All about dinosaurs, fossils and prehistoric animals by Everything Dinosaur team members.
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.
At Everything Dinosaur, we are contacted by lots of people every day. We receive emails, social media messages and comments. We also receive messages via the chat software on our website. Take for example, this wonderful customer comment that came in from the website chat.
Our thanks for this succinct and well-judged customer comment. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
From the email address associated with this kind message, we think this communication came from the USA.
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur, thanked the customer for contacting the company and stated:
“We read and review all the messages that we receive. This is quite a task given that we have customers all over the world. We are contacted hundreds of times, but we do our best to respond to all those that require a reply.”
The Lyme Regis Fossil Festival (2024) is scheduled to take place over the weekend of the 8th and 9th of June. Everything Dinosaur has received an official media pack providing further details about this exciting event. A spokesperson for the UK-based mail order company also confirmed that the preceding Friday would be allocated for schools and students.
Everything Dinosaur has received the media pack for the Lyme Regis Fossil Festival 2024. This exciting event is scheduled for the weekend of 8th and 9th of June 2024. The Friday (7th June), will be reserved as a schools/students day.
The Lyme Regis Fossil Festival (2024)
The festival is organised by the Lyme Regis Museum with the support and assistance of key partners. These partners include the Charmouth Heritage Centre and the London Natural History Museum. The allocated venues are the Lister Gardens, the Jubilee Pavilion, the Marine Theatre and the Lyme Regis Museum. Aimed at families especially young children, there will be no entry fees.
Everything Dinosaur was involved in the inaugural event and has participated subsequently. Unfortunately, other commitments prevent team members from attending in 2024.
Prehistoric animal drawing fun at the Lyme Regis fossil festival. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
The photograph (above) was taken around 2016 during one of Everything Dinosaur’s visits to the festival. We provide lots of free drawing materials to mums and dads of budding young palaeontologists.
The Lyme Regis Fossil Festival is one this country’s leading palaeontological events. It brings together eminent scientists as well as top geological and palaeontological organisations. The two-day event celebrates the rich fossil heritage of the “Jurassic Coast”.
There are lots of free, family-orientated activities including shows, talks, fossil hunting walks, exhibitions and interactive displays. The organisers predict that there will be over 10,000 visitors to the Dorset town over the weekend of 8th/9th June 2024.
The new for 2020 CollectA Belemnite model. Visitors to the festival can expect to see lots of belemnites and ammonites. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
The picture (above) shows the CollectA prehistoric life belemnite model. CollectA have introduced a range of figures representing iconic animals from the fossil record.
Team members at Everything Dinosaur wish the organisers every success with their endeavours. Hopefully, the weather will behave, and it will be warm and dry over that weekend.
Everything Dinosaur intends to post up a short video providing more information on the recently announced CollectA Deluxe Dearc sgiathanach pterosaur model. The video should be on the company’s YouTube channel in a few days.
Everything Dinosaur will post up a short video review of the new for 2024 CollectA Deluxe Dearc sgiathanach pterosaur model. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
An official image of the new for 2024 rhamphorhynchid has been released by CollectA. However, Everything Dinosaur has been sent additional photographs and they have also received a model from the prototype development phase of production.
A spokesperson for the UK-based mail order company stated:
“Everything Dinosaur has announced the first of the new for 2024 CollectA prehistoric animal figures, the remarkable CollectA Deluxe 1:3 scale Dearc. You have seen an official image, possibly one or two images if you follow the Everything Dinosaur blog, but let’s go one step further and show you one of the pre-production figures.”
A close-up view of the head and jaws of the new for 2024 CollectA Dearc pterosaur model. The lines on the tip of the mandible might mark the location of the rhamphothecae, the outer surface of the mandible that was covered in a thin sheath of keratin. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
The Dearc sgiathanach Model
The CollectA Dearc sgiathanach model is scheduled to be available from Everything Dinosaur, early in 2024. It is one of the first of the new for 2024 prehistoric animal models to go into production. A spokesperson confirmed that it could be in stock as early as March (2024). The exact delivery date has yet to be determined. However, team members promise to keep collectors informed on social media.
