Imagined Beetles

Science

With around 400,000 known species, and an estimated 1 to 2 million species in total, coleoptera (beetles) form the largest known order of insects, and make up more than a quarter of all known animal species on Earth. Beetles undergo complete metamorphosis, developing from the egg through distinct larval and pupal stages before reaching maturity. They typically have a hard exoskeleton and hardened forewings. These beetles, created with lacquered acrylic paint on stone, imagine the great diversity in size, shape, colourings and patterns evident in the coleoptera. They find homes in geocaches around the UK and sometimes beyond.

https://www.coleoptera.org.uk/

Method

The beetles were created using acrylic paint on stone and finished with clear lacquer.

Bio

Anna Joyce (she/her) is an academic at Regent’s University London, and an insomnia therapist. Her research focuses on the importance of sleep for cognition and mental health. Outside of work she enjoys poetry, playing piano, and yoga. She lives in South London with her husband, two children, and a little black cat. You can find her on Twitter/X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn @DrAnnaJoyce and her website www.annajoyce.co.uk