As the Lunar New Year begins, we pause to celebrate renewal, hope, and partnership. This year, we proudly welcome the Year of the Horse. Across the world, families gather to share meals and exchange good wishes. Streets glow with lanterns. Fireworks light the sky. Meanwhile, homes fill with laughter and optimism for the year ahead.

The Horse symbolises energy, strength, and determination. It represents progress and resilience. Moreover, it reminds us to move forward with confidence and purpose. These qualities resonate deeply with our own journey as we developed the Everything Dinosaur Evolution range. In celebration of the Lunar New Year, we sent messages of goodwill to all our Chinese contacts.

Everything Dinosaur celebrating the Chinese New Year (Year of the Horse) with a traditional red and gold image. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Celebrating the Chinese New Year (Year of the Horse)

At Everything Dinosaur, collaboration sits at the heart of what we do. We work closely with talented partners and friends in China. Together, we support the diverse and eclectic collecting community.

Therefore, this celebration feels especially meaningful to us. It gives us an opportunity to reflect on shared achievements. It also allows us to express sincere gratitude.

Over the past year, we have worked side by side on exciting new projects. We have overcome challenges together. Furthermore, we have strengthened relationships built on trust and mutual respect. Such partnerships truly drive innovation.  For example, we launched our own range of dinosaur figures – Everything Dinosaur Evolution.

The Everything Dinosaur Evolution range is now in stock. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

To view the Everything Dinosaur Evolution range: Everything Dinosaur Evolution Models.

As the Year of the Horse begins, we wish all our Chinese colleagues, manufacturers, artists, and friends a joyful and prosperous New Year. May this year bring health, happiness, and continued success. May it also bring new opportunities and fresh inspiration.

Finally, thank you for your dedication, creativity, and hard work. We value our collaboration enormously. We look forward to another remarkable year together.

Happy Lunar New Year, and best wishes for a thriving Year of the Horse!

The multi-award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Prehistoric Animals and Dinosaur Figures.

At Everything Dinosaur, we help our customers.  We received an enquiry asking about whether small dinosaurs possessed eye spots to frighten potential predators.  An explanation was provided, we can only speculate but we tried to give an explanation of deimatic display and aposematism.  Let’s define these terms.

• Deimatic display (deimatism) – this is a defensive behaviour.  An animal suddenly reveals bold, striking patterns and colours such as eyespots.  They intimidate and startle a potential predator.  The sudden flash of a pattern or bold colour surprises the would-be attacker.
• Aposematism is another defensive strategy in which an animal uses conspicuous colours, patterns, or sounds to warn predators that it is toxic, venomous, unpalatable, or capable of defending itself. The signal is persistent reducing the likelihood of attack through predator learning rather than surprise.

The eyespots on the frill of the PNSO Torosaurus model are an example of aposematism.  These prominent patterns might deter a theropod dinosaur.

The PNSO Torosaurus 1:35 scale dinosaur model (Aubrey) shown in anterior view. The headshield eyespots and spectacular colouration of this figure are highlighted. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

To view the range of PNSO prehistoric animal models in stock: PNSO Age of Dinosaurs Models.

Deimatic Display and Aposematism

Animals use colour to survive. Two important strategies are deimatic display and aposematism. They are essentially defensive strategies. Deimatic display (deimatism) relies on surprise. An animal suddenly reveals bold colours or eyespots. This moment of shock creates a chance to escape. Many moths and butterflies use this tactic today. The bright colours, usually on the wings, stay hidden until danger appears.

Aposematism is different. It works all the time. Bright colours warn predators in advance. The signals provide information. For example, “I am not good to eat” or “I am venomous”.  These colours are honest warnings, although mimicry also exists in the natural world.

Butterflies demonstrating deimatism. Bright colours and patterns to deter predators. The flashing of their wings cause surprise and startle a potential attacker such as a bird. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“We hope our explanations are helpful.  When we consider extinct archosaurs, colouration becomes intriguing. Fossil evidence indicates some archosaurs had complex pigmentation. Some species may have used warning colours. Others may have flashed colours during threat displays. We cannot yet be certain. However, these strategies likely evolved long before modern animals appeared.”

