” a more natural pose than the previous figure with its large, open jaws revealing a set of beautiful but unrealistic white teeth.

Iconic Dinosaur

A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“We think William Buckland, Richard Owen and indeed Robert Plot who first published a description of a Megalosaurus fossil bone back in 1676, would be most impressed with this figure. They probably would not recognise this interpretation. It reflects how far our understanding of the Dinosauria has changed.”

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

The Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Models and Toys.

That Knowing Expression

The design team at CollectA have given their new Megalosaurus model lips. This is in line with some of the latest scientific thinking. As a result, our Megalosaurus in ambush has an intriguing expression on its carefully painted face. It’s as if it knows something we don’t!

Team members at Everything Dinosaur have nicknamed this dinosaur model “Mona Lisa Megalosaurus” – our tribute to the enigmatic look on this little figure.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Skilfully Painted

Measuring around 16 cm in length, this is a skilfully painted model. The obvious counter shading on the previous model has gone, being replaced with more muted and subtle tones. The dark spots and stripes on the body and on the anterior portion of the muzzle contrast nicely with the underlying tan colouration.

The new CollectA Megalosaurus dinosaur model has been given a short row of bristles, a nod perhaps to megalosaur fossil material from Germany that reputedly showed evidence of an integumentary covering: Megalosaurs join the “Tufty” club.

To view the CollectA Age of Dinosaurs Popular Megalosaurus and the rest of the figures in the CollectA Prehistoric Life range: CollectA Prehistoric Life Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Animal Models.