Gordon Beningfield: False Apollo Butterfly

Artist: Gordon Beningfield
1936 - 1998
Nationality: British
Artwork Year: 1985
Image Size: 6 by 7 inches
Overall Size: 10 by 11 inches
Medium: Water Color on Cold Press Illustration Board

You can find Archon apollinus -- the Falso Apollo -- flitting anywhere from sea level to mountains in the Near East, Asia Minor and the Greek islands of the eastern Mediterranean. A Parnassiinae of the Papilionidae family, it mimics the Apollo butterfly which is protected by law in many European countires because of its scarcity. One way in which butterflies are classified is by their wings, which can be spectacular. Brilliant sprays of color are reflected from hinged scales arranged like shingles on a roof. Microscopic scrutiny shows that colors are produced by pigmentation, or by sunlight refracting through the prism of the scales. A combination of the two creates a glittering array covering the entire spectrum of visible light, making butterflies the rivals of the most exotic flowers and the most brilliant gemstones. Even so, the purpose of coloration is survival. For example, the dark colors of the False Apollo help absorb the sun's radiation, while its diaphanous forewings allow the creature to blend into its background.

This painting was originally published on the Republic of the Marshall Islands Butterflies of the World 80¢ False Apollo Butterfly stamp issued February 22, 2001.

Artwork Copyright © 1985 Unicover Corporation. All Rights Reserved under United States and international copyright laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, transmit, or otherwise exploit the Artwork in any way. Images of the Artwork may be watermarked and/or digitally watermarked. Any sale of the physical original does not include or convey the Copyright or any right comprised in the copyright.

Our Stock Number (SKU): Sold

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