The Everything Dinosaur website: Prehistoric Animal and Dinosaur Models.

Many reptiles around the world are seriously threatened by climate change, but unfortunately it is often difficult to predict their chances of survival. However, a new study published in “Current Biology” demonstrates how Quaternary climate change has affected Australian reptiles. This isolated continent with its unique flora and fauna is threatened by climate change. The scientists were able to plot the effect of climate change on Rankinia diemensis, a small agamid lizard endemic to New South Wales and Victoria.

This new research combines analysis of fossil material from museum collections with genetic data from museum specimens. The team were able to plot population changes over the last twenty thousand years. The collections of natural history museums are a unique resource for studying the effects of climate change on biodiversity and linking the past, present and future of endangered species.

Lead author of the study Dr Till Ramm, a scientist and former doctoral student at the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin and the Museums Victoria Research Institute in Melbourne, says the research shows that R. diemensis was probably displaced to higher altitudes by the changing climate.

Fossils reveal how climate change threatens Australian reptiles. An Australian Mountain dragon lizard (Rankinia diemensis) photographed in the Grampians National Park, Victoria. Picture credit: David Paul, Museums Victoria.

Picture credit: David Paul, Museums Victoria

The Threat to Australian Reptiles

During the last ice age, approximately twenty thousand years ago, Rankinia diemensis had a much wider distribution in south-eastern Australia. Populations on Kangaroo Island and in the limestone region surrounding the town of Naracoorte in South Australia went extinct. The remaining populations are isolated. If temperatures continue to rise, these lizards will also become extinct.

Using X-ray tomographic imaging techniques to identify tiny fossil fragments and combining this information with genomic data from recent museum specimens, the team was able to track long-term changes in the range of this species and its genetic diversity. The team conclude that populations at lower altitudes have already suffered a decline in genetic diversity, while cooler habitats at higher altitudes are also under threat due to global warming. This makes the Australian Mountain Dragon an indicator species for other reptiles inhabiting the same ecosystem.

Ectothermic animals such as reptiles cannot regulate their body temperature. As a result, they are particularly vulnerable to changes in the climate. Many Asian and Australian taxa are under threat including the largest lizard in the world – the Komodo Dragon.

Ectothermic animals such as the Komodo Dragon are threatened with climate change. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Loss of Reptile Diversity in Victoria

It is also alarming that a particularly large number of reptile species are classified as endangered in the region around the Southern Alps in Victoria. Some other species exhibit similar patterns of decline. Black-and-yellow blue-tongued skinks (Tiliqua nigrolutea), Alpine oak skinks (Cyclodomorphus praealtus) and White’s skinks (Liopholis whitii) had bigger ranges in the past. All these species are threatened by climate change.

Co-author of the paper, Professor Johannes Müller (Museum für Naturkunde Berlin) commented:

“By learning from the past, we can make more accurate predictions and decisions for the future. Our findings show how quickly climate change can affect biodiversity and why habitat protection is more important than ever today”.

This research demonstrates the value of the importance of fossil data for the development of conservation strategies.

Everything Dinosaur acknowledges the assistance of a media release from the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin in the compilation of this article.

The scientific paper: “Climate change predicts Quaternary extinctions and extant genetic diversity in a threatened Australian lizard” by Till Ramm, Emily Roycroft, Jaimi A. Gray, Christy A. Hipsley, Scott Hocknull, Johannes Müller and Jane Melville published in Current Biology.

The Everything Dinosaur website: Scientifically Accurate Prehistoric Animal Models.

Scientists have identified a new species of marsupial in Australia. Unfortunately, this Bettong species is probably already extinct. Fossils found in caves of the Nullarbor and southwest Australia led to the discovery.  The study, published in the journal “Zootaxa” involved studying specimens from several Australian museums and universities.  In addition, Bettong taxa specimens from the London Natural History Museum and the Oxford University Museum of Natural History were also examined.

