lil lost boy illustrations (by zoé)

Co-evolution between South American chillies and birds, Zoé Duquenne (2026)

Digital illustration 210 x 297 mm

We often talk about animal-specific interactions, but we often forget the evolutionary mutual aid between animals and plants. The co-evolution between the genus Capsicum and the birds of South America is a magnificent example of this type of collaboration.

Capsica (or otherwise called peppers) are endemic plants of Central and South America. The latter have developed the ability to produce a protective molecule: capsaicin. Having irritating properties, chilli peppers locate this molecule in their seeds in order to deter mammals from eating the fruits. An evolutionary reason would be that herbivorous and omnivorous mammals chew their food before swallowing it, thus destroying the seeds with their teeth and preventing the plants from reproducing.

I should just jinx them, Zoé Duquenne (2025)

Digital illustration

UTOPIA, Zoé Duquenne (2025)

Watercolour, pencil colour on paper 297 x 420 mm

Cité Utopia, Zoé Duquenne (2025)

Watercolour, colour pencil on paper 297 x 420 mm

Pas Encore (Not Yet), Zoé Duquenne (2025)

Watercolour, colour pencil on paper 297 x 420 mm

Wild hyacinth, Zoé Duquenne (2026)

Seule avec son chat (Alone with her cat), Zoe Duquenne (2026)

210 x 297 mm