Curtis British Entomology Plate 187

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Curtis British Entomology Plate 187

Coleoptera: Poecilus lepidus = Pterostichus lepidus (Narrow Poecilus) [Plant: Hordeum murinum (Wall Barley)] Date: 1824-39

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Media ID 23038778

© The Robin Symington Collection/Mary Evans Picture Library

1820s 1830s Barley Butterflies Butterfly Coleoptera Curtis Entomology Hordeum Ledipotera Lepidus Narrow

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EDITORS COMMENTS
This stunning image is taken from Curtis's British Entomology, a seminal work in the field of entomology published between 1824 and 1839. The plate in question is number 187, featuring the Coleoptera species Poecilus lepidus, now more commonly known as Pterostichus lepidus, also referred to as the Narrow Poecilus. The insect can be seen gracefully perched atop a cluster of Hordeum murinum, or Wall Barley, providing a vivid illustration of the intricate relationship between insects and their plant hosts. The Narrow Poecilus is a small, elongated beetle with a distinctive metallic green sheen. Its slender body and long legs make it an agile and efficient explorer of its environment. This species is a member of the Carabidae family, which is characterized by their powerful jaws and long antennae. The inclusion of the Wall Barley plant in this image is noteworthy, as it provides context for the beetle's habitat and diet. Wall Barley is an ancient variety of barley that was commonly used for making malt for brewing beer in the 19th century. The plant's small, round grains and dense, compact growth make it an ideal food source for many insects, including the Narrow Poecilus. This exquisite plate was produced during the 1820s and 1830s, a time when the study of insects was undergoing a significant surge of interest and advancement. The work of entomologists like John Curtis, who dedicated themselves to documenting and classifying the vast array of insect species, laid the foundation for modern taxonomy and ecology. The intricate detail and lifelike accuracy of this image are a testament to the skill and dedication of the illustrators and naturalists involved in the production of Curtis's British Entomology. This plate, and the wealth of knowledge it represents, continues to captivate and inspire researchers, naturalists, and collectors to this day.

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