The YouTube video providing more information on the new for 2024 CollectA Dearc sgiathanach will be posted up onto the company’s YouTube channel in a few days.
Princeton University Press has published a new book all about Mesozoic marine reptiles. Entitled “Ocean Life in the Time of Dinosaurs”. It documents the evolutionary development and radiation of a variety of amazing prehistoric creatures that dominated marine environments during the “Age of Dinosaurs”. Beautifully illustrated by Alain Bénéteau, this book, due out this month (November, 2023), dives into a fascinating period of our planet’s history.
The front cover of the new prehistoric animal book entitled “Ocean Life in the time of Dinosaurs”. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
“Ocean Life in the time of Dinosaurs”
The book is divided into seven main chapters. After an initial chapter that “sets the scene”, there follows an introduction to the different types of marine reptile. Chapter three highlights the marine reptiles that thrived during the Palaeozoic. Subsequent chapters focus on Mesozoic marine reptiles. There are individual chapters on Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous marine life.
As well as providing information on ichthyosaurs, mosasaurs and giant pliosaurs, the authors introduce some of the lesser-known Mesozoic marine reptiles. For example, the bizarre, Australian plesiosaur Umoonasaurus is described. Measuring around two metres in length, this is one of the smallest members of the Plesiosauria clade described to date. A piscivore, at home in shallow, near coastal environments, Umoonasaurus had crests over its eyes and a thin crest running along its rostrum. The purpose of these adornments is unknown.
A close-up view of the small Australian plesiosaur Umoonasaurus. It is an illustration from the book “Ocean Life in the time of Dinosaurs”. A stunning plesiosaur illustration by Alain Bénéteau.
The K-Pg extinction event is discussed, and the closing chapter examines how ocean ecosystems recovered with mammals and birds evolving to fill niches in marine food chains.
There is a helpful glossary and bibliography too.
A Collaboration Between Palaeontologists
“Ocean Life in the time of Dinosaurs” is a collaboration between four scientists. Nathalie Bardet and Alexandra Houssaye are palaeontologists and research directors at the prestigious Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle (Paris, France). Stéphane Jouve is a palaeontologist and manager of the geoscience collections at the Sorbonne University (Paris). The fourth author is Natural History Museum of London palaeontologist Peggy Vincent. It has been translated by Mark Epstein.
This excellent book also provides readers with an opportunity to learn about ocean-going reptiles alive today such as sea snakes and turtles.
Taking a few minutes break to dive into a book all about Mesozoic marine reptiles. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
The Book Details
The Book: “Ocean Life in the time of Dinosaurs”
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Published November 2023 | Price: £25.00/$29.95 USD (hardback) | Pages: 208 Over 200 colour scientific illustrations plus black and white images.
ISBN: 9780691243948
Visit the website of Princeton University Press: Princeton University Press. Search on the website for the authors or title to find the book.
Everything Dinosaur can confirm that the first of the new CollectA prehistoric animals for 2024 to be announced is the CollectA Deluxe Dearc sgiathanach. This pterosaur model will be approximately 1:3 scale and it will have an articulated lower jaw.
The new for 2024 CollectA Deluxe Dearc sgiathanach pterosaur figure in 1:3 scale. Due in stock at Everything Dinosaur in early 2024.
CollectA Deluxe Dearc sgiathanach
Dearc sgiathanach (pronounced jark ski-an-ach), is one of the largest pterosaurs described to date from Jurassic strata. The wingspan of this flying reptile may have been in excess of 2.5 metres. It was scientifically described in 2022 (Jagielska et al), and it has been assigned to the Rhamphorhynchidae family.
The Dearc sgiathanach model in anterior view. The pterosaur has an articulated lower jaw.
