Our thanks to Caldey who sent into Everything Dinosaur photographs of two of her dinosaur models outdoors.  These dinosaur figures are enjoying the sunshine.  One of the figures, the CollectA Deluxe Ruyangosaurus dinosaur model is feeding on a conifer.  The photographer has carefully considered the composition.  The camera is looking down at the figure to enable most of the model to be included in the shot.   The contrast between the areas in direct sunlight and the areas in shade add depth and interest.  The sauropods head is shaded by the fir, indicating that it is feeding on the tree canopy. The body far below is sunlit.

A CollectA Deluxe Ruyangosaurus dinosaur model photographed outside in the sunshine. Picture credit: Caldey.

Picture credit: Caldey

The CollectA Deluxe Ruyangosaurus Model

The CollectA Ruyangosaurus model has a declared scale of 1:100.  It was introduced into the CollectA Deluxe range in 2023.

To view the range of CollectA Deluxe figures in stock: CollectA Deluxe Models.

Ruyangosaurus (R. giganteus) was formally named and described in 2009 (Lü et al). It roamed eastern China in the Early Cretaceous. Size estimates vary, but this sauropod could have measured in excess of thirty metres in length. It is one of the largest Cretaceous dinosaurs known from Asia.

Photographing Armoured Dinosaurs

The second photograph we received features a Haolonggood armoured dinosaur. The figure has been carefully placed amongst some succulents.  It looks as if this herbivorous dinosaur is feeding on the plants.

Haolonggood armoured dinosaur model grazing on some plants. Can you name the genus? Picture credit: Caldey.

Picture credit: Caldey

The photographer has captured the vibrancy and detail of the figure. Photographing this dinosaur model in the warm sunshine brings it life and the colours of the model are brought into perspective. The garden has been turned into a person’s very own “Jurassic Park”, a prehistoric wonderland filled with imagination and creativity.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur congratulated Caldey on her choice of model and composition selection.

He added:

“Our thanks to Caldey for emailing these wonderful images to us.  Some dinosaurs feeding in the spring sunshine.  Seeing these photographs made our day.”

Everything Dinosaur team members have received 5-star feedback from a customer in America who received their dinosaur figure quickly.  For dinosaur model fans and collectors in the USA things might be a little uncertain at the moment.  There are so many problems with the tariffs and the on-going trade war between the USA and China.  However, Everything Dinosaur team members are doing all they can to help their valued American customers.  The situation is extremely fluid, but Mike and Sue are doing their best to help where they can.

Their efforts are reflected in the fantastic feedback the company receives.  For instance, here is an example of wonderful feedback recently received from a customer based in the USA.

Despite the difficulties with international trade at the moment Everything Dinosaur continues to receive 5-star feedback from customers overseas.

Picture credit: Feefo

Dinosaur Figure Feedback

We are delighted to receive wonderful feedback from our customers in the USA. Recently, one customer praised Everything Dinosaur for our quick delivery and excellent packaging. This kind of recognition means a great deal to us. It highlights that our hard work is paying off. Moreover, it encourages us to keep improving our services.

When customers appreciate our efforts, it keeps us motivated. We strive to deliver not only great products but also an exceptional customer experience. Thank you to all our customers for your support! We remain committed to helping all our customers, especially those in the USA who might be concerned with regards to current events.

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

Everything Dinosaur will be attending DinoCon UK. This weekend event takes place at Exeter University on the 16th and 17th of August. It’s going to be Dinotastic!  We have been proud to have supported TetZooCon in the past and now palaeontologists Dr Darren Naish and Dr Nathan Barling are organising the UK’s largest dinosaur and palaeontology-themed convention.  What a fantastic idea – bringing together real science education with family-friendly entertainment.  This is a sauropod-sized event that is going have dinosaur fans young and old roaring with excitement.

The DinoCon banner. The artwork for this colourful banner was created by palaeontologist Dr Natalia Jagielska. Picture credit: DinoCon media pack.

