Mathison Museum of Natural History

[bmathison1972]

Species: Cordulegaster boltonii (Donovan, 1807)
Common name(s): golden-ringed dragonfly; common goldenring

About the Figure:
Manufacturer: Bullyland
Series/Collection: Large Insects and Spiders
Year of Production: 1994
Size/Scale: Wingspan approx. 13.5 cm for a scale of 1.3:1.
Frequency of species in toy/figure form (at time of posting): Rare
Miscellaneous Notes: Bullyland was also use this sculpt to represent an emperor, although I am not sure what year it was released.

About the Animal:
Geographic distribution: Europe and northwestern Africa
Habitat: Rivers, creeks, mountain streams; foraging occurs over heathland, moorland, fields
Diet: Flying insects
IUCN Status (at time of posting): Least Concern
Miscellaneous Notes: A large and striking species, it is second only to the emperor (Anax imperator) with regards to size in Europe.



Clue for tomorrow's species:
Only males of this deep diver possess a pair of exposed teeth protruding through their rostrum.

[NSD Bashe]

Perhaps it could be a walrus

[JimoAi]

 Blainsville beaked whale!

[bmathison1972]

You got it @JimoAi

Next up:

Species: Mesoplodon densirostris (de Blainville, 1817)
Common name(s): Blainville's beaked whale; dense-beaked whale

About the Figure:
Manufacturer: CollectA
Series/Collection: Sealife
Year of Production: 2016
Size/Scale: Body length approx. 16.5 cm for a scale of 1:26.7 for a mature male
Frequency of species in toy/figure form (at time of posting): Very rare
Miscellaneous Notes: In 2023 CollectA produced this species as a miniature for one of their Mini Sealife tube collections.

About the Animal:
Geographic distribution: Nearly worldwide in tropical, subtropical and temperate oceans
Habitat: Pelagic; at depths of 0-2,014 meters
Diet: Small fish, cephalopods
IUCN Status (at time of posting): Least Concern
Miscellaneous Notes: Mesoplodon densirostris is sexually dimorphic and only adult males have a pair of teeth protruding through their skin from the lower gums. In females and juveniles, the teeth remain hidden beneath gum tissue. In mature males, these teeth often become encrusted with barnacles. The function of the teeth is not completely understood, but that they occur only in adult males suggests it serves a function in fighting rival males for females or feeding or breeding sites. However, one study suggested that the teeth are too brittle to be effective for fighting and that they may play a role in echolocation or as ballast.



Clue for tomorrow's species:
This horned herculean is endemic to the Bolivian Yungas.

[bmathison1972]

Species: Dynastes satanas Moser, 1909
Common name(s): Satanas beetle

About the Figure:
Manufacturer: DeAgostini
Series/Collection: World Insect Data Book
Year of Production: unknown
Size/Scale: Body length (incl. pronotal horn) approx. 8.5 cm, within scale 1:1
Frequency of species in toy/figure form (at time of posting): Rare
Miscellaneous Notes: This is the second time we've seen D. satanas in the Museum. The DeAgostini insects are believed to have been cast from actual specimens and are therefore all in the 1:1 range. The figures were sold as premiums with books and come in a plastic display box with their Latin and Japanese names. I am not sure what year the figures were released, and it is possible they were released over multiple years. The original set from Japan consisted of 60 species (59 male Scarabaeoidea and one dragonfly), plus four 'secret' figures representing females of select scarab males. When the set was released in Italy, three of the standard set were replaced with other species, including a leaf insect. Between the two releases and secrets, I think there are 67 figures total representing 63 species. The figures are secured to the base of the box with a small screw, but can be safely removed if one choses to display them outside of the box.

About the Animal:
Geographic distribution: Bolivia
Habitat: Montane rainforest
Diet: Larvae feed in dead tree trunks; adults feed on sap, nectar, and overripe fruit
IUCN Status (at time of posting): Not Evaluated (CITES Appendix II listed)
Miscellaneous Notes: Dynastes satanas is endemic to the Bolivian Yungas in La Paz and Cochabamba Provinces. Its scarcity in nature has made it popular with collectors and breeders. Because of its restricted distribution and habitat destruction, it is currently listed under CITES Appendix II.



