Not the name of a new rock band; This is the title of one of my latest works, and refers to the taxonomic name in Latin of a very rare species of tarantula. Found in a small area of south-east India, this species is on the brink of extinction thanks to the pet trade and logging. The population number is actually unknown according to the IUCN Red List:
http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/63563/0
I chose to paint the spider not only because of its endangered existence, but also for its amazing colours. Known as a Peacock Parachute Spider, the tarantula has vivid blue and yellow markings that don’t seem possible for an arachnid to possess.
My painting was made using images collected from the internet, fractured and distorted in paint as a reference to the species’ own fragmented population and presence as a multitude of digital images online. The image measures approx. 205cm by 180cm and is acrylic on canvas.