Picture credit: DinoCon media pack

DinoCon UK

The University of Exeter campus will host DinoCon 2025 and Sue and Mike from Everything Dinosaur will be attending.

Organiser Dr Darren Naish commented:

“There’s nothing else like DinoCon in the UK, so prepare yourself for what’s surely going to be the biggest and best dinosaur-themed event that’s ever happened here. Talks, quizzes, stalls, events, book signings, toys and models, and more!”

The UK’s first DinoCon event will be held at the University of Exeter. Picture credit: DinoCon media pack.

Picture credit: DinoCon media pack

Visit the DinoCon website to learn more about this amazing event: DinoCon.

Amazing Speakers and Presentations

Convention-goers can get to mix with the great and the good of the Earth sciences and related disciplines.  A fantastic line up of speakers has been announced.  For example, Guest of Honour is David Krentz! David is a two times Emmy Award winning artist with an extensive film and television portfolio. His passion is dinosaurs, and he has designed, directed, storyboarded and consulted on numerous dinosaur-themed projects such as “Primal”, “Dinosaur Revolution”, and “Prehistoric Planet”.

The incredibly talented Jay Balamurgan will also be attending. Jay is an assistant producer for science TV, a palaeoartist, and a science communicator. She will be hosting a talk about her work on the latest “Walking with Dinosaurs” series. Scottish artist and regular Everything Dinosaur customer David James Armsby will be hosting a talk about his animated series Dinosauria at DinoCon. This beautiful animation has amassed over 1 million subscribers on YouTube.

More speaker announcements will be made soon.  Conference goers can engage with industry leaders, famous palaeoartists and attend lectures from real scientists about the latest research.

Everything Dinosaur will be attending so you can pick up dinosaur models and figures too.

Conference goers can expect to hear from leading scientists and presenters. Picture credit: DinoCon media pack.

Picture credit: DinoCon media pack

Dinosaur Drawing Workshops

World-famous palaeoartist John Conway will be hosting a series of special workshops focusing on drawing dinosaurs.  Children and adults will be catered for in the packed programme.  Everyone can learn how to draw dinosaurs.

Co-organiser Dr Nathan Barling, a palaeontologist and a research associate at the University of Exeter explained:

“We’ve worked really hard to bring DinoCon into fruition. We think it’ll capture the imagination of everyone who attends and we’ve made sure that there’s a bit of everything for all ages and expertise. All of our talks and panels present the most up-to-date science and we’re running dinosaur-themed activities for both children and adults.”

For example, attending DinoCon 2025 will be the renowned fossil preparator Hillary McLean.  If you ever wanted to know how to find a Triceratops or prepare a tyrannosaur for scientific study, then make sure to catch Hillary’s presentation.

Professor Stephen Hesselbo, Professor of Geology at Exeter University added:

“Palaeontology is an excellent gateway science for all of Earth Sciences. Supporting events like DinoCon 2025 help support the future of our field.”

Talks and panels include guests from major dino-media projects, like the BBC’s “Walking With Dinosaurs” and the TV series “Primal”, among many others. The convention is also running a series of separate academic research lectures, presenting the latest science from researchers.  The convention offers a variety of interesting activities for even the most serious dinosaur fanatic.

DinoCon 2025 will provide a series of panel discussions. There will be activities aimed at families as well as the series dinosaur enthusiast. Picture credit: DinoCon media pack.

Picture credit: DinoCon media pack

Accompanying this will be a costume competition, charity auction, and evening pub quiz.  Plus, the opportunity to mingle with the movers and shakers in the dinosaur model industry.

Following on from TetZooCon

DinoCon follows the highly successful specialist TetZooCon, which ran for over a decade annually in central London. Now re-branded for a more focused event, DinoCon’s team brings the seasoned expertise of experienced convention runners with a fresh new style to the convention scene.  Everything Dinosaur supported TetZooCon and are delighted to be involved in DinoCon.

