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Crusader bug, Mictis profana
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Crusader bug, Mictis profana
Crusader bug, Mictis profana (Cross-bearing mictis, Mictis crucifera). Handcoloured copperplate engraving drawn and engraved by Richard Polydore Nodder from William Elford Leachs Zoological Miscellany, McMillan, London, 1814
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Media ID 23210290
© Florilegius/Mary Evans
Crusader Elford Entomology Leach Miscellany Nodder Polydore Zoological
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This exquisite handcoloured copperplate engraving depicts the Crusader Bug, Mictis profana, also known as the Cross-bearing Mictis or Cross-bearing Crusader, a fascinating insect belonging to the family Mictidae. The engraving was drawn and meticulously engraved by the skilled hand of Richard Polydore Nodder, and published in William Elford Leach's Zoological Miscellany in 1814. The Crusader Bug derives its name from the distinctive cross-shaped markings on its pronotum, or shield-like structure, located between the head and the abdomen. These markings resemble the crosses carried by the knights of the Crusades, hence the name. The Crusader Bug is a small insect, measuring only about 5-6 millimeters in length. It is primarily found in Europe, North Africa, and western Asia. The Crusader Bug is an important predator in its ecosystem, feeding on aphids, scale insects, and other small invertebrates. Its elongated, slender body and powerful legs enable it to move quickly and efficiently among its prey. The intricate details of the Crusader Bug's anatomy are beautifully rendered in this engraving, from its compound eyes and antennae to its six legs and distinctive cross-shaped pronotum. The handcolouring of this engraving adds an extra layer of detail and depth, bringing the Crusader Bug to life and showcasing its intricate patterns and textures. The use of copperplate engraving, a technique that involves etching designs onto a copper plate and then printing from that plate, ensures a high level of detail and precision. This engraving is a testament to the beauty and complexity of the natural world and the skill of the artist and engraver in capturing it. It is a valuable addition to any collection of entomological illustrations or natural history prints.
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