Clue for tomorrow's species:
This benthic brute is armed with a specialized appendage that it can 'punch' at a force of over 80 kph, the fastest of any known animal. In captivity, they have been known to shatter aquarium glass!

[sbell]

Mantis shrimp time!

But which one...the Yowies, Yujin or AAA?

Or one of the ones I've only seen on AliExpress!?

[bmathison1972]

None of those particular brands @sbell  (but the correct animal, of course)

Next up:

Species: Odontodactylus scyllarus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Common name(s): peacock mantis shrimp

About the Figure:
Manufacturer: My Favorite Animals
Series/Collection: unknown
Year of Production: 2015
Size/Scale: Body length approx. 8.0 cm, within scale 1:1 or 1:2.3 for a maximum-sized specimen.
Frequency of species in toy/figure form (at time of posting): Very rare
Miscellaneous Notes: This is the second time we've seen O. scyllarus in the Museum. The mantis shrimp is made of resin and is permanently affixed to its base with a metal rod.

About the Animal:
Geographic distribution: Indo-West Pacific
Habitat: Coral reefs; at depths of 0-100 meters (usually 10-30 meters)
Diet: Benthic invertebrates
IUCN Status (at time of posting): Not Evaluated
Miscellaneous Notes: Odontodactylus scyllarus hunts by 'smashing', using a specialized appendage (dactyl club) to break open the shells or exoskeletons of their prey. It can punch its dactyl club at a force of over 80 kph. In captivity has been known to break aquarium glass by striking its dactyl club against the glass.



Clue for tomorrow's species:
The cuddly companion was originally bred in France, possibly since as early as the mid 1600s, for meat and its silvery pelt.

[sbell]

I didn't even think of My Favorite! Mostly because they're obscure and hard to get (I have the paddlefish!)

[bmathison1972]

Species: Oryctolagus cuniculus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Common name(s): Argenté rabbit

About the Figure:
Manufacturer: Toymany
Series/Collection: Rabbit Figurines Playset
Year of Production: 2024
Size/Scale: Body length approx. 5.5 cm for a scale of 1:6 (see below)
Frequency of breed in toy/figure form (at time of posting): Presumably unique
Miscellaneous Notes: The British Rabbit Council recognizes six varieties of Argenté; this figure is based on the Argenté de Champagne. I had a difficult time finding metrics for this breed. The scale above is based on its body length, which is challenging to interpret due to the animal's posture.

About the Animal:
Geographic distribution: Breed originated in France (see below). Today it is bred primarily in Europe, the United States, and Australia.
Habitat: Farmland, domestic settings
Diet: Hay (esp. timothy hay), fresh vegetables, leafy greens, commercial pellets
IUCN Status (at time of posting): Domesticated
Miscellaneous Notes: The Argenté is one of the oldest breeds of French show rabbits. The precise location and approximate time period of its origin are unknown, but it likely originated in the Champagne region in the early 1600s. It was originally bred for meat and its fur, but today it is a popular pet breed due to its docile and affectionate nature.



Clue for tomorrow's species:
This chitinous critter is very popular in Japanese culture, and appears in cartoons, commercials, card games, and is commonly bred in terraria.

[Isidro]

And I guess is the most commonly made insect species in figurine form... of course the vast majority of them representing males...

[bmathison1972]

You got it @Isidro (you didn't mention the animal's name, but I know what you meant  )

Next up:

Species: Allomyrina dichotoma (Linnaeus, 1771)
Common name(s): Japanese rhinoceros beetle; kabutomushi

About the Figure:
Manufacturer: Bandai
Series/Collection: Diversity of Life on Earth - Mini Insects Vol. 1
Year of Production: 2022
Size/Scale: Body length (incl. horn) of both figures approx. 6.3 cm, within scale 1:1
Frequency of species in toy/figure form (at time of posting): Very common
Miscellaneous Notes: This is the eighteenth time we have seen A. dichotoma in the Museum. Assembly was required for both and the flying beetle is removable from its base.