Sue from Everything Dinosaur said:

“TetZooCon has evolved!  DinoCon 2025 is going to be an amazing experience.  Everything Dinosaur is delighted to support this event.  This is a wonderful idea, a fantastic way to enthuse and encourage the next generation of palaeontologists.  There will be plenty of activities aimed at dedicated dinosaur fans too.  They might even get the chance to pick up a prehistoric animal model or two from our stand. We are looking forward to attending over the weekend of the 16th and 17th of August. It’s going to be dinotastic!”

Mike and Sue from Everything Dinosaur will be attending DinoCon 2025. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

To enquire about Everything Dinosaur’s involvement at DinoCon 2025: Contact Everything Dinosaur.

DinoCon UK Details

• Weekend event taking place on the August 16th and 17th.
• Venue – the University of Exeter.
• Website: www.DinoCon.co.uk
• Email: [email protected]

Tickets are available now (April 2025).

Recently, Everything Dinosaur produced a blog article about the discovery of a fragmentary fossil dinosaur limb bone in Morocco.  The fossil (specimen number USMBA 001), is the head of a left femur (thigh bone). The fossil measures approximately five centimetres in length. It might not be very big, but its discovery has big implications for those palaeontologists studying the Ornithischia (bird-hipped dinosaurs).  Researchers have posited that this fossil represents the world’s oldest described remains of a cerapodan dinosaur.  Following our blog post about this discovery, we received an enquiry asking what is a cerapodan dinosaur?  The Cerapoda defined by Everything Dinosaur team members in response to a customer query.

To read our earlier blog post about USMBA 001: World’s Oldest Cerapodan Fossil Described.

The Cerapoda Defined

Whilst the taxonomy of many bird-hipped dinosaurs remains unresolved, most palaeontologists agree that within the huge and diverse Ornithischia, there are a number of groups (clades) that can be defined. Within the Ornithischia, there are two major sub-divisions, the armoured dinosaurs (Thyreophora) and the Neornithischia.

If we focus on the Neornithischia we can further divided these dinosaurs into sub-groups. One sub-group, more accurately termed a clade, consists of highly derived bird-hipped dinosaurs. This is the Cerapoda.

This clade comprises two branches:

• Ornithopoda – iguanodontians and their relatives along with the hadrosaurs (Ankylopollexia).

CollectA 1:40 scale Iguanodon model. An illustration of a member of the clade Cerapoda as we explore this clade and provide a definition – the Cerapoda defined.

The picture (above) shows a model of an Iguanodon (Iguanodon bernissartensis). It is an iconic member of the Ornithopoda.  The model comes from the CollectA Deluxe range of scale prehistoric animal models.

To view this range: CollectA Deluxe Prehistoric Animal Figures.

• Marginocephalia – the horned dinosaurs and their relatives (ceratopsids) and the bone-headed dinosaurs (pachycephalosaurs).

An iconic member of the Marginocephalia.  A replica of Triceratops (T. horridus).  This is the Haolonggood Triceratops model.

The picture (above) shows a replica of perhaps one of the most famous dinosaurs of all.  This is Triceratops, a ceratopsian dinosaur and a member of the Marginocephalia.

This is the Haolonggood Qin Ming Triceratops figure. To view the range of Haolonggood models: Haolonggood Prehistoric Animal Figures.

Our Definition

The Cerapoda is a clade within the ornithischian (bird-hipped dinosaurs). It consists of two distinct two subgroups the Ornithopoda and the Marginocephalia. It is an extremely diverse clade with the ornithopods including iconic dinosaurs such as Hypsilophodon, Iguanodon and the duck-billed dinosaurs along with their close relatives. In turn, the Marginocephalia comprises the horned dinosaurs (Ceratopsia) and the pachycephalosaurs.

We hope this answers our customer’s enquiry. At Everything Dinosaur, we try our best to respond to every question that we receive.

The Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Figures and Models.

A happy St Patrick’s Day! Legend has it that all the snakes were driven out of Ireland by St Patrick, but what about the dinosaurs in Ireland? Today, March 17th, is the day we celebrate Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. It is a day to wear green and to carry a shamrock. One of the myths that has emerged is that St Patrick banished snakes from Ireland. This might be a metaphor as some pagans used the snake as a symbol and St Patrick helped to introduce Christianity to the Emerald Isle.

