Mike | Everything Dinosaur Blog

About Mike

Mike runs Everything Dinosaur, a UK-based mail order company specialising in the sale of dinosaur and prehistoric animal models, He works alongside Sue, and between them they have become the "go to guys" for museum quality prehistoric animal models and figures. An avid fossil collector and reader of dinosaur books, Mike researchers and writes articles about palaeontology, fossil discoveries, research and of course, dinosaur and prehistoric animal models.

30 12, 2024

Favourite and Most Popular Blogs of 2024 (Part 1)

By Mike|2024-12-31T22:44:11+00:00December 30th, 2024|Categories: Main Page|0 Comments

As we approach the end of the year, it is time to reflect on some of the articles featured on the Everything Dinosaur blog. We thought it would be interesting to review some of our blog posts. After all, we try and post every day and as a result, we have produced over three hundred and sixty articles.

Here is part one, covering January to June (2024).

January and February 2024

Everything Dinosaur won (once again) the coveted Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award for outstanding customer service. We examined giant, predatory worms of the Cambrian (Timoresbestia koprii) and Kuehneosaurs were confirmed in the Late Triassic of southwestern England.

An artist’s impression of a gliding reptile Kuehneosaurus. Picture credit: Mike Cawthorne.

Picture credit: Mike Cawthorne

Our favourite article was published on January the 11th. A new species of Tyrannosaurus (T. mcraeensis) was announced.

To read the blog post about the new Tyrannosaurus species: A New Tyrannosaurus Species.

In February, we looked into the remarkable history of fossil holes, dinosaur locomotion and we recorded the earliest ever frogspawn being found in the office pond (February 18th). In addition, we wrote about a new species of Jurassic pterosaur from Scotland (Ceoptera evansae). However, our favourite story from February 2024 concerned the discovery of a new Hell Creek theropod. Eoneophron was discovered by Oklahoma State University student Kyle Atkins-Weltman when studying dinosaur limb bones.

Limb bones of the newly described Hell Creek Formation caenagnathid Eoneophron infernalis. Picture credit: Kyle Atkins-Weldman.

Picture credit: Kyle Atkins-Weldman

March and April and the Everything Dinosaur Blog

March saw us examining the oldest forest known to science as well as ancient amphibians and new insights into Spinosaurus. 2024 marks the two hundredth anniversary of the formal, scientific description of a prehistoric animal that was later to be classified as a dinosaur. Megalosaurus was named and described in 1824. This dinosaur featured in a set of new stamps introduced by Royal Mail. There were stamps celebrating the life and works of Mary Anning in circulation too.

Our favourite article discussed a new species of iguanodontian from Western Portugal (Hesperonyx martinhotomasorum). A co-author of the paper Miguel Moreno-Azanza was photographed with a titanosaur egg fossil and one of our favourite CollectA models. A CollectA Ampelosaurus figure featuring in a news story about a new dinosaur discovery. How exciting!

Hesperonyx martinhotomasorum paper co-author Miguel Moreno-Azanza, from Zaragoza University

Miguel Moreno-Azanza, from Zaragoza University, co-author of the Hesperonyx scientific paper with a titanosaur egg fossil and an Ampelosaurus model. Picture credit: Universidade NOVA de Lisboa

Picture credit: Universidade NOVA de Lisboa.

As March saw lots of new dinosaur models from Schleich, PNSO and Haolonggood being introduced it seemed fitting to include a dinosaur model in a news story.

To view the range of CollectA Prehistoric Life models in stock: CollectA Not to Scale Prehistoric Life Models.

The International Union of Geological Sciences voted to reject the Anthropocene Epoch as a unit of geological time in April. Furthermore, we looked at old dinosaur drawings and several new dinosaur models. The highlight for us was the publishing of the scientific paper describing Ichthyotitan severnensis. This Late Triassic ichthyosaur could have been as big as a blue whale.

Everything Dinosaur’s Ichthyotitan article: Ichthyotitan – A Colossus of the Late Triassic.

May and June (2024)

In May, we once again featured a wide range of news stories. For example, we reported upon the evolutionary history of the Baobab tree, Glaswegian shrimp fossils and examined how artificial intelligence could up write pages on the Everything Dinosaur website. In addition, we wrote an article that challenged the findings from a paper that proposed that T. rex could have been as clever as a primate.

