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, June 18, 2015

Creature Feature #601: Pondskater

The Pondskater or water strider is a predatory insect. His long, slender legs allow him to evenly distribute his weight across a wide area, and he takes advantage of surface tension to literally run on water. Striding across the water, he watches for the ripples caused by prey beneath the surface and grabs it, piercing its exoskeleton and sucking out the innards. When hunting for a mate, he communicates using ripples. If another Pondskater is near, he sends out a "repel" signal. If a similar signal is not returned, he knows the other is a female and will send out a courtship signal instead. Should she be a female, and receptive to his advances, he will mount her - and remain there for the entirety of the reproductive season.

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