A quick nostalgic dive into the past. One of my favourite prehistoric animals from childhood was the giant temnospondyl Eryops megacephalus. Its fossils are known from the Texas Red Beds from the Lonestar state. With its wide, robust body and huge head, it sparked my imagination and curiosity. Of the many pictures of prehistoric animals in my childhood books, Eryops stood out. It resembles a cross between a crocodile and a frog.
This may not be the most accurate reconstruction of this Permian predator. For example, the head looks a little too small to me. In addition, the hind limbs were perhaps more robust. However, having five toes on each hind foot, that is accurate.
A book from my childhood showing a life reconstruction of Eryops megacephalus. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Eryops megacephalus Illustrated
The Eryops illustration comes from a book entitled “Dinosaurs”. It was part of the Ladybird series. The illustration is one of several that provide a preamble explaining life in the Palaeozoic before the Dinosauria are introduced.
The Ladybird book of dinosaurs. One of the first dinosaur books owned by a team member. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Just like the Eryops illustration, many of the dinosaur drawings are now outdated. Moreover, much of the information featured in this book is now inaccurate. However, these books were extremely popular and helped fuel a lifelong passion for science and learning about the past.
To read an earlier post featuring this Ladybird book: Dinosaur Books from Childhood.
An exhibit featuring a reconstruction of the skeleton of the giant Permian temnospondyl Eryops. This skeleton cast is on display at the London Natural History Museum. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
I suppose Eryops will always be one of my favourite prehistoric animals.
The award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Toys.
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