We at Everything Dinosaur wish all our Irish customers a happy St Patricks Day.

What About Fossils of Dinosaurs in Ireland?

With so many limestone exposures on the island of Ireland there are plenty of places to find invertebrate fossils.  However, as far as we at Everything Dinosaur are aware, only two fossils of dinosaurs have been found on the island.  These specimens were found in Jurassic aged rocks exposed on the coast of County Antrim (Northern Ireland).

To read more about this fossil discovery: First Dinosaur Fossils from the Island of Ireland.

These two specimens represent two different dinosaurs.  One fragmentary bone probably represents an ornithischian dinosaur, perhaps an armoured dinosaur.  The second specimen, also fragmentary, has been assigned to the Theropoda.  It was certainly not a member of the Tyrannosauridae family.  Notwithstanding this, we used artificial intelligence (AI) to create an image for us.  We wanted a dinosaur celebrating St Patrick’s Day.  The image generated certainly fits the brief provided.  However, theropods like Tyrannosaurus rex never roamed Ireland.

Happy St Patrick’s Day (March 17th). Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur (image generated in Canva).

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur (image generated in Canva)

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

Not Many Dinosaurs but Megaloceros Aplenty

There might not be many dinosaur fossils. However, there are plenty of other, albeit much later vertebrates associated with this location. For example, large numbers of Megaloceros (M. giganteus) fossils have been found in Ireland. So many in fact, that this extinct deer is often referred to as the Irish elk. Ironically, Megaloceros was not confined to Ireland. Its fossils are found all over Europe and northern Asia. In addition, it was not closely related to the extant elk.

The term seems to have become popular from the 1800s onwards due to the large number of exceptionally well-preserved specimens found in lake sediments and peat bogs in Ireland. Many of these “Irish elk” specimens can still be seen in museums all over the world today.

A Megaloceros skeleton on display in the National Museum of Scotland (Edinburgh). Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Famed for its enormous antlers, Megaloceros exhibits are often found in prominent and busy locations in museums.  Their fossils certainly make an eye-catching display.  Model collectors have a rather limited choice when it comes to replicas of Megaloceros.  However, in 2020 Papo introduced a Megaloceros replica.  Team members at Everything Dinosaur had the opportunity to view a prototype, and the production figure is most impressive.

The beautifully painted Papo Megaloceros model. This figure was introduced in 2020. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

To view the Papo prehistoric animal model range: Papo Prehistoric Animal Models.

There might not be many dinosaurs in Ireland, but we can still celebrate the island’s rich culture and fossil heritage.

One of the most frequent questions we get asked is: how can I acquire rare dinosaur models?  For some collectors it is not enough to purchase the latest releases.  They are looking for retired and rare models too. Figures that they remember from their childhood.  Prehistoric animal toys that were once cherished.  Sometimes the collector sets out to obtain an entire retired range.  For example, we still get some enquiries about the Carnegie Collection.  Incidentally, this range of figures was retired a decade ago.

The rare and long ago retired Safari Ltd Carnegie Collection Acrocanthosaurus dinosaur model. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

The retirement of the Carnegie range of prehistoric animal models: The End of the Line for the Carnegie Collectibles Range.

Rare Dinosaur Models

Acquiring rare dinosaur models can be an exciting extension to their hobby for collectors.  Unfortunately, we have heard many stories about collectors being let down.  For example, the advertised figure does not turn out to be as expected.  It is not in pristine condition, it lacks the original product tags or packaging.  Worse still, it turns out to be a copy of the cherished figure and not an original.

