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Curtis British Entomology Plate 698
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Curtis British Entomology Plate 698
Coleoptera: Lampyris noctiluca [Plant: Astragalus danicus (Astragalus hypoglottis, Purple Milk-vetch)] Date: 1824-39
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Media ID 23040606
© The Robin Symington Collection/Mary Evans Picture Library
1820s 1830s Astragalus Butterflies Butterfly Coleoptera Curtis Entomology Ledipotera Purple Lampyris Milk Vetch Noctiluca
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This image is taken from John Curtis's seminal work, "British Entomology," specifically plate 698, which features the striking Lampyris noctiluca beetle (Coleoptera) amongst the delicate purple blooms of Astragalus danicus, also known as the Purple Milk-vetch (Astragalus hypoglottis). Dating back to the 1820s-1830s, this exquisite plate is a testament to the intricate relationship between insects and their plant hosts during the 19th century. The Lampyris noctiluca, commonly known as the Glow-worm beetle, is a bioluminescent beetle that emits a soft, blue-green glow. This unique feature attracts various insects, including midges, to the beetle's abdomen, where they serve as a food source for the beetle's larvae. The beetle's larvae, also known as glow-worms, are the ones that emit the light. The Purple Milk-vetch is a small, herbaceous plant native to Europe, Asia, and North America. This plant is an essential food source for various pollinators, including bees and butterflies (Lepidoptera), which can be seen in the background of this plate. The delicate, purple flowers of the Purple Milk-vetch provide nectar for these pollinators, ensuring the continuation of their life cycles. John Curtis (FLS), a renowned English entomologist, created this beautiful and educational plate as part of his extensive work on British insects. The meticulous detail in the illustration showcases both the beauty of the natural world and the scientific curiosity of the time. This plate is an invaluable resource for understanding the complex relationships between insects and their plant hosts during the 19th century.
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