1986 Litchi Lantern Bug Fulgora Laternaria Candelaria Print - Durin Bernard Science 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=for more prints. The Lantern-bearing Fulgore, like the cicada, belongs to the Fulgoridae family and they are part of the same order, the Homoptera. These large insects have in front of their eyes a strange hollow protrusion, very oddly shaped. In some species, this protrusion can resemble a crocodile’s head. The name “lantern-bearer” (porte-lanterne) comes from an error by the famous painter and naturalist Anna Maria Sibylla Merian, who depicted this insect in a way that greatly contributed to its reputation in Suriname. She lived in South America from 1699 to 1701, and apparently dead animals had invaded the cephalic protrusions of the specimens she used as models. Evidently, bioluminescent bacteria were present, leading her to believe that these insects were luminous—an error. This particular species, Laternaria candelaria, comes from Southeast Asia; the protrusion on its head is especially characteristic and resembles a lantern. At rest, the folded wings form a roof-like shape; in flight, the extended wings give the lantern-bearer the appearance of a butterfly. Almost all lantern-bearers, which live in tropical regions, are nocturnal insects that feed on plant sap. Classified by Linne (Linnaeus), the father of taxonomy. **Background** 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 shows a 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