1986 Grasshopper Phymateus Saxosus Print - Durin Bernard Les Insectes - Scientific Illustration- Coquerel 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 colorufully patterned Madagascan animal is a grasshopper; the short antennae reveal its close relationship to locusts. It belongs to the brilliantly coloured group of the family Pyrgomorphidae. As with many Pyrgomorphidae, Phymateus saxosus has a gland between the first and second segments of the thorax that secretes a defensive fluid. Additionally, there is a second, smaller gland located between the second and third thoracic segments. Another defensive structure is found at the base of the hind legs, which, when the insect is taken in hand or otherwise disturbed, immediately emits a foamy liquid—if something is so beautiful, one must know how to defend oneself! It is not difficult to understand why the fascinating colour palette of this surreal-looking grasshopper might inspire a painter to reach for their brush. The insect wears a crest of spines on its pronotum, and its basic coloration is a light, subtle royal blue with yellow and orange markings. If one follows the artist’s rendering—on the head, pronotum, wings, legs, and underside—one might think this is a product of human imagination. But it is, of course, all there in nature. **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