Hello Folks!Be they big or small, insects are undoubtedly highly fascinating creatures. Chances are wherever you are, whatever you're doing, an insect is not a million miles away and you might not even know it! So what better reason than to have a quiz to see how much you know about them.
Each Monday for 12 weeks, I will be posting a little teaser for you. Without looking in books or on the internet (i.e - no cheating), see if you can identify the insect. On Wednesday, so as long as no-one has guessed it, I will post one clue. On Friday I will post the answer along with some additional information for your interest.MYSTERY INSECT QUIZ#6According to William, Cassius may have seen one of these at the battle of Philippi.P.S - Apologies for delay, managed to trap a couple of pinkies in my car door on monday and with a poorly wing, have been grounded. Will post a clue tomorrow.
Withdrawing from this one. What are you doing to us Mrs T? Why am I flicking through a Shakespeare play over breakfast instead of a crossword?! Why do you torture us so?Still, the good thing is I bought a new Insect book yesterday:-) Though I can't look at it yet until the quiz has finished:-(
You were right Caroline, I think I am hooked in now. Carry on Ray!
Oh nice one Ray!!! Think you are most likely right! :-)
What book did you get Pudweena?
"All weeds are flowers, once you get to know them" (Eeyore)
My photos on Flickr
Hum.... is anyone else going to have a flutter? (definately no clues there...ahem).
Purple emperor and I can justify it for once :)
Caroline in Jersey
Cin J
Ooh MrsT!! Lol!! Now I'm thinking Germain must be right! Lol! I can't have any educated guesses as I know nowt about Shakespeare etc...!
sounds right with that flutter clue germain can see where you are coming from.Mrs T is driving me nuts I've got the assassin bug now lol
Ray
a good laugh is better than a tonic
Just got the Collins nature guide book on Insects at local NT shop yesterday selling for £2.99, also got the Seashore one too. Been meaning to get one for ages as often see various insects whilst out but never know what they are. Will rely on you for more comprehensive information! :-)
Yes that's a nice book! If you see this one, it's well worth getting too imho!
Wouldn't rely too much on me for info! Lol! I'm always learning and often wrong!
;-)
Thanks for that MarJus, shame I didn't get one ages ago, before the quiz:-)
Congratulations to all of who guessed Purple Emperor (Apatura iris). Firstly a bit about the clues: According to William, Cassius may have seen one of these at the battle of Philippi – this refers to William Shakespeare’s 1599 play (The Tragedy of) Julius Caesar in which Gaius (Cassius) Longinus sees the ghost of the Emperor (Gaius) Julius Caesar wearing a purple robe. Cassius was one of praetors who conspired to kill Caesar in 44 BC. The second clue: Contrary to popular belief a cloak of this colour wasn't just worn by Calpurnia's husband. Calpurnia was the wife of the Emperor Julius Caesar. It has been a long held belief that purple was a colour reserved for royality, as a symbol of imperialism or divinity, but it would seem that within Roman literature, purple was worn by many people, of differing age, sex and social status, but often as a luxurious detail.
Male Purple emperor butterflies have deep purple wings with white splotches. They can be seen in wooded areas throughout July and August. Though they spend most of their time at treetop level, they may come down to muddy pools for a drink or even carrion. Purple emperor caterpillars are green slug-like creatures with two distinguishable horns and are perfectly designed for camouflage throughout August to June. A picture of a Purple emperor butterfly can be found here.
Keep an eye out for next week’s mystery insect quiz!
Claire