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Maculinea arion, large blue
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Maculinea arion, large blue
Plate 43 from Illustrations of British butterflies and their larvae, with the plants on which they feed (1892) by Theo Johnson
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Arthropod Arthropoda Butterflies Butterfly Gossamer Winged Butterfly Hexapod Hexapoda Insecta Johnson Larva Larvae Lepidoptera Lepidopteran Lycaenid Lycaenidae Invertebrata Large Blue
Plate 43
EDITORS COMMENTS
of Theo Johnson's "Illustrations of British Butterflies and Their Larvae, with the Plants on Which They Feed" (1892) features a captivating and intricately detailed illustration of the Maculinea arion, commonly known as the Large Blue butterfly. This magnificent invertebrate, belonging to the Lepidoptera order and more specifically the Lycaenidae family, is depicted in its adult form, displaying its vibrant, iridescent blue wings adorned with black markings. The Large Blue is a gossamer-winged butterfly, belonging to the Hexapoda class and the Insecta phylum. It is a rare and elusive species, native to Europe and parts of Asia. The larvae of this butterfly, shown in other plates of Johnson's work, are brown and have a distinct, elongated appearance. The Large Blue undergoes an extraordinary transformation during its metamorphosis. Its larva feeds on the roots of the Ransomweed (Phedimus palmatum), which contains a toxin that makes the caterpillar unpalatable to predators. This adaptation ensures the survival of the species. The Large Blue's adult form is a sight to behold, with its wingspan reaching up to 6 centimeters. The male and female butterflies have distinct differences, with the males having a more pronounced blue coloration and a longer, thinner abdomen. The Large Blue is a valuable species for conservation efforts due to its rarity and the intricacies of its life cycle. Johnson's illustration captures the essence of the Large Blue's beauty and intrigue, providing a window into the fascinating world of Lepidoptera and the intricacies of their life cycles. This illustration is a testament to the artistry and scientific accuracy of Johnson's work, which continues to captivate and inspire viewers over a century after its creation.
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