OniOniOniArt

A tussock moth pupa outside of its cocoon. Eclosion is imminent. [February 26, 2016] Update: The pupa plans have come to  fruition! More to come.

This is a re-drawn version of a lino I have in my shop. I have plans for these Pupae. As larvae mantispids ride on the backs of spiders and make their way into the egg sacs where they feast on spider eggs whilst completing their development. They pupate within a silken cocoon within the spider egg sac. Some mantispids play this game with bees, completing development in the bee's larval chambers and successfully escaping the hive without detection. [February 25, 2016] Update: The pupa plans have come to fruition! More to come.

Really, all she wants to do is grow up and suck your blood, what is all the fuss about? Ridges on the eyes (which I may have exaggerated a bit) make this pupa look comically angry. [February 24, 2016] Update: The pupa plans have come to fruition! More to come.

I've drawn another pupa to continue practicing symmetry (and perhaps also to continue the "mummified alien princess" series). [February 23, 2016] Update: The pupa plans have come to fruition! More to come.

Looking much like a mummified alien princess,  this longhorn beetle pupa resides much closer to home, within the dead bark of earth trees. Drawing this made me realize that I am not so good at symmetry. I should work on that. [February 22, 2016] Update: The pupa plans have come to fruition! More to come.

Panorpa This is a male, females lack the scorpion-like tail. As wicked as they look, they are completely harmless. [February 21, 2016]

The hemolymph of the blister beetle contains cantharidin, which causes blistering on contact with skin if the beetle is disturbed (by rubbing or crushing). The beetles are actually used as an active ingredient in some wart removers. This particular genus ( Meloe ) is known as an oil beetle or short-winged blister beetle. [February 20, 2016]

...rule? Interesting creatures though they are, it is hard to go by my previous convention and label this "earwigs rule", though this too, is a unit of measurement (see days 48 & 49). The earwig is in a defensive posture. Side Bar: I wish my camera was able to properly focus on the gold ink. And just for posterity, no, they do not purposely climb into people's ears and lay eggs. You may breathe your sigh of relief! [February 19, 2016]

This is a continuation of yesterday's theme, units of measurement inspired by an ornate antique ruler. The ichneumon wasp is a graceful creature with an insanely long ovipositor.  Perhaps I should make an actual ruler since I have two inches done now. [February 18, 2016]

The inspiration for this comes from antique rulers considered Imperial Japanese treasures. The rectangular drawing of the stag beetle above represents one unit of measurement (such as an inch or centimeter), and the entire ruler is then a succession of ornately drawn plants and creatures along its length. Ten units in all. Fancy! The real rulers feature birds, plants, and hoofstock, but are similarly colored. [February 17, 2016]