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.

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Creature Feature #153: Death's-Head Hawkmoth

The Death’s-Head Hawkmoth is characterised by the white marking on the back of his thorax that sometimes resembles a stylised human skull. There are three different species, this is the Asian one. The colouration is designed for camouflage. To deter predators, he can emit a loud squeak by expelling air from his pharynx and will also flap his wings, flashing his yellow abdomen. He also has a taste for honey, and will raid beehives. To enter unmolested, he accurately mimics the scent of the bee. Eggs are laid on the underside of the host plants, and the relatively sedantary caterpillars will bite if disturbed. They burrow into underground chambers to pupate.

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