Scientific paper challenged: Famous Dinosaur Not as Clever as a Monkey.

The Eofauna T. rex dinosaur model introduced in May 2024. In addition, a scientific paper published that month refuted claims that T. rex was as clever as a primate. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

June was a busy month for blog posts. We looked at new models from Haolonggood, Nanmu Studio and Beasts of the Mesozoic. In addition, a new Unenlagiine taxon was described from Patagonia (Diuqin lechiguanae). Carboniferous arachnids were examined, and we celebrated 170 years of the Crystal Palace dinosaurs.

Our favourite blog post for June 2024 featured a new taxon of horned dinosaur. The spectacular Lokiceratops was scientifically described.

Lokiceratops rangiformis life reconstruction by Andrey Atuchin.

Reconstruction of Lokiceratops surprised by a crocodilian in the 78-million-year-old swamps of northern Montana, USA. Picture credit: Andrey Atuchin for the Museum of Evolution in Maribo, Denmark.

Picture credit: Andrey Atuchin

The Everything Dinosaur Blog Review for 2024 (Part 1)

This concludes our review of the blog for the first part of 2024 (January to June). The second part of this series will conclude by looking at the articles we posted between July and the end of the year.

Visit the award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Toys.

29 12, 2024

An Exclusive Update on Safari Ltd Model Retirements (2025)

By Mike|2024-12-31T15:19:10+00:00December 29th, 2024|Categories: Wild Safari Prehistoric World|0 Comments

Everything Dinosaur can provide an update on Safari Ltd model retirements for 2025. Several dinosaurs and prehistoric animal models are being retired from the Wild Safari Prehistoric World model range. In addition, the Przewalski’s horse model from the Safari Ltd “Winners Circle” series is also going. Collectors can expect retirements from the “Great Dinos” range too. Furthermore, the two armoured dinosaur figures in the “Mythical Realms” range are being retired.

Ten of the Safari Ltd models due to be retired in 2025. Seven Wild Safari Prehistoric World models are due to be withdrawn. The two “Mythical Realms” armoured dinosaurs are now retired along with the Przewalski’s horse figure from the “Winners Circle Horses” series. Collectors can expect other Safari Ltd figures including some from the “Great Dinos” range to be retired. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Announcing Safari Ltd Model Retirements (2025)

Mike from Everything Dinosaur confirmed that the company had been informed about these retirements. He explained that sometimes figures get retired to make way for new models and to ease production congestion at the factory. Everything Dinosaur still stocks an extensive range of Safari Ltd models. For example, the company recently received the new Therizinosaurus figure. Moreover, the new Saltasaurus arrived recently too.

Wild Safari Prehistoric World models (Saltasaurus and Therizinosaurus).

Sue from Everything Dinosaur (left) holding the new Wild Safari Prehistoric World Saltasaurus model. Mike is holding the new Wild Safari Prehistoric World Therizinosaurus (right). Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

To view the range of Safari Ltd figures in stock at Everything Dinosaur: Safari Ltd. Wild Safari Prehistoric World.

Listing the Retired Models

Here is a list of the models stocked by Everything Dinosaur that are being retired by Safari Ltd. We have included the factory model number to assist collectors.

Daeodon (product code 100082) first introduced in 2018.
Anzu wyliei (product code 100151) introduced in 2018.
Baryonyx (product code 100573) the most recently introduced dinosaur figure to be retired (2021).
Archaeopteryx (product code 302829) introduced in 2015.
Microraptor (product code 304129) first introduced in 2017.
Iguanodon (product code 305429) introduced in 2016.
Woolly Mammoth calf (product code 280029).
The armoured T. rex figure (100712) in the “Mythical Realms” series first introduced in 2021.
The armoured Triceratops (100733) in the “Mythical Realms” series introduced in 2021.
From the “Winner Circle” series the Przewalski’s horse model (153505) which was introduced in 2018.

With luck, we will be able to get more stock of these figures from the factory. There could be some unsold inventory remaining at the factory. However, collectors are urged to purchase these figures promptly to avoid missing out. Hopefully, this information about Safari Ltd model retirements will help collectors and dinosaur fans.

Visit the Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Models and Toys.

