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Death watch beetle, Xestobium rufovillosum
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Death watch beetle, Xestobium rufovillosum
Death watch beetle, Xestobium rufovillosum.. Handcolored copperplate zoological engraving from George Shaw and Frederick Nodders The Naturalists Miscellany, 1792
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Media ID 14217435
© Florilegius / Mary Evans
Beetle Frederick Miscellany Naturalist Nodder Shaw Watch Zoological
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This stunning handcolored copperplate engraving showcases the Death Watch Beetle, Xestobium rufovillosum, a fascinating insect that has captured the curiosity of naturalists for centuries. The image is taken from George Shaw and Frederick Nodder's "The Naturalist's Miscellany," published in 1792. The meticulously detailed illustration showcases the beetle's distinctive features, including its elongated body, reddish-brown coloration, and the distinctive tufts of white hairs on its elytra (wing cases). The Death Watch Beetle derives its name from the belief that its presence in old buildings was an omen of death. This superstition likely arose due to the beetle's association with decaying wood and its tendency to emerge in large numbers during the night, making a distinctive ticking or clicking sound. Despite its ominous name, the Death Watch Beetle plays an essential role in the ecosystem as a decomposer, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients back into the soil. The intricate engraving not only serves as a testament to the beauty and diversity of the natural world but also highlights the important role that insects play in maintaining ecological balance. This historical illustration provides a fascinating glimpse into the past, showcasing the meticulous attention to detail and scientific accuracy that characterized the work of naturalists during the late 18th century. The Death Watch Beetle may have once been feared as a harbinger of death, but today it is celebrated as an essential component of the natural world.
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