Späckhuggare | Killer whale

Späckhuggare | Killer whale - Poster print

Water colour illustration - Global species collection


Size: A3 paper
High quality silk paper (200gsm)

Below the water colour illustration, there is a single text line with knowledge about the species. You'll find the common species names in multiple languages and its latin species name (see below) and also information about the size of the species, for females and males.

Swedish: Späckhuggare
English: Killer whale
Gaelige: An Chráin dhubh
Norwegian: Spekkhogger
Danish: Spækhugger
French: Orque
Finnish: Miekkavalas
Spanish: Orca

Latin species name: Orcinus orca

About Killer whales
The Killer whale, (or Orca), is a toothed whale, and the largest member of the dolphin family, known for its striking black-and-white coloration and remarkable intelligence. Found in every ocean on Earth, orcas thrive in an incredible range of marine environments, from the icy waters of the Arctic and Antarctic to the warm, tropical seas. While these apex predators share a global distribution, their behaviors and diets vary widely between groups. Some pods specialize in specific prey, such as fish or marine mammals, employing highly sophisticated hunting techniques, while others have a more generalized diet or shift their feeding habits with the seasons. Orcas are also known for their distinct vocalizations, which differ between groups and serve as a form of communication so complex it has been likened to language, even suggesting the presence of unique cultures. With their strong family bonds, orcas live in tight-knit, matrilineal pods that demonstrate intricate social structures, underscoring their role as one of the ocean's most fascinating and socially complex animals.

The Global Species Collection aims to highlight species that are familiar to many, as they are widely distributed and in many places numerous. In several geographical regions, they have played, and still play, important roles in human cultures, and they have names in many languages. They are some of the most loved and charismatic species, still they hold many secrets left for science to unveil.