insect illustration

Submitted by gregoryose on January 10, 2012 - 9:31am

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General Discussion

Hi,

I searched within GNSI, but haven't found the answer yet although it might be hidden in plain view. Apologies if it is, but...if you can point me to that, I'd be grateful.

What is the correct orientation for illustrating insects for comparison? I suspect side-view illustration convention (GNSI) is facing left; is this correct?

Thanks!

Greg

that depends

Submitted by E S Damstra on January 15, 2012 - 7:25pm.

Greg, while I do not specialize in entomological illustration, I think it is safe to say that there is no one convention for all insects. Some, like butterflies for example, might require a dorsal view or ventral view, while others, like grasshoppers might require a lateral view. It largely depends upon what you're trying to compare.

If you're illustrating a side view, facing left is the convention I think, though there are always exceptions.

Hope that helps.

Emily

Thanks

Submitted by gregoryose on January 17, 2012 - 1:28pm.

I supect left lateral view LEFT is correct, but since I couldn't find it definitively, thought I should ask.

Thanks Emily!

Greg

Re; Insect illustration

Submitted by Diana Marques on January 18, 2012 - 7:33pm.

Hi Greg,

it really depends on the insect group. Actually, I would say the most common view represented isn't side-view-facing-left but instead a dorsal view. Looking at formal entomological illustration on scientific publications that's what is usually done with beetles, flies, butterflies, etc.

Representing insects in a formal way but facing left always poses more problems with displaying the legs which end up overlaping. And scientists usually like them well spread so that they can be measured, all tarsi visible for counting, etc.

However, if you're intending to represent the insects in their natural environment, a side view will look more natural.

Diana

Insect Illustration orientation

Submitted by Geoff T on March 25, 2012 - 4:46pm.

As Diana says it depends on the group of insects. Most insects require a dorsal view but ants and several other groups need to be illustrated laterally. Facing left is the convention. Check out CSIRO's "The Insects of Australia" for some of the best examples covering all insect orders.

Cheers,

Geoff

Ultimately, If you are

Submitted by Bug-Eyed Illust... on May 3, 2012 - 9:31am.

Ultimately, If you are looking to exhustivly compare insects, you could show a dorsal, ventral, lateral, posterior and an anterior view. Short of having some realistic 3/4 angles, this wil give all the information needed to compare every component of your insect. Hope this helped.

Cheers,

Richard