Friday, May 21, 2010

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail

Insect art to promote insect growth and development.


 

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus)
Two females are shown laying eggs on the leaves of Wild Black Cherry (Rosaceae prunus serotina), a preferred host plants. The branches are depicted as they appear in late spring (full blossom) and in late summer with ripe fruit.The Eastern tiger swallowtail reaches a wingspan of 4.8 to 5 inches. The female appears in two forms, a yellow form and a dark form, the latter being protective as it imitates the Pipevine Swallowtail which has a bitter taste.The eggs are laid on the top of the leaf and are among the very largest butterfly eggs (shown near each female.) The first instar of caterpillar resembles bird droppings. The final instar is a lovely green with lighter sides and large markings resembling eyes. It can measure up to 5.5 centimeters. The chrysalis usually hangs upright on a twig from a thread near the juncture of the thorax and abdomen.

Artist: Marsha Ra
marsha@marshara.com
Website: http://www.marshara.com

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Mother Monarch makes a great gift for teachers

Teachers will love it!


 Purchase the book $19.95 + $4.95 USPS     

The school year is coming to close. Just a few more weeks and the days will be warm and it will be Schools Out for the summer. Yippee! Do you have a special teacher that you would like to give a gift to? This wonderful book is a fantastic way to say, " Thanks Teacher! I appreciate you!" 

Here is what people are saying about Mother Monarch:

"Your new book is WONDERFUL!  Every illustration is beautiful!  I am thrilled to have it in my possession!" Little Silver, New Jersey

"Our mouths were wide with wonder at the remarkable tale of these beautiful creatures. I learned so much and was left in awe of them."  Raleigh, North Carolina

Monday, May 3, 2010

Hummingbird Clearwing Moth

Hummingbird Clearwing Moth (Hemeris thysbe)
Insect art to promote insect growth and development.

The Hummingbird Clearwing moth is a small dayflying moth. Often mistaken for a hummingbird, the
moth can be seen hovering over flowers, never landing on them, using its long proboscis to extract
nectar. Butterfly bushes, red bee balm and Casa Blanca lilies are their favorites in my garden. Eggs are
laid singly on the host plants of the Honeysuckle family, and it is not unusual to find several caterpillars
feeding on the same plant. The anal horn on the back of the caterpillar is red and very long when the
caterpillar is young, but turns blue just prior to pupation, depicted. Clearwings pupate in a weak
cocoon spun among fallen leaves. The “clear” wing appears as scales wear off soon after the moth
emerges. Scale of drawing is as follows: Clearwing moth is shown in actual size and five times
magnification. Caterpillars and pupas are shown in two times magnification.

Artist: April Flaherty
E-mail: April_Flaherty@yahoo.com
Website: http://www.aprillouisedesign.com