Catacanthus incarnatus

The Catacanthus incarnatus, popularly known as the Man-Faced Bug, is an extraordinary stink bug native to the dense forests and agricultural regions of Southeast Asia and India. It is widely recognized for its vibrant, highly unusual exoskeleton, which boasts a striking pattern on its back that bears an uncanny resemblance to a human face—complete with distinct eyes, a nose, and an open mouth.

The bug’s vivid coloration is a masterclass in warning design, featuring bright shades of orange, yellow, or crimson set against deep black spots. This striking appearance serves as an unmistakable visual signal—known as aposematism—to birds and small predators, warning them that the insect carries a foul taste and noxious chemical defenses, discouraging them from attempting a meal.

A fascinating, if somewhat repulsive, secret of Catacanthus incarnatus lies in its potent chemical weaponry. When threatened or disturbed, specialized glands on its thorax secrete a harsh, foul-smelling liquid capable of staining predator skin and irritating eyes. This pungent defense mechanism repels hungry attackers instantly, allowing the insect to escape unharmed into the dense canopy above.

Size:

26 x 33 cm / 10.2 x 13 in

Medium: watercolour and ink
Paper: 100% cotton, 640 g/m²