28 12, 2024

Beautiful Dinosaur Wrapping Paper

By Mike|2024-12-27T06:19:44+00:00December 28th, 2024|Categories: Dinosaur Fans|0 Comments

Earlier this week, we posted up some photographs of dinosaur wrapping paper. Today, we highlight some more festive wrapping paper with a prehistoric animal theme. Such colourful and delightful packaging material. It is gift wrap with a Gorgosaurus and other dinosaurs in a “roarsome” display.

Some roarsome dinosaur wrapping paper providing seasonal cheer. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Amongst the many fir trees, a flock of dinosaurs are delivering their presents and parcels. It is certainly some very festive prehistoric animal themed wrapping paper.

To view our previous blog post highlighting prehistoric animal wrapping paper: Prehistoric Animal Themed Wrapping Paper.

Dinosaur Wrapping Paper

Dinosaur fans young and old will love this dinosaur wrapping paper. Our thanks to the customer who sent us a present which was wrapped in this delightful gift wrap. We love the design and the bright red background colour. The paper is so festive and cheerful.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“To receive a gift from a customer was lovely. To receive a gift presented to us in this beautiful prehistoric animal wrapping paper made it extra special. Our thanks to the customer for their thoughtful present.”

Visit the award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Toys and Models.

27 12, 2024

New Research Suggests Saurophaganax is Not a Valid Taxon

By Mike|2024-12-27T21:08:11+00:00December 27th, 2024|Categories: Palaeontological articles|0 Comments

A recently published scientific paper has challenged the validity of the theropod taxon Saurophaganax maximus. The researchers conclude that S. maximus should be classified as nomen dubium and a new taxon of Allosaurus is proposed – Allosaurus anax. In Latin, nomen dubium translates as “doubtful name”. Essentially, this means that the Saurophaganax genus is not supported anymore.

A scale drawing of the giant allosaurid Saurophaganax maximus. Size estimates vary but fossils of this dinosaur could represent an individual animal between 12 and 14 metres long. The Saurophaganax genus is regarded as nomen dubium. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Sorting Saurophaganax maximus

In 1995, palaeontologist Daniel Chure erected the genus Saurophaganax (S. maximus) to describe an extremely large allosaurid dinosaur that had been excavated from the Kenton 1 Quarry in Cimarron County (Oklahoma) back in the 1930s. Unfortunately, the dig site was not that well supervised and mapped when the bones were originally excavated and removed. Several dinosaur taxa were present, and this may have led to confusion between what was defined as theropod and what was thought to be sauropod fossil bone.

In his research, Chure proposed that a dorsal neural arch (OMNH 1123) be declared the holotype specimen for Saurophaganax maximus. This theropod was much larger than Allosaurus fragilis and rivalled the giant megalosauroid Torvosaurus tanneri for the title of the biggest meat-eating dinosaur described to date from the Morrison Formation. Indeed, the Kenton 1 Quarry fossils were thought to represent one of the largest theropods known from the Jurassic of North America. Perhaps these fossils could be from one of the largest, Jurassic carnivorous dinosaurs that ever lived!

This new study proposes that the holotype (OMNH 1123), does not belong to a theropod. The dorsal neural arch is reminiscent of that of a juvenile sauropod. Other referred material such as chevrons and the atlas can’t be assigned to the Theropoda with certainty. Since fossil material cannot be assigned to Saurophaganax, this taxon is considered not valid (nomen dubium).

Saurophaganax has a Chequered History

This dinosaur was named as Saurophagus maximus in 1941. It was later revised to Saurophaganax maximus when it was pointed out that the genus name was already used to describe an extant bird. Numerous unique characteristics were identified in the fossil material which had led to the establishment of a new dinosaur taxon. For example, the postorbital bone in the skull lacking a postorbital boss and the atlas not having any facets for a proatlas. However, the 2024 re-evaluation shows that some of the elements originally used to distinguish Saurophaganax from Allosaurus are more parsimoniously referred to diplodocid sauropods found in the same quarry rather than an allosaurid.

This latest analysis eliminates many of the previously reported traits that distinguished the Kenton 1 Quarry allosaurid from Allosaurus. The research team does not consider a distinct genus is warranted. Despite the similarity of the decisively theropod material to known species of Allosaurus, some elements feature subtle traits and characteristics that suggest they represent a distinct Allosaurus species. Therefore, the researchers conclude that S. maximus be classified as a nomen dubium and a new taxon of Allosaurus is proposed – Allosaurus anax.

