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Description
More of my Dragonella profiles can be viewed in my DA "LEXY WORKS" gallery:
lexlothor.deviantart.com/galle…
The so-called "English Dragonella" is perhaps the only species that can be considered to be common. Because it is small and inconspicuous it has survived in much of the developed world. Originating in Europe it was accidentally introduced to North America, Australia and New Zealand with the expansion of the British Empire. Its long lasting eggs were unintentionally transported along with the roots of popular rose and berry bush plantings.
Although it is one of the smallest of Dragonellas, it numbers in the millions. It dwells in gardens and hedge rows, particularly on stems with thorns which it mimics. This specimen is depicted while decapitating a praying mantis. This is ironic considering the habits of the mantid family. Because it was a common site in English gardens during the Middle Ages it is the only Dragonella species mentioned by Shakespeare. Its summer reddish color and winter white phase resulted in its likeness being incorporation into heraldic devices during the Wars of the Roses.
art & text (c) John P. Alexander
