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Thorny or caltrop murex, Murex tribulus
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Thorny or caltrop murex, Murex tribulus
Thorny or caltrop murex, Murex tribulus.. Illustration drawn and engraved by Richard Polydore Nodder. Handcolored copperplate engraving from George Shaw and Frederick Nodders The Naturalists Miscellany, London, 1800
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Fredericknodder Georgeshaw Naturalhistory Richardpolydorenodder Thenaturalistsmiscellany
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This exquisite handcolored copperplate engraving showcases the intricate details of the Thorny or Caltrop Murex, scientifically known as Murex tribulus. Drawn and engraved by the renowned naturalist and illustrator, Richard Polydore Nodder, this illustration was published in George Shaw and Frederick Nodder's The Naturalist's Miscellany in London, 1800. The Thorny Murex, a type of large marine gastropod, is native to the Mediterranean and Red Seas. The shell of this mollusk is characterized by its irregularly shaped, thorny, and spiky exterior. The calcareous shell is covered in numerous small, sharp projections, which not only provide protection against predators but also make it difficult for other organisms to attach themselves to the shell. The Thorny Murex is a herbivore, feeding primarily on algae and other marine vegetation. It is also known for producing a valuable purple dye, known as Tyrian Purple, which was highly prized in ancient civilizations for use in textiles and cosmetics. The dye was extracted from the murex's body and required a significant amount of the mollusks to produce a small quantity of the dye. This beautiful illustration not only showcases the intricacies of the Thorny Murex's shell but also highlights the importance of natural history in the scientific exploration and documentation of the natural world during the 18th and 19th centuries. The Naturalist's Miscellany, published by George Shaw and Frederick Nodder, was a significant contribution to the field of zoology and natural history, providing a detailed record of various species and their natural history information.
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