Model Measurements
The figure measures thirty-nine centimetres in length and it stands 15.5 cm tall. It is part of the CollectA Deluxe range of pterosaurs. This series has won praise for its depiction of a wide variety of flying reptiles, not just well-known pterosaurs such as Pteranodon, but also lesser-known genera such as Caiuajara and Caviramus.
The new for 2024 CollectA Deluxe Dearc sgiathanach is due to be in stock at Everything Dinosaur in early 2024, probably around March (2024).
A close-up view of the head of the new for 2024 CollectA Deluxe Dearc sgiathanach figure with its articulated jaw.
Isle of Skye Flag Inspires Colouration
The dentition and location of the fossil find indicate that this pterosaur was probably a piscivore. It may have had a similar position in the Middle Jurassic ecosystem as today’s extant northern Gannet (Morus bassanus). This seabird is extremely common on the Isle of Skye. The markings and colouration of this new CollectA model were also inspired by the flag of the Isle of Skye. The white circle around the eye of the model reflects a white circle that features on the island’s flag.
Dearc sgiathanach with movable jaw Deluxe in 1:3 scale.
Dearc had acute vision, the bright colours chosen for the tail and for the top of the head suggests that visual cues helped this animal communicate with others of its kind.
The recently announced PNSO Cayden the Zuul armoured dinosaur model is to be stocked by Everything Dinosaur. It is expected to arrive in quarter 4 (2023). This spectacular figure (Zuul crurivastator), is the latest addition to the PNSO mid-size model range.
The stunning new for quarter 4 2023 Cayden the Zuul (armoured dinosaur).
PNSO Cayden the Zuul
Zuul was formally named and described in 2017 (Arbour and Evans).
To read Everything Dinosaur’s blog post about the discovery of this herbivorous dinosaur: Zuul the Destroyer of Shins.
The fossil material is associated with the Judith River Formation of Montana. The fossils including a superb skull was found in strata forming the Coal Ridge Member of the Judith River Formation. Zuul lived in the Late Cretaceous (Campanian faunal stage).
The armoured dinosaur will be supplied with an A3-sized, full-colour poster and a sixty-four page, full-colour booklet.
The Zuul armoured dinosaur model is supplied with a Sci-Art poster and a 64-page, full-colour manual. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
PNSO Zuul Model Measurements
The Zuul figure is 17. 5 cm in length. It has a height of 3.8 cm. It is another in a long line of armoured dinosaur models made by PNSO, such as Stegosaurus, Ankylosaurus and Borealopelta.
The recently announced Zuul measures 17.5 cm in length and has height of just under 4 cm.
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur confirmed that the PNSO Cayden the Zuul model should be in stock before the start of the festive season (2023).
The Everything Dinosaur CollectA Deluxe Koolasuchus video review has been posted up. The video is available on the company’s YouTube channel and also on the Everything Dinosaur social media pages. It provides an overview of the figure and explains how this aquatic predator was able to survive in a polar landscape.
The Everything Dinosaur video review of the recently introduced 1:20 scale Koolasuchus model.
The video is under nine minutes in duration. It introduces the figure, and the narrator provides some information about Koolasuchus fossils and temnospondyls. Key characteristics of the CollectA 1:20 scale model are commented upon. For example, the unique skin colouration is highlighted along with the diagnostic patterns on the skull. In addition, the amazing jaw is discussed, complete with its fang-like projections.
The CollectA Deluxe (Other Prehistoric Animals) 1:20 scale Koolasuchus cleelandi model, due to be in stock at Everything Dinosaur in the middle of 2023.
Getting Feedback from Collectors
The video also provides an excellent opportunity to receive feedback from collectors. Towards the end of the review, the narrator introduces the “Question of the Day”.
What other type of prehistoric amphibian would you like CollectA to make?
Viewers are encouraged to send in their suggestions for new CollectA models.
The video is split into thirteen segments. CollectA’s manufacturing challenges are discussed, and viewers are invited to subscribe to the Everything Dinosaur channel. Evidence of a warming climate that may have led to the eventual demise of the last temnospondyls known to science is reviewed.
