The Land-crab (Cancer ruricola) Possibly 1731 - 1743

"The Land-crab (Cancer ruricola)" is an engraving by English naturalist Mark Catesby, dating from possibly 1731 - 1743. This detailed depiction of the land crab in its natural habitat showcases Catesby's meticulous attention to detail, highlighting the crab's intricate anatomy and the surrounding vegetation. The artwork is a testament to Catesby's pioneering work in natural history illustration, emphasizing the beauty and diversity of the natural world, a hallmark of his acclaimed publication "The Natural History of Carolina, Florida and the Bahama Islands". This print exemplifies the scientific illustration genre, offering a valuable visual record of the land crab for scientific study.