1986 Giraff Weevil Tachycephalus Giraffa Print - Durin Bernard Les Insectes Scientific Illustration - Jekel 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 has a deceptive appearance. The rostrum is there, but it is short and sturdy and even thickens towards the front. It therefore does not have the usual look of these weevils, and does not resemble, for example, the long snout of the hazelnut borer. Its short rostrum, thick and mule-shaped, is placed forward and ends in a way that is unusual; each segment carries strange extensions. The long neck, for which it is named "giraffe," gives an additional impression of its resemblance to weevils. The long neck is prolonged by a thorax that is also elongated. This distinct giraffe aspect is further emphasized by the coloration. The head, neck, and thorax, which is almost seamless, are black and shiny and stand out against the wide and short, intensely bright red elytra. The legs that carry it are also black and shiny. What is it for? We do not know. The giraffe is very long because it can move the highest leaves. The weevil family usually bores a hole it makes with its rostrum. In this case, the head and neck together have the same function. This is certainly an evolutionary convergence. This beetle, which measures about 14 mm, is very rare. It is originally from Madagascar, like the other 14 species of the same genus. The names of other related species, such as camelus, giraffoides, indicate their similar appearance. **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