The Rebor Saurophaganax maximus model has proved to be popular with collectors. However, a recently published scientific paper questions the validity of this taxon. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

The picture (above) shows one of the Rebor Saurophaganax replicas that were introduced in 2022.

To view the range of Rebor figures and models in stock: Rebor Figures and Models.

In summary, palaeontologists historically considered this taxon to represent a species of Allosaurus or a very large allosaurid. However, a re-examination of the attributed specimens suggests that it is a chimera of multiple dinosaur genera. Some specimens likely belong to a diplodocid sauropod, while others could be reassigned to a new species of Allosaurus (A. anax).

The scientific paper: “Chimerism of specimens referred to Saurophaganax maximus reveals a new species of Allosaurus (Dinosauria, Theropoda)” by Andy D. Danison, Mathew J. Wedel, Daniel E. Barta, Holly N. Woodward, Holley M. Flora, Andrew H. Lee, and Eric Snively published in Vertebrate Anatomy Morphology and Palaeontology.

The Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Toys and Models.

26 12, 2024

Wonderful, Colourful and Creative Prehistoric Animal Wrapping Paper

By Mike|2024-12-26T18:00:11+00:00December 26th, 2024|Categories: Dinosaur Fans|0 Comments

Today, we wanted to show you some of the amazing prehistoric animal wrapping paper that we have been given. It has been used to wrap all sorts of gifts and we admire the use of dinosaurs and pterosaurs in the colourful designs. Each sheet is extremely bright and engaging. Children will love unwrapping presents wrapped in this fun paper. We certainly did!

Colourful prehistoric animal wrapping paper featuring sauropods, stegosaurs, ceratopsids, theropods and pterosaurs. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Prehistoric Animal Wrapping Paper

The design is certainly creative. The orange Triceratops and the cute Stegosaurus complete with booties and a Santa hat. Our congratulations to the talented and imaginative design team. Several dinosaurs including a sauropod seem to be riding on skateboards. Whereas the pterosaur has festive lights on its wings. Moreover, it is carrying a parcel in its beak.

Dinosaur wrapping paper featuring a green theropod dinosaur.

A festive theropod carrying a decorative tree and riding a skateboard. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

The photograph (above) shows a close-up view of a green theropod dinosaur riding a skateboard. The meat-eating dinosaur has a festive tree strapped to its back and it is wearing a Santa hat.

Such delightful and wonderful dinosaur and prehistoric animal themed wrapping paper.

The Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Toys.

25 12, 2024

Happy Holidays from Everything Dinosaur

By Mike|2024-12-25T06:16:35+00:00December 25th, 2024|Categories: Dinosaur Fans|0 Comments

The big day is here! As the holiday season is upon us, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all our incredible customers and dedicated fans. Your support has made this year truly special, and we are grateful to have you as part of our prehistoric animal model collecting community. Everything Dinosaur would like to wish everyone a happy holiday!

Mike and Sue from Everything Dinosaur wishes everyone a happy holiday at this festive time of year. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Can you spot the Everything Dinosaur “e” hidden in the image (above)?

Wishing you a joyous holiday season filled with warmth, happiness, and a little prehistoric magic! We look forward to sharing more adventures with you in the coming year.

Thank you for being part of our journey! There is more to come… Everything Dinosaur is evolving…

Warmest wishes,
Mike & Sue

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

24 12, 2024

A Seasonal, Festive Triceratops Card Makes us Smile

By Mike|2024-12-24T14:21:18+00:00December 24th, 2024|Categories: Dinosaur Fans|0 Comments

Our thanks to Caldey who sent into Everything Dinosaur a beautiful and carefully crafted festive Triceratops card which made team members smile. At Everything Dinosaur, we have been extremely busy preparing and packing orders for customers. It is nice to know our efforts are appreciated and thank you Caldey for sending us this wonderful festive card. We think it features one of the recently introduced Haolonggood Triceratops models. We loved the way in which the Triceratops has managed to end up with a present stuck on its brow horn.

A festive Triceratops card featuring a punctured present.

The festive Triceratops card features the horned dinosaur wearing some tinsel around its neck. Unfortunately, in this dinosaur’s excitement it seems to have ended up with a present stuck onto one of its impressive brow horns. Picture credit: Caldey.

Picture credit: Caldey

A Festive Triceratops Card

Our congratulations to the young artist. It is such a clever design and such a thoughtful gift. It made our day.

