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Photographic Print : Panagaeus cruxmajor Darwins lost beetle
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Panagaeus cruxmajor Darwins lost beetle
From Donovans " Natural History of British Insects" (plate by Donovan, volume circa 1806). Greater crucifix beetle, Panagaeus cruxmajor, on a grass stem. This rare European ground beetle was a prize for any 19th century collector. In a letter to his old friend Leonard Jenyns (17 Oct 1846) Darwin recounted an incident as an Undergraduate at Cambridge University where he saw " the sacred Panagaeus crux major" Having collected a carabid beetle in each hand already he was forced to free a hand by placing one of the beetles between his teeth. Unfortunately the beetle was able to squirt a highly acrid afluid, and in spitting it out he lost all three
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6317689
© This image is Paul D. Stewart 2009. Do not reproduce without permission of the photographer at Stewartpauld@aol.com
Beetle Cambridge Charles Darwin Collecting Darwin Rare Specimen Autobiography Christ College Christs College Undergraduate
11"x8.5" Photo Print
Discover the captivating beauty of the natural world with Media Storehouse's range of Photographic Prints. This extraordinary image showcases the Greater Crucifix Beetle, Panagaeus cruxmajor, as captured by Paul D. Stewart from Science Photo Library. A rare find, this beetle was first documented by Henry Bates in 1862, and later featured in Donovan's "Natural History of British Insects" (circa 1806). Admire the intricate details and vibrant colors of this magnificent creature as it perches gracefully on a grass stem. Each print is produced using high-quality materials and techniques to bring out the richness and depth of the original photograph. Bring the wonders of the natural world into your home or office with Media Storehouse's Photographic Prints.
Photo prints are produced on Kodak professional photo paper resulting in timeless and breath-taking prints which are also ideal for framing. The colors produced are rich and vivid, with accurate blacks and pristine whites, resulting in prints that are truly timeless and magnificent. Whether you're looking to display your prints in your home, office, or gallery, our range of photographic prints are sure to impress. Dimensions refers to the size of the paper in inches.
Our Photo Prints are in a large range of sizes and are printed on Archival Quality Paper for excellent colour reproduction and longevity. They are ideal for framing (our Framed Prints use these) at a reasonable cost. Alternatives include cheaper Poster Prints and higher quality Fine Art Paper, the choice of which is largely dependant on your budget.
Estimated Image Size (if not cropped) is 18.8cm x 27.9cm (7.4" x 11")
Estimated Product Size is 21.6cm x 27.9cm (8.5" x 11")
These are individually made so all sizes are approximate
Artwork printed orientated as per the preview above, with portrait (vertical) orientation to match the source image.
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the Panagaeus cruxmajor, also known as Darwin's lost beetle, from Donovan's "Natural History of British Insects" published around 1806. The image depicts a magnificent Greater crucifix beetle perched delicately on a slender grass stem. This rare European ground beetle was highly sought after by collectors in the 19th century. In an intriguing letter to his dear friend Leonard Jenyns dated October 17,1846, Charles Darwin recounted a memorable incident from his time as an undergraduate at Cambridge University. He vividly described encountering "the sacred Panagaeus crux major". With two carabid beetles already clasped in each hand, he found himself compelled to place one between his teeth to free up a hand. However, much to Darwin's dismay, this particular beetle possessed the ability to release a potent and acrid fluid. In his attempt to spit it out swiftly, he inadvertently lost all three precious specimens. The artwork beautifully captures both the rarity and allure of this extraordinary insect specimen. It serves as a testament not only to Darwin's passion for entomology but also highlights the fascinating anecdotes that shaped his scientific journey during his time at Christ's College in Cambridge. Paul D. Stewart masterfully brings together artistry and scientific accuracy in this remarkable illustration that transports us back into the world of Charles Darwin and his pursuit of knowledge about our natural world.
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