1986 Tortoise Ladybug Aiolocaria Hexaspilota Print - Durin Bernard Les Insectes Scientific Illustration - Hope 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. The specific name hexaspilota, borne by this ladybird, literally means "marked six times" and obviously refers to the dark spots, or dots, on each elytron, with the anterior and posterior spots of the two elytra joined together. This beetle, 7.3 to 12 mm long, is native to Nepal, the Himalayas in general, India, Burma, China, Eastern Siberia, Japan, and Sakhalin. This predator, in both its adult and larval stages, hunts the larvae of chrysomelids, hymenopterans, and caterpillars. These insects do not choose their prey carefully but take whatever is available at the time, although their preferred prey are the larvae of the chrysomelid Melasoma populi. When hunting, they are very aggressive and even pursue their victims. They overwinter hidden under stones, in groups of 2 or 3, sometimes as many as 30 individuals. Their lifespan is relatively long for ladybirds, as they may hibernate twice. This second hibernation depends on how long they have lived; it occurs when the ladybirds have not yet reached maturity. This ladybird was introduced into Central Asia to combat the chrysomelid Melasoma populi, but had to be bred in laboratories. Having no natural enemies, this poplar pest had become very harmful and devoured poplar leaves until the trees were completely defoliated. It is certain, based on scientific literature, that the female of this ladybird species, when males approach, exhibits a behavior of refusal if the males are too insistent. **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