{"product_id":"insect-pinning-class-harlequin-beetle","title":"Insect Pinning Class: Harlequin Beetle","description":"\u003cp data-end=\"118\" data-start=\"86\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"118\" data-start=\"86\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecies\u003c\/strong\u003e: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003eAcrocinus longimanus\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"118\" data-start=\"86\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLocation\u003c\/strong\u003e: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eSan Francisco, 766 Valencia St.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"587\" data-start=\"119\"\u003eClowns are making somewhat of a resurgence in modern pop culture these days, but this bug was born into the clown game. The Harlequin beetle may not do your kids' next birthday party or entertain a king, but it’s got more clown cred than a box full of juggalos. It’s not all “ha ha funny balloon animals and red noses” when it comes to these gigantic longhorn beetles. They may have a silly coat of paint, but they are one of nature's most accomplished fashionistas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1157\" data-start=\"589\"\u003eAs you may have guessed, the Harlequin beetle gets its name from the harlequin costume pattern seen in traditional theater covering its body. This may be one of the only insects named after a character from the Italian Commedia dell’arte, a form of theater that began in the 16th century. That may be a bit too specific, as over time, “harlequin” came to describe anything that is brightly or oddly colored, patterned like a checkerboard or patchwork. We like to think this beetle is just really into the arts and has a complex understanding of 16th-century theater.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2075\" data-start=\"1159\"\u003eAnyway, its appearance is just a bold fashion choice. It actually serves a few different purposes. Scientists believe that its loud coloration also serves as camouflage. To us, it sticks out like a sore thumb, but in its natural habitat of a dense rainforest, the red, yellow, and black patchwork helps it blend into its surroundings. Predators can’t eat it if they can’t find it. On top of that, some scientists think the colors might mimic toxic insects or patterns in the environment, making the beetle less likely to be eaten. On the off chance a predator does find it, it might think twice before scarfing down something that looks like a moving warning label. Aside from becoming someone's dinner insurance, the colorful patterns may also help males and females identify each other among the trees, especially in the visually busy rainforest environment. After all, we’re just looking for love in this world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2294\" data-start=\"2077\"\u003eWe could go on, but in order to really understand a clown, you’ve got to spend time with one. If you’re into bright colors, big beetles, and maybe a dash of ye olden Italian theater, you’re going to love this class.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"1348\" data-start=\"1002\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1022\" data-start=\"1002\"\u003eAbout the class:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1348\" data-start=\"1002\"\u003eIn this hands-on, two-hour class, you will learn the full process of beetle pinning, from hydration to pinning and preservation. Our expert instructor will guide you step by step, and you will use a Paxton Gate spreading kit to transform your beetle into a preserved specimen you will get to take home and show off.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1386\" data-start=\"1350\"\u003eInside each kit, you will receive:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 Box of entomology pins\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 Anchor pin\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e4 Strips vellum paper\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eForceps\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePinning board\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInstruction pamphlet\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"1562\" data-start=\"1540\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1562\" data-start=\"1540\"\u003eImportant Details:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-is-only-node=\"\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-end=\"2006\" data-start=\"1564\"\u003eClasses will be held at 766 Valencia St., San Francisco.\u003cbr data-end=\"1623\" data-start=\"1620\"\u003eChildren under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.\u003cbr data-end=\"1676\" data-start=\"1673\"\u003eCancellations must be made at least 72 hours before the class to receive store credit, redeemable for merchandise or future classes.\u003cbr data-end=\"1811\" data-start=\"1808\"\u003ePre-registration is required, as materials must be prepared for each student and space is very limited. Please arrive promptly at the start time. Students are encouraged to bring lunch or snacks.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Paxton Gate","offers":[{"title":"July 5th (12pm-2pm)","offer_id":51342209614048,"sku":"442306","price":110.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0077\/2797\/2442\/files\/Paxton_Gate_Workshop_Harl.jpg?v=1775520249","url":"https:\/\/paxtongate.com\/products\/insect-pinning-class-harlequin-beetle","provider":"Paxton Gate","version":"1.0","type":"link"}