Large Hand Colored Engraved Plate Of Mecynorhina torquata and Acrocinus longimanus Beetles, from C.F.A. Kolb’s Naturgeschichte des Thierreichs

Stuttgart Verlag v. Krais & Hoffmann, Stuttgart, 1868; Large hand colored copper engraving of Mecynorhina torquata Drury and Acrocinus longimanus, together with sixteen other species of beetle. Contrary to its ferocious appearance, Mecynorhina is actually a pollen eater, native to tropical Africa, and among the largest of the world’s flower beetles, attaining a body length of more than 3". The South American Acrocinus or "Harlequin Beetle" depicted at right is of equivalent body size, but with long articulated forelegs that add an additional 6" to its overall length. Engraved identification key in the lower margin lists the Latin binomial and German common name for all beetles shown. An original double plate from C.F.A. Kolb’s Naturgeschichte des Tierreichs, published at Stuttgart in 1868. Hinged and matted entirely acid free, ready for framing. Full sheet size 13 1/4" x 16", matte window 12 3/4" x 14 1/4", outside matte dimensions 18" x 19 1/2". Near Fine, slight age toning, single 1" closed edge tear in the lower margin and a miniscule pinhole near the bottom right corner in the blank margin beneath the matte. Clean, bright, colors vivid. An impressive and scarce entomological print featuring two of the world’s beetle giants. Scarce.