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The Giant Amazonian Centipede - Scolopendra gigantea
Like the other members of Scolopendra, the giant Amazonian centipede is predatory and venomous. The first body segment has a pair of modified legs terminating in sharp claws, called forcipules (you know, like forceps), which it uses to pull its prey to its mouthparts, where it injects its venom.
Though typically non-fatal to humans (excepting those allergic to the venom toxins), giant centipede bites are incredibly painful and can cause symptoms for days on end. This venom is what allows them to hunt prey as large as small mammals and birds, without itself being eaten.
I have no idea what people are thinking when they buy one of these, but they’re apparently a big thing in exotic insect circles. They’re known to be jumpy, nervous, and very aggressive both in the wild and in captivity, and can often escape enclosures that aren’t well-sealed. I mean, come on. Even tarantulas can be docile and friendly. And mantises are fun to watch and not venomous! And there are so many other options! Why a giant centipede?
Vivarium Naturae; or, the Naturalist’s Miscellany. George Shaw, 1790.
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“A dedication”
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Lantern Fly, aquatint by William Daniell, 1807
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Microscopical: Plate L
1. and 3. Scales of various butterflies
2. Eye of Hemerobius
4. Wing of Peacock Butterfly
5. Poppy Seeds
6. Wing-case of Green Weevil
7. Egg of Red Underwing Moth
8. Egg of Small White Butterfly
9. Egg of Tortoiseshell Butterfly
10. Egg of Lathonia Butterfly
Common Objects of the Country (1894) by Rev. J. G. Wood, illustrations by W. S. Coleman. -
“Antlions” print is up in my shop~
I’m also thinking about offering standard prints at lower prices too, so look out for those.
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Asuka Hishiki, Monarch Butterfly Type B Metamorphosis – Life Cycle, watercolor on paper, 2008
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Semiramis, Latona, Ophisa, Polymena, Bellona by Library & Archives @ Royal Ontario Museum on Flickr.
Author: Cramer, Pieter.
Title: De uitlandsche kapellen voorkomende in de drie waereld-deelen : Asia, Africa en America = Papillons exotiques des trois parties du monde : l’Asie, l’Afrique et l’Amerique.
Imprint: Amsteldam : S.J. Baalde, 1779-1782.
Physical Description: 1 print : engraving : on leaf 23 x 29 cm.
Page: Pl. XIII
Call Number: QE882 .E2 O93 1842 Rare Book -
Orontes, Hisbon, Sagaris, Lades, Cerbera by Library & Archives @ Royal Ontario Museum on Flickr.
Author: Cramer, Pieter.
Title: De uitlandsche kapellen voorkomende in de drie waereld-deelen : Asia, Africa en America = Papillons exotiques des trois parties du monde : l’Asie, l’Afrique et l’Amerique.
Imprint: Amsteldam : S.J. Baalde, 1779-1782.
Physical Description: 1 print : engraving : on leaf 23 x 29 cm.
Page: Pl. LXXXIII
Call Number: QE882 .E2 O93 1842 Rare Book -
Sternocera aeguisignata - Ink and Watercolour
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(via Insects Vintage Print 1923 by carambas on Etsy)
this etsy store has a lot of gorgeous old lithographs of animals, architechture, maps, etc. i’m partial to these insects.