Video Contents 0:00 – Introducing Koolasuchus. 0:30 – CollectA Deluxe Koolasuchus. 0:54 – CollectA Products in 2023. 1:40 – Subscribe! 1:51 – The Last Temnospondyl! 2:37 – Living in a Polar Climate. 3:32 – Outcompeted by Crocodiles! 4:10 – Walking with Dinosaurs. 4:53 – Skin Colouration. 5:39 – Skull a Typical Temnospondyl! 6:12 – The Amazing Jaw! 6:54 – Question of the Day! 7:48 – In Stock at Everything Dinosaur.
Everything Dinosaur team members wish all their blog readers a happy Halloween. Today is All Hallows’ Eve, a festive event celebrating spooks, ghouls, monsters and scary skeletons. We wish all our readers and social media followers a happy Halloween.
Can you spot the prehistoric animals? Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Happy Halloween from Everything Dinosaur
It seems fitting to post up a picture or two of dinosaur skeletons. Here is an image of a Triceratops skeleton from a dinosaur excavation kit.
A Triceratops skeleton dig kit. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
The Triceratops kit allows young palaeontologists to excavate a complete miniature Triceratops skeleton. The challenge is to dig the skeleton out of the plaster block using the special digging tools. The Triceratops skeleton excavation kit is supplied with an Everything Dinosaur Triceratops fact sheet.
A cast of a Triceratops skeleton on display at the Naturmuseum Senckenberg (Natural History Museum – Frankfurt). On the left a wall mounted example of a Plateosaurus can be seen. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
A spokesperson from the UK-based mail order company, wished all their social media followers, customers and blog readers a happy and safe Halloween.
Everything Dinosaur stocks the Haolonggood Ouranosaurus dinosaur model. However, do our models have the updated manus (hand)? Do the Everything Dinosaur Haolonggood Ouranosaurus figures possess the anatomically accurate hand?
Yes, they do, and team members set about creating a short YouTube video to proof it.
Everything Dinosaur’s short YouTube video confirming that their Haolonggood Ouranosaurus figures are the updated version, with the anatomically correct manus complete with thumb spike. Video credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Video credit: Everything Dinosaur
To view the range of Haolonggood prehistoric animal models in stock at Everything Dinosaur: Haolonggood Dinosaur Models.
The Haolonggood Ouranosaurus Models
Both the green Ouranosaurus figure (WuJu) and the brown figure (WuWei) are in stock. In our short YouTube video (it is under six minutes long), we explain Ouranosaurus classification. We confirm that this dinosaur is not closely related to Iguanodon bernissartensis. Most palaeontologists classify Ouranosaurus nigeriensis as a basal hadrosauriform.
In the video, we examine the fossil evidence that led to the Haolonggood Ouranosaurus figure being changed and provided with an updated manus.
Perched on the box, displaying their thumb spikes two Haolonggood Ouranosaurus models. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
The Haolonggood Nasutoceratops dinosaur models are in stock at Everything Dinosaur. YanQing the blue/grey Nasutoceratops is available along with HuaRong the brown-coloured version. The Haolonggood range of dinosaurs includes other ceratopsians such as Pachyrhinosaurus and Pentaceratops,
A beautiful Nasutoceratops dinosaur model (Haolonggood).
Nasutoceratops (N. titusi) was formally described in 2013 (Sampson et al). It is regarded as a basal centrosaurine and dates from the late Campanian stage of the Cretaceous. It roamed what is now known as Utah around 76 to 75 million years ago.
Both the Nasutoceratops figures are supplied with Everything Dinosaur Nasutoceratops fact sheets. Each model measures 17 cm long, and that beautiful neck frill is some 7.5 cm off the ground. The scale reported for these figures are 1:35. However, with a body length estimated at under five metres, we at Everything Dinosaur would suggest a scale of around 1:27 or 1:30 might be more appropriate.
The Haolonggood Nasutoceratops dinosaur model (YanQing). Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
