Meganeura Giant Prehistoric Dragonfly 3D print model

This model is a 1:1 scale, print in place, no supports, articulated representation of Meganeura which was a giant flying insect closely related to dragonflies, it lived 300 million years ago. Meganeura was the largest insect know to have existed with some the biggest examples having a wing span of up to 65 cm; however this model is of a slightly smaller example with the wing span of only 48 cm (this is because of print bed size limitations).

The Model is printed on 2 plates:

Plate one with the print in place, no supports, articulated body which can be printed in multi colour or single colour (.3mf files provided for both). The multi colour (3 material) print takes approximately 24 hours and a single colour approximately 7 hours. (I used PLA in my example prints)

Second plate for the wings which have been included in two separate styles: a open wing cell version for single colour printing and a closed cell version for printing in multi colour with transparent membrane against solid colour veins. (I used transparent PETG and Black PETG in my example prints, I would also recommend a smooth surface print plate for best results) multi colour takes approximately 7 hours and single colour approximately 8 hours (the multi colour is quicker as the single colour version has more layers of the intricate vein patterns on the wings which are more time consuming than the solid layers of the transparent membrane in the colour profile)

After Printing the model can be easily and quickly assembled into a free standing model by flexing the latching leg joints and abdomen articulations and by popping the wings into their sockets. Please see included build video.

The model can then be displayed as a free standing model in multiple poses or perhaps suspended from the ceiling as if it were flying.

Included are single colour and multi colour .3mf files as well as .stl's for all parts.

A bit about Meganeura:

Meganeura evolved during the late Carboniferous period until its extinction in the Permian period about three hundred million years ago. It dominated the earth for millions of years before the dinosaurs came on the scene. Like modern carnivorous insects, it lived near freshwater and thrived in humid wetlands. The insect existed in a time when marine life flourished, and so it was found near the edge of bodies of water, such as streams and ponds in the massive equatorial warm forests that covered the center of France.

Meganeura was an obligate carnivore with highly evolved bulging eyes, sharp chewing mouthparts, and a diverse diet. The large eyes allowed the massive insect to search for prey. Also, given its enormous size, it could pick from a wide variety of insects and eat small amphibians and other vertebrates. At the time, amphibians, like frogs and toads, were still getting used to a more terrestrial lifestyle. This would have made it easy for the Meganeura to catch and prey on them.

Like present-day dragonflies, Meganeua probably loitered around the edges of streams, ponds, and other water bodies where prey was abundant. Meganeura existed long before birds and bats came on the scene. This means it was the most prominent aerial predator at the time.

Enjoy.