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. |
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