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Panagaeus cruxmajor Darwins lost beetle
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Panagaeus cruxmajor Darwins lost beetle
From Donovans " Natural History of British Insects" (plate by Donovan, volume circa 1806). Greater crucifix beetle, Panagaeus cruxmajor, on a grass stem. This rare European ground beetle was a prize for any 19th century collector. In a letter to his old friend Leonard Jenyns (17 Oct 1846) Darwin recounted an incident as an Undergraduate at Cambridge University where he saw " the sacred Panagaeus crux major" Having collected a carabid beetle in each hand already he was forced to free a hand by placing one of the beetles between his teeth. Unfortunately the beetle was able to squirt a highly acrid afluid, and in spitting it out he lost all three
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Media ID 6317689
© This image is Paul D. Stewart 2009. Do not reproduce without permission of the photographer at Stewartpauld@aol.com
Beetle Cambridge Charles Darwin Collecting Darwin Rare Specimen Autobiography Christ College Christs College Undergraduate
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the Panagaeus cruxmajor, also known as Darwin's lost beetle, from Donovan's "Natural History of British Insects" published around 1806. The image depicts a magnificent Greater crucifix beetle perched delicately on a slender grass stem. This rare European ground beetle was highly sought after by collectors in the 19th century. In an intriguing letter to his dear friend Leonard Jenyns dated October 17,1846, Charles Darwin recounted a memorable incident from his time as an undergraduate at Cambridge University. He vividly described encountering "the sacred Panagaeus crux major". With two carabid beetles already clasped in each hand, he found himself compelled to place one between his teeth to free up a hand. However, much to Darwin's dismay, this particular beetle possessed the ability to release a potent and acrid fluid. In his attempt to spit it out swiftly, he inadvertently lost all three precious specimens. The artwork beautifully captures both the rarity and allure of this extraordinary insect specimen. It serves as a testament not only to Darwin's passion for entomology but also highlights the fascinating anecdotes that shaped his scientific journey during his time at Christ's College in Cambridge. Paul D. Stewart masterfully brings together artistry and scientific accuracy in this remarkable illustration that transports us back into the world of Charles Darwin and his pursuit of knowledge about our natural world.
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