Lanternfly Collection

Species: The Peanut Headed Lanternfly (Fulgora laternaria),  Crocodile Headed Lanternfly (Zanna nobilis). 

This piece examines the exaggerated cephalic process, or “nose” of two species of lanternfly. 

German entomologist Maria Sibylla Merian, falsely believed that they became luminous at night. Carl Linnaeus adopted this belief and further propagated the myth by coining a number of light-inspired names for different species, such as laternaria, phosphorea and candelaria.

While many theories regarding this elongate hollow structure exist, including sexual selection, anti-predator defence, and sound amplification, the true function behind these weird and wonderful noses remains unknown.

This Lanternfly Collection has been hand set by our expert entomologists in our studio and elegantly mounted in a museum quality deep box frame.

Frame: Satin finished acrylic 

Mount: 300 GSM acid free card stock with a 2 mm bevelled edge matboard border

Display: Self standing frame or wall hanging bracket

Dimensions: 9 x 12.5 x 2.5 inches

The picture shown is an example of the quality that you can expect to receive. Please be aware that, as these are natural products, they are subject to some variation. While no two insects are exactly alike, each of the specimens in our collection fall within the morphological perimeters for their species.

Each frame is accompanied by its own unique swing tag. Inspired by exhibition labels in galleries and museums, these tags feature the craftsman's signature and other identifying details, ensuring every frame is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.

All of the insects in our collection are responsibly and ethically sourced through sustainable insect farming and commercial breeding. 

This approach helps native communities generate a sustainable and equitable income, while providing an economic incentive to protect endangered habitats rather than environmentally destructive practices such as deforestation for logging and agriculture.

We are working hard to be a carbon neutral brand, by investing in planting trees to offset our carbon emissions and continuing to operate responsibly. We also package all of our products using 100% recyclable or reusable materials to reduce our environmental impact.

Both ourselves and our suppliers use recycled material through as much of the design & production process as possible. All of our card mounts and solid oak stands are FSC certified, meaning that the trees used are harvested responsibly and replaced to ensure no net loss of forest.

Each piece in our myriad collection comes with a loyalty sticker. Receive a free gift reward for every third item purchased, culminating in a captivating platinum statement piece, complimentary from Curated.