About the Animal:
Geographic distribution: East and Southeast Asia (China, Korean Peninsula, Taiwan, Thailand, Japan)
Habitat: Tropical and subtropical hardwood forests
Diet: Larvae feed on organic detritus in soil; adults are attracted to tree sap and overripe fruit
IUCN Status (at time of posting): Not Evaluated
Miscellaneous Notes: The larger body size and longer horn length of major male A. dichotoma is a physical benefit for fighting rival males, but can hinder their ability to fly long distances, thus limiting their territories.



Clue for tomorrow's species:
Dark morph females of this species form a Batesian mimicry complex with the pipevine swallowtail (Battus philenor).

[Isidro]

Papilio polyxenes?

[bmathison1972]

That is a correct answer @Isidro but not the species I happen to be presenting today:

Species: Papilio glaucus Linnaeus, 1758
Common name(s): eastern tiger swallowtail

About the Figure:
Manufacturer: Innovative Kids
Series/Collection: Junior Groovies - Butterflies
Year of Production: 2016
Size/Scale: Wingspan approx. 6.0 cm for a scale of 1:1.3-1:2.3
Frequency of species in toy/figure form (at time of posting): Uncommon
Miscellaneous Notes: This is the third time we've seen P. glaucus in the Museum. Like other Innovative Kids products, the Junior Groovies collections came with educational books, in this case being aimed at children. Species in the collection were selected to educate the audience on a specific butterfly habit or behavior. The eastern tiger swallowtail was selected to introduce the reader to the feeding habits of butterflies.

About the Animal:
Geographic distribution: Eastern North America
Habitat: Deciduous woodlands, swamps, fields, roadsides, riparian areas, parks, gardens, urban and suburban areas
Diet: Larvae feed on a wide variety of plants; common host plants include Prunus serotina (wild black cherry), Fraxinus (ash), Magnolia virginiana (sweet bay), Persea palustrus (swamp bay), Liriodendron tulipifera (tuliptree). Adults take nectar from flowers and nutrients from mud puddles.
IUCN Status (at time of posting): Not Evaluated (NatureServe status is Secure)
Miscellaneous Notes: Throughout most of its range, P. glaucus is known for its bold tiger-stripe pattern. In the southern part of its range, there is a dark morphotype of the female that mimics the pipevine swallowtail (Battus philenor). Because P. glaucus is tasty to birds and other predators, and B. philenor is toxic, this is an example of Batesian mimicry.



Clue for tomorrow's species:
This animal's armor is lighter and more flexible than its relatives, allowing it to roll up into an almost impenetrable ball.

[Isidro]

Cordylus cataphractus... maybe the So-Ta one?

[bmathison1972]

Actually @Isidro I was referring to a mammal this time. I do have a girdled armadillo lizard (by Bandai) and it has yet to come up, so we should see it some day in the not too distant future.

Next up:

Species: Tolypeutes tricinctus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Common name(s): Brazilian three-banded armadillo; tatu-bola

About the Figure:
Manufacturer: Takara Tomy A.R.T.S.
Series/Collection: ANIA Animal Adventure
Year of Production: 2024
Size/Scale: Head-and-body length (in neutral pose) approx. 5.0 cm for a scale of 1:4.4-1:5.4
Frequency of species in toy/figure form (at time of posting): Very rare
Miscellaneous Notes: The figure is articulated and can roll up into a ball, albeit not as tightly as the real animal (see inset). Bandai also produced a couple 'rollable' T. tricinctus in their Dango Mushi line, but they are larger (yet may roll up more completely).

