Original Insect Painting deals of a Scarab Beetle, Aphodius rufus, Dung Beetle. Watercolor, Mixed Media

An original scientific illustration of a scarab beetle or dung beetle common in Europe (Aphodius rufus). This is a 6X6 inch, mixed media (watercolor, pen, gouache) painting on 140lb, hot press, acid-free paper.
Insects are amazing. I consider these little illustrations 70% scientific, and 30% artistic self-gratification. I'm in it for the color, texture, and everything that makes these little gems fascinating. I take artistic liberties to accentuate whatever I find unique, bizarre, or charming in each piece.

This particular 6X6 differs from the others in this category because it was done in 2016, I have since decided deals that writing the species name in paint is a little too dangerous; the newer paintings are named and signed in ink.