Insect Models Overview

Here you can get information about my insect models and get a picture of them by clicking on the respective thumbnail.

Scale up model of the Puss Moth caterpillar (Cerura vinula L.)

Puss Moth caterpillar - Cerura vinula view gallery scale 18:1, measurements including pedestal branch 1555mm x 780mm x 400mm (hxwxd)
The model is firmly mounted to a naturally designed branch. For individual presentation there is a turnable and adjustable holder made of stainless special steel.

biology of the Puss Moth caterpillar

The Puss Moth caterpillar, which belongs to the prominent (notodontidae) family, has the most bizarre appearance among the moth caterpillars. When its first line of defense against predators -- camouflage -- fails, the caterpillar strikes an aggressive posture by raising its forked tail and thickening its head and chest area. Normally, it conceals itself among the leaves of its feeding plant through its unique saddle markings.
The model, which shows the creature in its aggressive stance, is of a Puss Moth caterpillar in its last stage of development yet not fully-grown.

Scale up model of the Silver-washed Fritillary pupa (Argynnis paphia L.)

Silver-washed Fritillary pupa - Argynnis paphia view gallery scale 20:1, measurements: 530mm x 190 mm x 237 mm (hxwxd)

The model is mounted on a decorative branch. But it can also be detached and displayed in other settings - for instance, off an ERCO lighting rail, for which we provide an assembly kit.

biology of the Silver-washed Fritillary pupa

The Silver-washed Fritillary is a butterfly of the nymphalidae family. During its metamorphosis the Fritillary caterpillar becomes an extraordinarily showy chrysalis. It is found freely suspended above the ground vegetation. Its bizarre shape helps it blend within its surrounding, while the metallic reflecting spots on its protective coating add to the camouflage by optically concealing the outline of the chrysalis.
After a short pupation of two weeks the adult butterfly emerges.

Enlarged model of the Scorpionfly (Panorpa communis)

Scorpionfly - Panorpa communis view gallery scale 36:1, measurements: 900 mm x 1170 mm x 500 mm (hxwxd)

The model is mounted on to a natural-looking blade of grass with internode. For a unique presentation, there is a turntable and an adjustable holder specially made of stainless steel which is then screwed to a chunky base.

biology of the Scorpionfly

The model represents a male Scorpionfly of the Mecoptera Order. The males have enlarged genitals that look similar to the stinging tail of a scorpion and whose sole purpose is to cling to the female during mating. Its wings i.e. fore-wings and hind-wings are outstanding in that each has a complete set of veins. This gives a hint to the Scorpionfly's significance and the role of an archetype in insect evolution.