About the Animal:
Geographic distribution: Northeastern Brazil
Habitat: Open savanna (cerrado), dry woodlands (caatinga); usually in areas with chalky soil for burrowing
Diet: Insects and other invertebrates, primarily ants, termites, beetle larvae; during the wet season, diet may be supplemented with fruit
IUCN Status (at time of posting): Vulnerable
Miscellaneous Notes: Among the armadillos, members of the genus Tolypeutes can roll into the tightest balls. They can do this because their armor is slightly looser than their relatives, allowing for greater freedom of movement. The looser armor also creates a layer of air between the shell and the main body, insulating the animal and creating a higher capacity for thermoregulation that allows the animals to survive in climates too arid for other armadillos.



Clue for tomorrow's species:
Originally from the Bernese Oberland, this hefty heifer contributed to creation of the Montbéliarde, Pezzata Rossa d'Oropa, and Fleckvieh.

[bmathison1972]

Species: Bos taurus Linnaeus, 1758
Common name(s): Simmental cattle; Swiss Fleckvieh

About the Figure:
Manufacturer: Schleich
Series/Collection: Farm Life
Year of Production: 2016
Size/Scale: Height at shoulders approx. 6.8 cm for a scale of 1:19.9-1:22.1
Frequency of breed in toy/figure form (at time of posting): Uncommon
Miscellaneous Notes: A bull and calf were produced alongside today's cow. It was not Schleich's first attempt at the Simmental; a bull, cow, and calf were also produced in 2009. Papo, Mojö Fun, and Britains have also produced this breed.

About the Animal:
Geographic distribution: The breed originated in the Simme Valley of the Bernese Oberland in Switzerland. Today, it is bred throughout much of the world, including Europe, Russia, China, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and southern Africa.
Habitat: Alpine pasture, fields, meadows
Diet: Grasses, hay, grass silage, corn silage, mixed grains
IUCN Status (at time of posting): Domesticated
Miscellaneous Notes: The Simmental dates back to the Middle Ages. The breed was a result of across between large German and smaller Swiss taurine cattle and has served as genetic stock for other breeds, including the Fleckvieh, Montbéliarde, and Pezzata Rossa d'Oropa. The Simmental is primarily bred for beef, but also dairy. It has been a successful breed due to many desirable characteristics, including longevity, long term fertility, excellent mothering ability, short intervals between calving, good growth rates, good grazing ability, and feed conservation and efficiency.



Clue for tomorrow's species:
This stinger from Down Under digs shallow burrows. At the top of the burrow beneath the entrance is a large 'living room' believed to be used for activities such as mating and eating.

[bmathison1972]

@Gwangi - I meant to tag you in the latest post. Note this cattle's head is straight but slightly cocked to the RIGHT           

[Gwangi]

@Gwangi - I meant to tag you in the latest post. Note this cattle's head is straight but slightly cocked to the RIGHT           

Haha, I have this one too. Been meaning to  review it.

[bmathison1972]

Species: Urodacus manicatus (Thorell, 1876)
Common name(s): black rock scorpion

About the Figure:
Manufacturer: Science & Nature
Series/Collection: Animals of Australia - Small
Year of Production: 2005
Size/Scale: Body length (incl. metasoma) approx. 9.0 cm for a scale of 1.6:1
Frequency of species in toy/figure form (at time of posting): Unique
Miscellaneous Notes: This is the second species of Urodacus seen in the Museum. Despite being originally produced in 2005, this scorpion is still available today.

About the Animal:
Geographic distribution: Eastern Australia
Habitat: Open forests and woodlands; burrows are usually found under rocks and logs
Diet: Insects, arachnids, earthworms; occasionally small reptiles
IUCN Status (at time of posting): Not Evaluated
Miscellaneous Notes: The sting of U. manicatus is painful but not usually deadly. Its toxin contains a unique peptide toxin (WaTx) which activates mammalian TRPA1 receptors, which are expressed as pain-sensing peripheral neurons. The effect causes acute pain and pain hypersensitivities, but not inflammation.



Clue for tomorrow's species:
This stunning sapphire sea denizen scours the seabed for spineless snacks!

[NSD Bashe]

Blue sea star or Linckia laevigata is my guess for the next one