Bettongia head illustration. Picture credit: Nellie Pease.

Picture credit: Nellie Pease

The research involved Curtin University, Murdoch University and the Western Australian Museum. The researchers identified a brand-new Bettong species (Bettongia haoucharae) and two subspecies of Woylie.

Assessing Bettong Taxa and the Ecological Role of these Marsupials

Bettong taxa belong to the marsupial order Diprotodontia. This order also contains the extinct giant Diprotodon, a relative of wombats and koalas. Fossils of Diprotodon remind us of Australia’s remarkable, prehistoric biodiversity.

CollectA introduced a 1:20 scale replica of a male Diprotodon last year (2024).  This prehistoric animal figure helped to inform and educate collectors about Australia’s unique fauna.

The CollectA Deluxe 1:20 scale Diprotodon model.

To view the range of CollectA Deluxe prehistoric animal models in stock: CollectA Deluxe Prehistoric Animal Models.

Woylies, also known as Bettongs, are ecosystem engineers. They dig for fungi and turn over several tonnes of soil every year. This activity helps plants germinate and promotes soil health and healthy habitats. However, these marsupials are critically endangered.

New Discoveries About Australia’s Unique Wildlife

PhD student at Curtin University and lead author of the study, Jake Newman-Martin explained that this research led to the identification of a completely new Bettong species and two subspecies of Woylie.  Sadly, some Bettong taxa may have already died out, even before we knew they existed.

The research divided the endangered Woylie into two living subspecies. This split is vital for conservation. It will guide future breeding and translocation projects designed to boost population numbers and genetic health.

Skulls of Bettong taxa from this investigation: (A) Bettongia ogilbyi sylvatica, (B) Bettongia ogilbyi odontoploica, (C) Bettongia penicillata, (D) Bettongia ogilbyi ogilbyi, (E) Bettongia haoucharae, and (F) Bettongia ogilbyi francisca. Note scale bar = 2 cm. Picture credit: Curtin University.

Picture credit: Curtin University

Fossils Provide New Clues

Co-author Dr Kenny Travouillon (Western Australian Museum) described the research methodology. The team measured skulls, teeth and bones from both Australian and UK collections. They confirmed distinct species and expanded the known diversity of these small marsupials.

The study highlights the value of examining fossils and using genetic tools. By combining these methods, scientists can unlock hidden diversity and shape conservation strategies for endangered marsupials.

The Implications for Species Conservation

The new Nullarbor species has been given the scientific name Bettongia haoucharae. Researchers plan to work with Indigenous communities to agree on an appropriate name. The word “woylie” itself comes from the Noongar language.

This research shines a spotlight on how much of Australia’s biodiversity has been lost. At the same time, it does offer hope. By identifying new species, scientists can establish more effective conservation plans.

Lead author of the study, Jake Newman-Martin, a PhD student in Curtin’s School of Molecular and Life Sciences examining the preserved remains of a specimen. Picture credit: South Australian Museum/Instagram.

Picture credit: South Australian Museum/Instagram

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“New discoveries such as this remind us how much we still do not know about extant animals.  This newly discovered marsupial reminds us that just like the Diprotodon, animals are still vulnerable to extinction.  The research reminds us of what can vanish.  Conservation programmes are vital if we are to avoid more losses.”

The Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Toys and Prehistoric Animal Models.

Everything Dinosaur acknowledges the assistance of a media release from Curtin University in the compilation of this article.

The scientific paper: “A taxonomic revision of the Bettongia penicillata (Diprotodontia: Potoroidae) species complex and description of the subfossil species Bettongia haoucharae sp. nov.” by Jake Newman-Martin, Kenny J. Travouillon, Natalie Warburton, Milo Barham and Alison J. Blyth published in Zootaxa.

