The Late Jurassic tyrannosauroid dinosaur from China Guanlong illustrated by a young fan of dinosaurs and prehistoric animals.

Our thanks to Caldey who sent into Everything Dinosaur a fabulous illustration of Guanlong wucaii inspired by the recently introduced Beasts of the Mesozoic articulated Guanlong figure.

Picture credit: Caldey

Early Members of the Tyrannosauroidea

Assigned to the Proceratosauridae within the Tyrannosauroidea superfamily, Guanlong demonstrates that the tyrannosaurs are an ancient lineage within the Theropoda. Caldey has chosen to give the pneumatised cranial crest a striking blue colour with hints of green. The jaws too have been carefully coloured blue, but this time with patches of black. This colouration contrasts with the bold black and white stripes and bright red throat patch.

It is thought that these dinosaurs used their impressive crests in displays. Perhaps to demonstrate fitness for breeding or to ward off rivals.

To view the extensive range of Beasts of the Mesozoic models and figures: Beasts of the Mesozoic Articulated Figures.

Guanlong Illustrated

A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur thanked Caldey for her excellent drawing and commented:

“Guanlong is known from two specimens, found in close proximity to each other. Its discovery helped palaeontologists to better understand the evolutionary changes in theropod dinosaurs leading to the Tyrannosauridae family. In addition, as the two Guanlong specimens represent individuals of different ages, scientists were able to learn more about how dinosaurs changed as they matured.”

The spokesperson praised Caldey’s illustration and added:

“The large, prominent crest may indeed have been brightly coloured and Caldey has carefully observed the Beasts of the Mesozoic model and produced a wonderful illustration.”

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