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Heliconius ricini
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Heliconius ricini
Butterflies (Heliconius ricini) feed on caster-oil plant (Ricinus communis). Plate 30 from Metamorphosis Insectorum (1705) by Maria Sybilla Merian
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Media ID 8603385
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10710080
17th Century Anna Maria Sibylla Merian Arthropod Arthropoda Brush Footed Butterfly Butterflies Butterfly Caster Caterpillar Feed Four Footed Butterfly Hexapod Hexapoda Insecta Lepidoptera Lepidopteran Merian Heliconiinae Heliconius Invertebrata Longwing
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This exquisite plate, number 30 from Maria Sibylla Merian's seminal work "Metamorphosis Insectorum" (1705), showcases the intricate relationship between the Heliconius ricini butterfly and its host plant, Ricinus communis, commonly known as the castor-oil plant. Merian, an influential German naturalist and artist, meticulously documented the life cycles of various insects, including these stunning Lepidoptera, or butterflies. The Heliconius ricini, also known as the longwing butterfly, is depicted in various stages of its life cycle. The adult butterflies, with their vibrant orange and black wings, are shown feeding on the nectar of the castor-oil plant's flowers. Meanwhile, their caterpillars, or larvae, can be seen in the lower left corner of the image, busily munching on the leaves of the same plant. This symbiotic relationship is crucial for the survival of both the butterflies and the castor-oil plant, as the caterpillars provide an essential service by pollinating the plant, while the adults help in the dispersal of its seeds through their movements. Merian's remarkable illustrations, produced during the 17th century, continue to captivate and inspire us with their intricate details and accurate depictions of the natural world. This plate, in particular, offers a fascinating glimpse into the complex interplay between different species and the delicate balance of their ecosystems.
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