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Human flea, Pulex irritans
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Human flea, Pulex irritans
Human flea, Pulex irritans.. Handcolored copperplate zoological engraving from George Shaw and Frederick Nodders The Naturalists Miscellany, 1792
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14217570
© Florilegius / Mary Evans
Flea Frederick Human Miscellany Naturalist Nodder Shaw Zoological Pulex
EDITORS COMMENTS
This exquisitely hand-colored copperplate engraving depicts the Human Flea, Pulex irritans, from George Shaw and Frederick Nodder's The Naturalist's Miscellany, published in 1792. The Human Flea, also known as the Common Flea, is a small, wingless insect that is an obligate ectoparasite, meaning it survives by living on the bodies of other animals. In this illustration, the flea is shown in a detailed and accurate representation, with its long legs, narrow body, and distinctive lateral spines. The Naturalist's Miscellany was a popular and influential work in the field of natural history, featuring high-quality engravings of a wide range of plants, animals, and minerals. Shaw and Nodder, the authors, were both accomplished naturalists and artists, and their collaborative efforts resulted in some of the most accurate and beautiful illustrations of their time. This particular engraving of the Human Flea is a testament to their skill and dedication to scientific accuracy. The flea is shown in a lifelike pose, with its legs extended and its body in motion, as if ready to jump. The intricate details of its anatomy are rendered in exquisite detail, from the tiny hairs covering its body to the complex structures of its legs and mouthparts. The hand-coloring adds an additional layer of beauty and realism to the illustration, bringing the flea to life in a way that a black-and-white engraving could not. The use of watercolors allows for a richness and depth of color that enhances the natural colors of the flea's body and the intricacies of its markings. This historic engraving not only offers a fascinating glimpse into the natural history of the Human Flea but also serves as a reminder of the importance of accurate and detailed illustrations in the scientific record. The artistry and skill of Shaw and Nodder continue to inspire and captivate viewers over two centuries after the publication of The Naturalist's Miscellany.
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