Today, I spotted a Mottled grasshopper. Its scientific name is Myrmeleotettix maculatus. This insect is found throughout England from April through to October. Its patches of brown and grey provide excellent camouflage in its grassland habitat.  Remarkably, these insects have the ability to breakdown plant materials in their guts without producing greenhouse gases.  Research is currently being undertaken into whether this ability could lead to the development of new types of biofuel.

A rare but very welcome late summer visitor. A Mottled grasshopper (Myrmeleotettix maculatus). Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

The Mottled Grasshopper

Grasshopper, crickets and their relatives belong to the insect order Orthoptera.  The ancestors of modern members of this diverse and widespread order are thought to have originated in the Carboniferous.

The Mottled grasshopper thrives in dry, open habitats.  It is widespread in England and, like many insects the warm spring and hot summer have helped numbers increase.  Its markings help to camouflage it amongst dry grass. If it does get spotted by a predator the Mottled grasshopper has a powerful jump.

Grasshoppers and other types of insect such as termites are being carefully studied as they have remarkable digestive systems.  They can break down tough cellulose and lignin in their guts without producing greenhouse gases.  This area of scientific enquiry could lead to alternative biofuel sources to replace fossil fuels.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“It was a rare but welcome visitor.  Insects such as grasshoppers are more often heard than seen.  However, we were delighted to spot this Mottled grasshopper.  Its ancestors might have evolved long before grass and other angiosperms, but its ability to digest tough plants might help us to devise new biofuels. It might be small, but insects could have a big role to play in the future of our species.”

So, next time you see a Mottled grasshopper, take a moment to marvel at the amazing natural world that we often overlook.

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

Today, May the 23rd is World Turtle Day! A time to celebrate these amazing reptiles and to remember lost species such as the Pinta Island tortoise “Lonesome George”.  Turtles, tortoises and terrapins belong to the order Testudines.  These are ancient creatures with an extensive fossil record.  Their evolutionary origins and the development of the carapace and plastron has puzzled palaeontologists.

Remembering the Pinta Island Tortoise “Lonesome George”

One of these creatures that we recall is “Lonesome George”, the last Pinta Island giant tortoise.  He became a symbol of conservation efforts.  Sadly, this giant tortoise died in 2012.  Conservation efforts continue with global programmes inspired by the last of his species. His story reminds us of the importance of protecting endangered species.

Everything Dinosaur’s blog post from 2012 reflecting on the loss of “Lonesome George”: Reflecting on the Passing of “Lonesome George”.

The Rebor 1:6 scale Pinta Island tortoise “Lonesome George” in lateral view. The model measures 30 cm long and stands 20 cm high. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

The picture (above) shows a 1:6 scale model of the Pinta Island giant tortoise known as “Lonesome George”.  This beautiful model was introduced in 2023 by Rebor.

To view the Rebor range of models: Rebor Figures.

Recently, ideas about the evolution of these reptiles have been revised.  In addition, some researchers have suggested that the carapace and the plastron evolved not for protection but developed to assist with burrowing and living underground.

Turtle evolution complicated by new fossil discovery: Turtle Evolution Revised by New Study.

To read an article about the evolution of the carapace: Did the Turtle Shell Evolve to Assist with Burrowing?

World Turtle Day

Turtles, tortoises and terrapins play vital roles in our ecosystems. Sadly, many taxa are under threat with numerous species facing extinction.  World Turtle Day was first celebrated at the turn of the century.  It was created to highlight these animals and the need to protect and conserve species.  Furthermore, it provides us with an opportunity to celebrate and commemorate those dedicated conservationists that work so hard to protect habitats.

Take a moment today to appreciate tortoises, turtles and their relatives. Together, we can make a difference. Happy World Turtle Day!

The Everything Dinosaur website: Prehistoric Animal Models and Figures.

The dry weather might be proving difficult for farmers and much of the country might need rain, but the warm weather attracted an unusual visitor to the office pond.  A Broad-bodied chaser dragonfly was observed resting on foliage by the pond’s edge.  Whilst this squat dragonfly might be relatively common in England, this is the first time we have recorded this species at this location.