Sue from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“Thank you, Caldey, for sending the festive Triceratops card to Everything Dinosaur! Your thoughtfulness brightened our day, and we truly appreciate your kindness and creativity.”

A lovely, personalised message in the festive Triceratops card with an illustration of a theropod skull and footprint too. Picture credit: Caldey.

Picture credit: Caldey

The inside of the card contains a seasonal message. In addition, Caldey has included a three-toed dinosaur footprint and a drawing of a skull of a theropod dinosaur.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur added:

“We have been extremely busy in the build up to the holiday season. This kind gesture made us smile. We appreciate all the seasonal gifts, cards, and messages we’ve received from our wonderful customers.”

Our very best wishes to all our customers at this time of year.

The Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Models.

23 12, 2024

Decorating a Delightful Diprotodon Model

By Mike|2024-12-24T18:57:20+00:00December 23rd, 2024|Categories: CollectA Deluxe Prehistoric Animal Models|0 Comments

Team members have put up some festive decorations. Some of our prehistoric animal models have joined in as well. A CollectA Deluxe Diprotodon model has been decorated with tinsel. A golden touch as we prepare for the holidays. After all, not everyone gets to decorate a giant marsupial!

A festive giant marsupial figure! A CollectA Deluxe Diprotodon model decorated with tinsel. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Decorating a Diprotodon Model

The CollectA Deluxe Diprotodon figure is in 1:20 scale. It was introduced earlier this year (2024). We created a brief video review of this marvellous, male marsupial figure.

To read the reviews and to watch the CollectA Deluxe Diprotodon figure video: The CollectA 1:20 Scale Diprotodon Figure is Reviewed.

It has proved to be a popular figure amongst collectors and fans of prehistoric animal models.

Diprotodon fossils are widespread in Australia. Scientists know that this giant mammal (the biggest marsupial known to science), was present across almost the whole of Australia by the end of the Pleistocene Epoch.

An extinct giant. The fossil skeleton of Diprotodon the largest marsupial known to science. This specimen is on display at the London Natural History Museum. It has not been decorated with tinsel. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

To view the range of CollectA scale models available from Everything Dinosaur: CollectA Deluxe Prehistoric Life Scale Models.

CollectA Marsupial Models (Extinct Animals)

CollectA have created an extensive range of scale prehistoric animal models. This range contains many scale models of prehistoric mammals. However, the Diprotodon figure is the first prehistoric marsupial model to be featured. Although, the company has produced a replica of a Thylacine, this figure does not have a declared scale.

The CollectA Thylacine model. CollectA introduced a model of a female Thylacine, complete with a juvenile in her pouch in 2016.

The CollectA Thylacine is a poignant reminder of an animal that only recently became extinct.

To view the range of not-to-scale CollectA figures in stock: CollectA Prehistoric Life Figures.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“In between preparing and packing customer orders, we have put up some cards and festive decorations. We have also brought in some seasonal treats such as mince pies. Just the thing to keep us going as we prepare for the holidays.”

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

22 12, 2024

Providing Helpful 14+ Safety Information for Customers

By Mike|2024-12-23T15:45:13+00:00December 22nd, 2024|Categories: Everything Dinosaur News and Updates|0 Comments

Everything Dinosaur team members have been busy translating 14+ product safety information into different languages. These translations are part of our on-going commitment to assist our customers overseas. In addition, under the recently introduced General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR), we understand that it is a role of the manufacturer to ensure that all safety information is in a language that the consumer can read. In the case of the European Union there are twenty-four official languages.

As an importer, it is our role to ensure all safety information is in the correct language. If the manufacturer does not do this, then, we as the importer can provide the translations and put them into any parcels that we despatch to our customers in those countries covered by GPSR.

Consumers affected by this new regulation are those that reside in countries in the European Union (EU) and Northern Ireland. In addition, the three countries in the European Economic Area (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) are also included.

Helpful 14+ Product Safety Information Translated

A large number of the prehistoric animal figures that we supply have a 14+ age restriction. To assist our customers, we have provided a translation of an appropriate safety warning concerning these models in the twenty-four official languages of the European Union.

The phrase we have translated is:

“Warning! Detailed scale model intended for collectors age 14 years and above. May contain small pieces, sharp edges and points. 14+ (A display piece, not a dinosaur toy).

General Product Safety Regulation translating safety information into 24 European languages.

