Sphinx Moth, Larva, Pupa, and Flower, 1705-1771
Hand-colored etching and engravingexpand_more
The Minnich Collection The Ethel Morrison Van DerLip Fund, 1966expand_more P.18,724
Not on Viewexpand_more
The Giant Sphinx Moth depicted at bottom right is Cocytius antaeus (Drury), shown with its larva and pupa. The adult feeds through its long, tubular proboscis, which is formed from two parts. Merian drew the larva feeding on a plant known as the Bellyache Bush, because all parts of the plant are poisonous, particularly the seeds. Marian noted that the leaves of this plant were used for "purgatives and for enemas."
Details
- Title
- Sphinx Moth, Larva, Pupa, and Flower
- Artist Life
- 1647-1717
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- P.18,724
- Catalogue Raisonne
- Nissen: 1342; Cat. Ger. Nat'l Museum, 1967
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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