It was difficult to take a photograph.  The insect was not keen on the plethora of damselflies that were around the rapidly dwindling water source.  We cannot remember the water level being so low at this time of year. However, it still is a haven for wildlife attracting all sorts of insects and the occasional bird that descends for a drink or a bath.

We will continue to monitor the water levels in the pond, and we will try and top it up with rainwater, should we indeed have any rain to speak off.

A welcome visitor a Broad-bodied chaser (Libellula depressa) dragonfly resting on an old fern frond over the office pond. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Small ponds play a vital role in supporting wildlife by providing essential habitats for a variety of species. The office pond has attracted dragonflies, water beetles, pond skaters, frogs and birds. These aquatic environments serve as breeding grounds and shelter for many small animals. They foster biodiversity and enhance the local ecosystem’s health.

A Broad-bodied Chaser

The golden-brown abdomen suggests that this is either a female or an immature male. This dragonfly (Libellula depressa) is common throughout England and Wales but rarer in northern England. It can be seen from April and throughout the summer months. Dragonflies and their ancestors are ancient creatures.  Their fossil record goes back to the Carboniferous.

The ancestors of modern dragonflies evolved during the Late Carboniferous. Some of these Carboniferous insects were giants. For example, Meganeuropsis permiana known from the Early Permian had a wingspan in excess of seventy centimetres.

Rebor added a dragonfly figure as an accessory to the company’s Compsognathus model that was introduced in 2016.

Rebor Compsognathus – Sentry.  This figure, introduced in 2016 included a dragonfly model as an accessory.

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

Commenting on the dragonfly visitor, Mike from Everything Dinosaur stated:

“We do our best to encourage wildlife to the office pond.  We have planted many more flowers to attract insects.  In addition, we have planted more cover close to the pond to provide hiding places and shelter for small animals.”

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

The frogspawn season is underway.  It is pleasing to note that there are lots of Common frogs (Rana temporaria) in the office pond.  We have counted six batches of frogspawn as of yesterday afternoon.  At least two pairs are in amplexus. Amplexus describes a form of mating behaviour exhibited by some animals that externally fertilise eggs. It is common in amphibians. The male straddles the female and grasps her with his front legs. The male Common frog develops pads on its forelimbs which help to secure the male to the female. The male has to hold on tight as numerous other males will try and dislodge them.  A pair of frogs can remain in amplexus for several hours.

Several frogs (Rana temporaria) in the office pond. Six batches of frogspawn have been laid to date. At least two pairs are in amplexus, so perhaps more eggs will be laid over the next 24-hours or so. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Team members from Everything Dinosaur wanted to take some photographs.  However, they did not want to disturb the frogs.

Mike commented:

“We found a pair of frogs in amplexus close to the pond.  We carefully moved them and placed them in the water.  We have tried to keep out of the way and not disturb the frogs.  Hopefully, we will have more frogspawn soon. However, I doubt whether we will end up with as many batches as we did last year.  In 2024, we recorded thirteen batches of frogspawn.”

The Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Models and Toys.

Frogspawn spotted in the Everything Dinosaur office pond. After numerous cold nights, the frogs (Rana temporaria) have begun to spawn.  The first three batches of frogspawn were spotted this morning (7th March).  Last year, (2024) the first observation of frogspawn in the office pond occurred on the 18th of February.  This was the earliest date that it had been recorded since we began gathering this information.  We have noticed a marked trend in frogs spawning earlier.  However, the cold nights with freezing temperatures delayed spawning this year.

Frogspawn in the office pond spotted on the morning of the 7th of March. The cold weather had delayed spawning this year. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

For the article on the earliest frogspawn recorded: Frogspawn Discovered in the Office Pond.

Frogspawn Spotted

At least ten frogs have been counted.  If you look carefully at the picture above, you might be able to see a frog in the lower half of the picture.  We took great care not to disturb the animals as we photographed the frogspawn.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“We had been worried.  Some work undertaken in the area last summer could have disturbed the frogs.  However, it is pleasing to see frogspawn once again in the office pond.  Ponds like this one are a haven for wildlife and we do what we can to help nature.”

