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Giant Banded Anole & Lanternbug (1996)

Acrylic on illustration board
15" x 10"

In the struggle to avoid being consumed one common strategy used by some smaller animals is to startle a potential foe, leaving it momentarily flustered. When disturbed this Central American lanternbug (Laternaria sp.) flicks open its wings, revealing bold eyespots. This tactic is shared by the giant banded anole (Anolis insignis), a member of a large lizard genus capable of expanding their throat fan or "dewlap" to intimidate would-be predators. In this painting I've linked these two creatures in a state of mutual alarm.