1986 Crowned Lanternfly Phrictus Diadema Print - Durin Bernard Les Insectes Scientific Illustration - Linnaeus Entomology - 11 x 13 in

This is a gorgeous high quality vintage print with vivid colours taken from a disbound copy of Les Insectes by Bernard Durin. The dimensions are 11 x 13 inches. Visit https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/ForestHillArtsHouse?section_id=53836226 for more Insects prints. This insect belongs to the family of lanternflies (Fulgoridae) or fulgorids and lives in South America. During the day, when the insect is at rest, its wings are folded like a roof over its back, making it hard to distinguish. But at night, when the "candelabra-holder" becomes active and spreads its wings, it resembles a butterfly and reveals the reddish patterns on its hind wings. By day, it takes flight only if disturbed. This behavior may explain why it was once attributed with mysterious properties. The name Fulgoridae comes from the Latin fulgor, which in French means "flash." When the lanternfly is startled and suddenly spreads its iridescent hind wings, a predator might perceive it as a sudden flash of light. The venation of its wings is of an archaic type, revealing the very ancient lineage of the Fulgoridae. They suck the sap of plants but, as they never appear in large numbers, they are not considered harmful. **Background** The artist Bernard Durin was an artist and illustrator transforming the tiniest creatures into works of art. Born in France in 1940, "Beetles and Other Insects," was published in 1980. It is considered a masterpiece. Durin has captured the intricate patterns, textures, and colours of his subjects with stunning accuracy. He made around 60 portraits of insects, using rare and fascinating specimens entrusted to him by the entomologists of the Museum of Natural History in Paris. Durin’s work combines scientific precision with artistic beauty. This has made them valuable to entomologists and other scientists. Bernard Durin passed away in 1988. His illustrations continue to be admired for their beauty and precision, and they remain a valuable resource for anyone interested in the natural world. **About Your Purchase:** - Your purchase is this ORIGINAL vintage print. No modern reprints, reproductions, or copies. - Please note: This print is sold unmounted. **Condition:** Good. Consistent with age. The reverse has text in German. There is no show-through. **Returns & Shipping** - **Returns:** No-questions-asked within 14 days provided in the same condition as dispatched; buyer pays return shipping. - **Packaging:** All prints are securely packaged in a clear bag with a board-backed envelope, further reinforced with recycled cardboard. - Dispatched via Royal Mail Tracked 24/48 (and Royal Mail Tracked International) with: - UK delivery within 1-3 days - US/EU delivery within 5-12 days - Rest-of-world delivery within 7-21 days