About the Project

The ZooTrophy Animal-a-Day project began on October 15th, 2013 as illustrator Angela "LemurKat" Oliver began working her way, systematically but selectively, through the alphabet and presenting, via social media, an illustrated animal to the world. Daily.

All pieces are drawn as 2.5 x 3.5 inch collectible cards, using a combination of polychromos and prismacolor pencils, along with other art materials. Many are still available for purchase ($10) or trade, so drop her an email if anything captures your eye or if there is an animal you wish to request.

It is predicted this project will take her at least two years to complete - with approximately 36 animals being drawn for each letter. She has also used the images to create a collectible hardback encyclopedia series, playing cards and a desk calendar, as well as the ZooTrophy collectible trading card game.

Sunday, October 12, 2014

Creature Feature #358: Jewel Beetle

The Jewel Beetles are a Family of irridescent beetles, with over 15,000 different species. Their primary diet is wood, with the larvae chewing through the roots, leaves and logs of a variety of flora. Whilst they favour old and decaying wood, some species do significant damage to growing trees and are regarded an invasive pest. The adults of some species will drink nectar. The colour is attained not from pigmentation but from the reflective nature of the insect's exoskeleton. They are prized amongst insect collectors, with their elytra - the hardened forewings - being used in jewellery and decoration. This fellow is Temognatha alternata from Queensland, Australia.

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