Beetles and Bugs Versus Oscar Fashion

Right: Emma Stone (in Louis Vuitton) arrives at the Academy Awards February 24, 2019 (detail of photo by Marl Ralston/AFP/Getty Images) and left: Apriona swainsoni, female by Ben Sale

Sometimes I watch the Oscars, but mainly for the pretty clothes. I went to bed after Spike Lee won for his screenplay, probably correct in my suspicion the show had peaked (with a joyous moment overdue by a few decades). I did enjoy the clothes, and in particular that several men stepped it up with colour, and capes and one truly spectacular skirt. Today this is my excuse to contrast the astonishing biodiversity of beetles with the beautiful textiles and couture on display. See the previous such posts: I really enjoyed bringing you the best in nudibranch Oscar fashion and bee biodiversity versus Oscar fashion before. The variation in bugs and beetles is staggering, and I hope you'll see they show great beauty, even if you're inclined to think of them as creepy crawlies.

Left: Lisa Bonet and Jason Momoa (detail of photograph: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images) and right: Cerambycidae from Senegal, male and female, shot by Insecte member ocis

Left: Helen Mirren arrives at the Academy Awards February 24, 2019 (Photograph: Mark Ralston/AFP/Getty Images) and right: Omophoita via National Geographic

Left: Glenn Close at the 2019 Oscars on February 24, 2019 in Caroline Herrera and right: Golden Tortoise Beetle (via Wikipedia)

Left: Chris Evans, February 24, 2019 at the Academy Awards (Getty Images) and
right: the six-spotted tiger beetle (Cicindela sexguttata)
(courtesy Matt Bright/flickr CC)

Left: Michelle Yeoh wearing Ellie Saab at the February 24, 2019 Academy Awards (By Steve Granitz/WireImage) and left: Corythuca ciliata, the sycamore lace bug (via here)