Lone Star
Price: $75
Animal: Lizard
Artist: Peter Calvesbert
Made In: England
Status: Fixed Editions
Edition Size: 500
Carving Date: 2008
Release Date: 6/3/2008
In Store Date: 9/25/2008
Dimensions (Inches): 2 x 3 x 2.75
S e c r e t s:
The idea for “Lone Star” – a Texas horned lizard - came from Peter’s little black book of suggestions. Back in 2003, Lynn Trace, proprietor of Earth’s Treasures in Spring, Texas, asked for this creature. A mere five years later, it has come to fruition! What fascinated Peter most about this species was that it could squirt blood from its eyes. He began to muse whether one might ever need a blood transfusion, thus the blood groups written on the base. Like most creatures non-human, its numbers have been dwindling, even though it has been classified in Texas as a threatened species since 1977. The steady demise is due to loss of habitat, the invasion of the Brazilian fire ant, the use of pesticides, and the pet trade. 40 years ago, roadside tourist stops would pay Texan children 5 cents for every horny toad they could capture. A docile creature, when turned on its back for a tummy rub, it would fall asleep. Little girls would even dress them up. Lynn says that some may have actually died of embarrassment! The scientific name for the lizard can be seen on the lid and means “toad body and horned”. Lynn’s name is also on the lid as a thank you for bringing this wonderful creature to Peter’s attention. Within “Lone Star”, a fire ant and harvester ant jostle for position.
