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Curtis British Entomology Plate 676
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Curtis British Entomology Plate 676
Hemiptera: Ledra aurita [Plant: Centaurea calcitrapa (Red Star-thistle)] Date: 1824-39
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Media ID 23040542
© The Robin Symington Collection/Mary Evans Picture Library
1820s 1830s Aurita Butterflies Butterfly Centaurea Curtis Entomology Hemiptera Ledipotera Star Thistle
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This stunning image is a rare glimpse into the natural history of the 19th century, as depicted in Curtis's British Entomology, Plate 676. The meticulously detailed illustration features the Hemiptera, or true bug, species Ledra aurita, also known as the Red-legged Shieldbug, perched atop the vibrant red flowers of Centaurea calcitrapa, commonly known as the Red Star-thistle. The intricate interplay between the insect and its plant host is captured in exquisite detail, with the delicate veins and petals of the flower contrasting beautifully against the bold, red exoskeleton of the bug. John Curtis, FLS, the esteemed British naturalist and entomologist, oversaw the production of this plate between the years 1824 and 1839. The Hemiptera order, to which Ledra aurita belongs, is characterized by their elongated bodies, true wings, and piercing-sucking mouthparts. The Red-legged Shieldbug is easily identified by its bright red legs and the distinctive black and orange markings on its pronotum, or shield-like structure on the thorax. The Red Star-thistle, a member of the Asteraceae family, is a native European plant that thrives in dry, sunny conditions. The plant's distinctive red flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including insects such as bees and butterflies, making it an essential component of the ecosystem. This image offers a glimpse into the rich natural history of the 19th century, showcasing the delicate balance between insects and their plant hosts, as well as the meticulous attention to detail that characterized the work of naturalists and illustrators of the time.
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