He explained that as part of the work undertaken last year Everything Dinosaur has arranged to plant some insect-friendly plants close to the pond.

Mike stated:

“We wanted to do more to attract honeybees and other important insects.  Some of these plants have begun flowering and their nectar has already attracted numerous honey and bumble bees.”

By this time last year, more than a dozen batches of frogspawn had been recorded.  The frogs have some catching up to do.

The award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Toys.

Newly published research led by scientists at the University of Bristol has shed light on the remarkable evolution of the jaws of snakes and lizards.  These animals are part of the order Squamata which in turn, is part of the Superorder Lepidosauria. The Lepidosauria includes the Squamata and also the Rhynchocephalia. The Rhynchocephalia is today, only represented by one living species the Tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus). However, the fossil record demonstrates that the Rhynchocephalia were once extremely widespread and diverse.

The study focused on the evolution of remarkably varied jaw shapes within the Lepidosauria which drove their extraordinary success.  For example, the snakes and lizards represent the most diverse and speciose of all tetrapods.  Around twelve thousand species have been described.

A team of evolutionary biologists led the research, and it provides a new understanding of the intricate factors influencing the evolution of lower jaw morphology in the lepidosaurs.  The paper has been published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B.

An image of an anole (a species of “false chameleon”) crushing a snail with its jaws. Picture credit: Professor Anthony Herrel (co-author in the study).

Picture credit: Anthony Herrel (co-author of the study)

To read a related blog post about the discovery of a remarkable fossil in Germany that highlights the evolutionary links between the Squamata and the Rhynchocephalia: Tiny Fossil Sheds Light on Reptile Evolution.

The Jaw Shape of Snakes and Lizards

The scientists discovered that jaw shape evolution in lepidosaurs is influenced by a complex interplay of factors beyond ecology, including phylogeny (evolutionary relatedness) and allometry (the scaling of shape with size). The study demonstrated that at least in terms of jaw shape, snakes are outliers. Snakes exhibit a unique jaw morphology.  This is most likely due to their highly flexible skulls and their ability swallow prey many times larger than the width of their head.

Corresponding author for the study, Dr Antonio Ballell Mayoral (School of Earth Sciences at the University of Bristol), commented:

“Interestingly, we found that jaw shape evolves particularly fast in ecologically specialised groups, such as in burrowing and aquatic species, and in herbivorous lizards, suggesting that evolutionary innovation in the lower jaw was key to achieve these unique ecologies. Our study shows how lizards and snakes evolved their disparate jaw shapes which adapted to their wide range of ecologies, diets, and habitats, driving their extraordinary diversity.”

Diagram showing rates of evolution of lower jaw shape across the ‘family tree’ of lepidosaurs. Picture credit: Dr Antonio Ballell Mayoral and colleagues.

Picture credit: Dr Antonio Ballell Mayoral and colleagues

The Lower Jaw is a Key Element in Ecological Adaptation

This research work underlines the critical role of morphological innovation in promoting the diversification of extremely biodiverse groups like the lepidosaurs.  The lower jaw is a vital component of the vertebrate feeding apparatus, the researchers conclude it is a key element in driving ecological experimentation and adaptation.

As for any future research, the scientists would like to examine the morphology of the entire lepidosaur skull.

Dr Ballell Mayoral explained:

“Lower jaws are important, but they work together with the jaw closing muscles to support essential functions like feeding and defence. We are exploring the relationship between skull shape and the arrangement of the jaw closing musculature through evolution, and how it has impacted the diversification of feeding mechanics and habits.”

Everything Dinosaur acknowledges the assistance of a media release from the University of Bristol in the compilation of this article.

The scientific paper: “Ecological drivers of jaw morphological evolution in lepidosaurs” by Antonio Ballell, Hugo Dutel, Matteo Fabbri, Elizabeth Martin-Silverstone, Aleksandra Kersley, Chrissy L. Hammond, Anthony Herrel and Emily J. Rayfield published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B.

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