Our thanks to Caldey who sent into Everything Dinosaur a wonderful Achillobator giganticus drawing.  Caldey is a big fan of the Beasts of the Mesozoic/Cyberzoic series.  To show her appreciation she sent into us her latest dromaeosaurid drawing. Our congratulations to you Caldey, it is a carefully composed and beautifully observed composition.

An Achillobator dinosaur drawing by Caldey.

A fabulous illustration of the dromaeosaurid Achillobator by Caldey. The drawing shows a tremendous amount of detail, even individual feathers on the tail have been highlighted. Congratulations! Picture credit: Caldey.

Picture credit: Caldey

An Achillobator giganticus Drawing

Caldey has captured the movement of this lithe, but robust dromaeosaurid dinosaur. Achillobator is estimated to have reached a length of around five metres. It roamed the arid landscape of Late Cretaceous Mongolia. It was not as agile as smaller dinosaurs, but it was still capable of rapid movements. The long tail, most likely covered in plumage, helped this animal balance as it turned. It has been speculated that Achillobator was a pack hunter, and that this dromaeosaur specialised in hunting prey larger than itself.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“It is a dynamic drawing!  The dromaeosaur is depicted with its head raised and its large jaws open.  It could be pursuing prey or perhaps squabbling with another pack member.  I really like Caldey’s illustration, even individual feathers have been picked out.  It is a fantastic illustration of a dinosaur.”

Inspired by the Beasts of the Mesozoic Range

The artwork and figures in the Beasts of the Mesozoic model range have inspired several artists.  Team members have received lots of dinosaur drawings.  The beautiful package art for the Achillobator model (pictured below) was created by Brennan Stokkermans.  These are extremely realistic depictions of dromaeosaurids.

Beasts of the Mesozoic Achillobator and the Utahraptor figure.

Superb product packaging! The new Beasts of the Mesozoic Utahraptor model (top). The product packaging for the Achillobator giganticus figure is shown underneath. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

To view the range of Beasts of the Mesozoic/Cyberzoic figures: Beasts of the Mesozoic Models.

Mike continued his praise for Caldey’s illustration commenting:

“Preserved tissue traces on the femur and tibia indicate that Achillobator had powerful legs. In addition, analysis of the pelvis and hip area suggests that this dinosaur was adapted for leaping. Although not as manoeuvrable as smaller dromaeosaurs, despite its size Achillobator was probably extremely agile.  Caldey’s drawing highlights the agility of this carnivorous dinosaur.”

The award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Toys and Models.