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 Instant of Opportunity --
Emerald Toucanets & Spiny-Headed Treefrog (1995)

Acrylic on illustration board
22" x 30"
 Emerald toucanets (Aulacorhynchus prasinus) are rather common denizens of the wet highlands of Central and northern South America. More carnivorous than most toucans, they often check tree cavities for bird eggs, nestlings, and other animal food, and are said to be one of the most important predators of young resplendent quetzals (Pharomachrus mocinno). Here a pair of these toucanets chases a spiny-headed treefrog (Anotheca spinosa), an aberrant montane frog that usually dwells ontree holes. Among the many incidental creatures in this piece are: resplendent quetzal, prong-billed barbet (Semnornis frantzii), slender anole (Anolis limnifrons), Picado's moss salamander (Nototriton picadoi), butterfly (Heliconius sp.), and tortoise beetle (subfamily Cassidinae). The title, "Instant of Opportunity", was suggested by author and herpetoculturist Philippe de Vosjoli.