Here are our top tips when it comes to sourcing rare figures:

1. Start by finding a reliable supplier.  A specialist in museum-quality collectibles.  Look for retailers with genuine customer reviews and a solid reputation in the model collecting community.
2. Having identified such a supplier, reach out to them.  Contact them directly.  A reliable and trustworthy supplier should welcome your enquiry. In addition, they should be able to demonstrate considerable product knowledge.  This two-way contact can help provide valuable information about the quality and availability of figures.
3. Ask for photographs.  Trusted companies should be happy to send out additional images.  For example, at Everything Dinosaur we often photograph individual models and email these images to the potential buyer.
4. Make sure that any prices are clear and unambiguous.  There can be hidden costs, especially if purchasing from overseas.  Extra charges can occur due to customs, tariffs or additional costs for postage.  A transparent pricing structure helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures you know exactly what you’re paying for.

By following these steps, you can build a collection of rare prehistoric animal figures that will impress any enthusiast. Happy collecting!

Contact Everything Dinosaur: Email Everything Dinosaur.

Visit the retired or rare section of the Everything Dinosaur website: Retired or Rare Prehistoric Animal Figures.

Everything Dinosaur has received excellent Feefo customer feedback from a dinosaur fan from Australia. Our customer service scores top marks “Down Under”.  Everything Dinosaur is a UK-based mail order company.  We specialise in the sale and supply of museum quality prehistoric animal models.  The company has thousands of customers all over the world.  Moreover, Mike and Sue who run Everything Dinosaur have a fantastic reputation for customer service.  For example, the company has received seventy customer reviews from Feefo this month.  Everything Dinosaur consistently gets rated “5-stars” for customer service.

Here is a typical review from one of our numerous customers in Australia.

“Professional, swift and efficient” genuine Feefo customer feedback from a customer in Australia. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

The customer from Australia responded to a Feefo email requesting feedback on a recent purchase.  Everything Dinosaur has many customers “Down Under”.  The feedback is typical, it reflects the view of our customers overseas.

The customer described our service as:

“Professional, swift and efficient.”

View the award-winning and highly rated Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Models and Dinosaur Toys.

Feefo Customer Feedback

Feefo is one of the world’s largest buyer review platforms. The Feefo platform helps businesses to collect genuine, verified reviews from customers. Everything Dinosaur has received thousands of 5-star customer reviews. The company has won many awards for its customer service. For example, the business was recently awarded Feefo’s Platinum Trusted Service Award for 2025.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur explained that input from customers was essential.

He added:

“We welcome feedback from customers.  Views, comments, suggestions and feedback are greatly appreciated.  It’s great to have this two-way dialogue with our global customer base.”

Everything Dinosaur has been awarded the prestigious Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award for 2025. Picture credit: Feefo.

Picture credit: Feefo

To see the independent customer reviews collected by Feefo about Everything Dinosaur: Feefo Customer Reviews About Everything Dinosaur.

Team members at Everything Dinosaur comment upon dinosaurs and Valentine’s Day as we celebrate this special day in the calendar.  This date is associated with chocolates and flowers.  It might seem a world away from the Dinosauria, but we can find some fascinating connections.

For example, a few years ago Everything Dinosaur commissioned a colourful heart-themed logo for use in its range of children’s T-shirts.  Dinosaurs are certainly very popular with many children.

I love dinosaurs! Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

To view the range of dinosaur-themed clothing stocked: Dinosaur Themed Clothing.

Dinosaurs and Valentine’s Day

Palaeontologists have implied nurturing behaviour in dinosaurs by interpreting the fossil record.  For example, evidence of communal nesting has been found.  In addition, it is thought that many dinosaurs cared for their offspring as demonstrated by the amazing fossils found at the “Egg Mountain” nesting site associated with the hadrosaur Maiasaura (M. peeblesorum).

Dinosaur hatchlings! Maternal behaviour has been suggested for some dinosaur taxa. As it is Valentine’s Day, we remember receiving this model as a gift after providing some information on the Late Cretaceous hadrosaurid Maiasaura (M. peeblesorum) to a customer. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Dinosaur Courtship Displays

Dinosaurs probably indulged in elaborate courtship displays, just like their avian relatives. Dinosaur courtship displays likely involved complicated behaviours such as dynamic movements and intricate vocalisations.

