"Norman"
the Lantern Bug
Scientific name: Pyrops candelaria
Oil on canvas -96' x72'
Norman
the lantern bug was collected by Ralph Charlton from the Kansas
State Entomology Department. Lantern bugs like Norman are
not found in the United States, but are commonly found in
the forests of Australia, Asia and South America and come
in many color combinations. The large red form, scooping upward
resembles a nose on Norman's face, with a membrane at the
tip that expanded into the shape of a sphere. Norman is a
tree hopper and sucks up sap through a proboscis mouth part.
Jessa
worked on this canvas for 7 weeks at Omaha's Henry Doorly
Zoo. Her favorite part of the painting was the fun dots on
his red nose. His wing was also interesting in texture with
no scales or hairs present. The specimen is shown with his
wings spread as this allowed entomology students to get a
better look at all of Norman.
