Insects (K&M International - Magnamorphs)

Review of a (complete?) set of Magnamorphs by K&M International, released in 2005. I was completely unaware of these models until froggie (Beatrice) offered to sell me hers. They seemed unusual and almost outside of my range of things I collect but I thought I would give them a try. As usual, turns out I like them more than I thought I would :-).

I was never familiar with the 'magnamorph' concept, but it looks like they have other animals as well. They are 'puzzle' figures consisting of 5-7 or so pieces held together with strong magnets. Most of them hold together pretty well, and the magnetic connection allows for manipulation of the appendages.

The figures are larger, maybe comparable to Safari Incredible Creatures or larger Bullyland insects. They are stylized but five of the six insects are recognizable at the species level, and the sixth probably to the genus level. The biggest glaring scientific errors are the 6 legs on the two nymphalid butterflies ;-)

These figures (insects or other animals) are probably best for completists among various taxa or are good learning models for children.

1. monarch, Danaus plexippus.

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2. praying mantis, Mantis religiosa

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3. morpho, Morpho menelaus [the underside of the wings confirms genus Morpho!]

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4. Mexican red-kneed tarantula, Brachypelma smithi

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5. honey bee, Apis mellifera

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6. bumble bee, Bombus sp.

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They're cute! The Morpho has the same patterns as the Monarch, but in blue!

Bowhead Whale wrote:

They're cute! The Morpho has the same patterns as the Monarch, but in blue!

that was my concern too, but the underside is painted like that of a Morpho (brownish with large eyespots)

Great, thank you for the detailed photos!

Very interesting catch :)

These are surely unusual

I understand you - they must be great to have in your great collection.
Even if they are toys, they have plenty of charm and must be fun to have in your hand

Poor Beatrice , who has to cut down on her exceptionel collection, but is is wonderful that models like these can now stay with you, who appreciates them