Plate 60

Blue Butterflies and Red Larva, Blue Spines, c. 1705-1717

Not on Viewexpand_more

In January 1701 Merian wrote, "I set out into the forest to see if I could discover anything; I found this elegant red blossom on a tree; neither the name nor the properties of this tree are known to the inhabitants of this country." The butterfly is Caligo idomeneus (Linneaus), called an Owl Butterfly, because the large eye-spots on the undersides of the wings resembles the head of an owl when the wings are open. The larva illustrated is not that of an owl butterfly, but an unidentified species of silk moth. Merian also included a wasp, noting that wasps "are found everywhere in Suriname, even in the houses and in the fields…[They] sting any man or animal which comes near them and disturbs their activities."

Details
Title
Blue Butterflies and Red Larva, Blue Spines
Artist Life
1647-1717
Role
Artist
Accession Number
P.18,728
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.

Does something look wrong with this image? Let us know

Zoom in on the left to the detail you'd like to save. Click 'Save detail' and wait until the image updates. Right click the image to 'save image as' or copy link, or click the image to open in a new tab.

Plate 60