For example, in early 2016, we wrote about some recently published research that may have provided an insight into dinosaur display behaviour. Could scrapes in the ground represent preserved dinosaur courtship displays?

To read our article: Dance of the Dinosaurs.

Pterosaurs probably indulged in complex social displays too.  Our thanks to Caldey who sent into Everything Dinosaur an illustration of a bonded pair of azhdarchid pterosaurs.  The illustration was inspired by the television series Prehistoric Planet II.  It is a great picture, and fitting considering today is Valentine’s day.

Two Hatzegopteryx pterosaurs illustrated. The drawing inspired by a scene from the recently aired Prehistoric Planet II. Picture credit: Caldey.

Picture credit: Caldey

We have to use our imaginations when it comes to depicting the courtship behaviours of long extinct animals.  It is likely that some of the courtship displays of the Dinosauria would have been spectacular.  A couple of lovesick forty tonne sauropods with only eyes for each other.  Or ritual combat between two ceratopsians as they battled over mating rights. If only we could travel back in time to observe these behaviours.

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

Our thanks to prehistoric animal model collector Carl who sent into Everything Dinosaur some photographs of his Haolonggood sauropods.  These huge dinosaurs are displayed with several ornithischian figures including the Haolonggood Maiasaura and Edmontosaurus models.  The foliage for these herbivores to feed on are two cycad trees from the CollectA range of figures.

It is certainly a most impressive collection.

A procession of prehistoric animal figures. What a fabulous collection! The two CollectA cycad tree models provide something for the sauropods to browse. Picture credit: Carl.

Picture credit: Carl

Superb Haolonggood Sauropods

The range of Haolonggood dinosaur models has expanded to include a range of Jurassic and Cretaceous sauropods.  However, the company has yet to make a Triassic sauropodomorph or indeed an example of a basal sauropod such as Vulcanodon, Shunosaurus or Cetiosaurus.  There is already a wide variety to choose from.  There are giants such as Mamenchisaurus and Apatosaurus was well as representations of smaller sauropods such as Amargasaurus and Dicraeosaurus.

To view the range of Haolonggood sauropods and other prehistoric animal figures available: Haolonggood Dinosaur Models.

Displaying the various 1:35 scale figures together really helps to give an insight into the size differences between different sauropods.  In addition, it puts the size of some duck-billed dinosaurs into perspective too.

Haolonggood sauropods and other prehistoric animal models on display. On thanks to model collector Carl for sending into Everything Dinosaur his photographs. Picture credit: Carl.

Picture credit: Carl

Commenting on the display shelf, Mike from Everything Dinosaur stated:

“What an incredible display!  This dinosaur model collector is highlighting the enormous variety of sauropod figures.  The whole shelf is a tribute to these majestic animals and the intricate details of the models.”

Thank you Carl, for sending these wonderful photographs.

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

A unique and imaginative tyrannosaur hybrid was spotted at a trade show. “B-rex” is a cross between a bee and Tyrannosaurus rex.  The unusual theropod was on display at the London Toy Fair.  It is certainly one of the most unusual dinosaur models that we have come across.

An imaginative interpretation of a theropod dinosaur a “B-rex” a cross between a bee and a tyrannosaur. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

“B-rex”

Bees are insects (Insecta). They belong to the order Hymenoptera. The ancestors of bees are thought to have evolved in the Early Triassic, shortly before the first dinosaurs evolved. Social members of this order are thought to have first appeared during the Cretaceous. Insect fossils are extremely rare. However, it is thought that with the rise of the flowering plants, bees evolved and became numerous in the Late Cretaceous.

Therefore, it is likely that bees and Tyrannosaurus rex co-existed. Although, we suspect they rarely interacted.  It is extremely unlikely that any evidence demonstrating interactions will be found in the fossil record.

The “B-rex” is a most intriguing figure.  The black and yellow stripes on the body, the delicate wings on the back and the two antennae on the head.  This model is a tribute to the designer’s active imagination.

For more accurate Tyrannosaurus rex models and other figures: Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal Models.