GIANT INSECTS (Toy Major)

I don't have much to do in this arena as I patiently wait for things to ship from Japan, so I thought I would take a break from my real entomological work on the Nearctic Elateridae and showcase some models by Toy Major.

These are very large insect figures, all produced by Toy Major in the late 1990s. They are very similar to their smaller tube-sized counterparts but are much bigger. All of these are at least 1 US foot (12 inches/30 cm) across their longest points.

I bought all of them except the mantis at a toy store in Tucson, AZ in 1999 or 2000. The mantis was purchased more recently on eBay and I was surprised when I got it that it was a TM figure (it was marketed as garden decor). I am not sure how many more were made. One note, the antennae on the grasshopper broke off. One broke off moving from Phoenix to Atlanta in 2007 and the other when I moved from Atlanta to Salt Lake City in 2016.

Since they are so big, I decided to take the pics on the patio of my apartment complex:

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

Are really giant,thanks for sharing.

Very interesting figurines. You can not see often animal figurines in a scale larger than lifesize :)

widukind wrote:

Very interesting figurines. You can not see often animal figurines in a scale larger than lifesize :)

well, with most insects, you sorta have to! :)

Very interesting models! TM has a more wide range than I thought

Thankyou very much for sharing

TM could stand for Toy Minor but I am sure it is not. To me it makes sense that those are garden decors although the taste may be a little disputable or if anyone is more interested in turning his garden not very pleasant to visits. The only thing I know is that it exists, and if it exists, Blaine has it.

Those are extraordinary! Will they be on TAI?

widukind wrote:

Very interesting figurines. You can not see often animal figurines in a scale larger than lifesize :)

This is only possible with animals belonging in the microfauna. Imagine a bowhead whale figure larger than lifesize...

Incredible set

I have some large insects I bought at a yard sale, but they're not that huge! I do use them as yard decor... the house fly is on the wreath on my front door, and the praying mantis is on a big potted plant next to the door. Along with the monitor on my windowsill, they freak out visitors.