6744 George Shaw & Frederick Nodder – Nepa Grandis – Hand-Colored Copperplate Engraving – 1798

This exquisite hand-colored copperplate engraving depicts Nepa grandis, a species of aquatic insect known for its distinctive flattened body and raptorial forelegs, resembling a water scorpion. The illustration shows two views: one with extended wings in flight (Fig. 1), and another in resting posture (Fig. 2), highlighting the insect’s anatomy and morphological detail. Originally published in The Naturalist's Miscellany, a monumental serial work on natural history by George Shaw and illustrated by Frederick Nodder, this engraving reflects the Enlightenment era’s fascination with taxonomy and biodiversity.