As part of Everything Dinosaur’s compliance with the EU General Product Safety Regulation 2033/988 safety information has to be translated into the twenty-four official languages of the European Union. This table deals with English, Bulgarian and eleven other languages. Table credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Table credit: Everything Dinosaur

The table (above) shows the translation of the phrase associated with prehistoric animal replicas that have a 14+ age recommendation that Everything Dinosaur includes inside the parcel for customers located in the areas within the scope of GPSR. This information is included within parcels sent to customers in the European Union, the European Economic Area and Northern Ireland. The table shows the original English text proposed by Everything Dinosaur as the importer and its translation into twelve other languages.

General Product Safety Regulation translating safety information into 24 European languages (part 2).

Translating the safety information associated with a product that is designated 14+ so as to comply with the EU General Product Safety Regulation 2023/988. Table credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Table credit: Everything Dinosaur

The table (above) shows the translation in the other eleven official languages of the EU.

Everything Dinosaur Providing Translations

A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur explained that many manufacturers based outside the European Union were unfamiliar with the new regulation. As an importer, Everything Dinosaur works closely with factories and manufacturers. The company provides assistance and support and does what it can to help with compliance.

The spokesperson added:

“We have translated standard 14+ product safety information into the twenty-four official languages of the European Union. This information will be included in the parcels we despatch to customers in the EU, the EEA as well as Northern Ireland.”

For further information and advice with regards to product safety associated with the items available on the Everything Dinosaur website: Email Everything Dinosaur.

The award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Prehistoric Animal Models and Figures.

21 12, 2024

A Unique Jaekelopterus rhenaniae Illustration

By Mike|2024-12-26T17:03:16+00:00December 21st, 2024|Categories: CollectA Deluxe Prehistoric Animal Models|0 Comments

A Jaekelopterus rhenaniae illustration has been commissioned by team members at Everything Dinosaur. This drawing will be used in a sea scorpion fact sheet. The fact sheet will be sent out with sales of the new CollectA Deluxe Jaekelopterus figure. This eurypterid model is due into stock in the spring of 2025 or thereabouts.

The Jaekelopterus rhenaniae illustration commissioned by Everything Dinosaur for use in the company’s sea scorpion fact sheet. This fact sheet will be sent out free with sales of the CollectA Deluxe Jaekelopterus model. Picture credit: Mike Fredericks.

Picture credit: Mike Fredericks

Jaekelopterus rhenaniae

J. rhenaniae is the largest known eurypterid described to date. It is also possibly the largest arthropod to have ever lived. The size of this enormous invertebrate has been calculated based on a fossilised partial chelicera (pincer) from the Early Devonian Emsian Klerf Formation (western Germany).

The fossilised pincer measures over thirty-six centimetres in length. If complete, palaeontologists have estimated that this appendage would have been over forty-five centimetres long. Based on a body length to chelicera ratio found in other pterygotid sea scorpions, scientists have estimated that Jaekelopterus rhenaniae was over two and a half metres long.

To read Everything Dinosaur’s blog post from 2007 describing the discovery of this giant eurypterid: Claws! A Giant Sea Scorpion Fossil.

It was probably an apex predator. It probably fed on other invertebrates as well as primitive fish. The CollectA Deluxe 1:20 scale Jaekelopterus model is supplied with a small figure of a jawless fish that the giant sea scorpion has captured.

The new for 2025 CollectA Deluxe Jaekelopterus figure complete with a pteraspidid fish victim.

The fish prey represents a generic jawless agnathan. It is probably based on a group of prehistoric fish called a pteraspidid.

To view the range of CollectA Deluxe figures in stock at Everything Dinosaur: CollectA Deluxe Prehistoric Animal Models.

To read Everything Dinosaur’s review of this new CollectA figure and to view a short video about this model: Exclusive CollectA Deluxe Jaekelopterus Images and Video Review.

The CollectA Deluxe Jaekelopterus figure is estimated to be around sixteen centimetres in length. At this size it would fit with an approximate scale of 1:20.

Commenting Upon the Jaekelopterus rhenaniae Illustration

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“We chose to commission a lateral view of the Jaekelopterus figure. This gives us the opportunity to add a human figure next to the model. The addition of this human figure will instantly provide a scale and give viewers an immediate impression as to the size of this giant invertebrate.”

Visit the user-friendly Everything Dinosaur website: Prehistoric Animal Toys and Models.