Sam DeJoseph, Intaglio Print
Dragonflies are regularly cited as one of people's favorite bugs (Shipley and Bixler). These insects are known for their intricate wing patterns and sharp senses, making them one of the most effective predators in the world. Before they grow their iconic wings, however, they begin as aquatic larvae in rivers and streams. These nymphs undergo great changes, jumping straight to their adult forms after molting. Their unique lifestyle and general appeal made them a particularly interesting subject to capture.
Bees are one of the most controversial insects in the eyes of the public. While many adore these pollinators, plenty more beg to differ. Studies have found that they are simultaneously one of the most liked and disliked insects (Shipley and Bixler). Xylocopa violacea stand out from many of their classic yellow and black counterparts. These bees are a dark iridescent purple, flitting along from flower to flower. As carpenter bees, they almost never attack humans, making them practically harmless. That, however, does not often stop people from being afraid of them.
Sam DeJoseph, Intaglio Print
Sam DeJoseph, Intaglio Print
Nemoptera, or spoonwing lacewings, are known for their striking elongated wings. These tiny, fly-like Neuropterans can have wings over triple the length of their bodies, making them appear bigger than they really are. Their larvae are almost entirely herbivorous, unlike the majority of lacewing species (Popov). The “big presence” of these otherwise small insects made them an interesting subject- one that often goes unheard of, but still stands out from the crowd with the help of its unique differences.
The order of beetles, Coleoptera, is one of the most diverse in the world; roughly one of every four known species on Earth is a beetle (Stork et al.). This amazing diversity has led to some of the most unique organisms to arise. Mordella blanda is a tiny beetle, most notable for their unique ways of moving. These little insects hop and stumble from flower to flower, with their irregularity helping them escape their comparatively giant predators (Ivie). Despite their size, these bugs are still able to thrive.
Sam DeJoseph, Intaglio Print