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John Abbot Collection

John Abbot was a renowned naturalist and artist who dedicated his life to studying and documenting the fascinating world of insects

Background imageJohn Abbot Collection: Aix sponsa, Wood duck

Aix sponsa, Wood duck
Watercolour by John Abbot, 1827 Date: 1827

Background imageJohn Abbot Collection: Camberwell beauty butterfly, artwork C016 / 5543

Camberwell beauty butterfly, artwork C016 / 5543
Camberwell beauty. Illustration of the upperside (top) and underside (bottom) of a Camberwell beauty butterfly (Nymphalis antiopa). Taken from Insects of Georgia by John Abbot (1751-1840)

Background imageJohn Abbot Collection: Papilio, black streaked little yellow butterfly

Papilio, black streaked little yellow butterfly
Illustration of a black streaked little yellow butterfly by John Abbot, Tab 241, Volume 16 from the Abbot Collection held in the Natural History Museums Entomology Library

Background imageJohn Abbot Collection: Papilio, clouded yellow butterfly

Papilio, clouded yellow butterfly

Background imageJohn Abbot Collection: Papilio, red butterfly

Papilio, red butterfly
Illustration of a red butterfly by John Abbot, Tab 306, Volume 16 from the Abbot Collection held in the Natural History Museums Entomology Library

Background imageJohn Abbot Collection: No. 44 Papilio, Vol. 6 plate 62, Abbot J

No. 44 Papilio, Vol. 6 plate 62, Abbot J
Illustration and caption by John Abbot (1751-1840). Caption reads: Taken 14th March it is a female of No. 179 & 180, see next page and it is much more rare than the male

Background imageJohn Abbot Collection: No. 179 & 180 Palilio Erebus

No. 179 & 180 Palilio Erebus
Illustration and caption by John Abbot (1751-1840). Caption reads: Taken from 21st March in Pine Woods, very rare, it flies swift, the female has a broader border of black, this is the male of No

Background imageJohn Abbot Collection: Papilio, little brown butterfly

Papilio, little brown butterfly
Illustration of a little brown butterfly by John Abbot, Tab 277, Volume 16 from the Abbot Collection held in the Natural History Museums Entomology Library

Background imageJohn Abbot Collection: Insects of Georgia

Insects of Georgia
Plate 182, page 95 Volume 2, Insects of Georgia by John Abbot. 1751 - 1840

Background imageJohn Abbot Collection: Papilio eubule, brimstone butterfly

Papilio eubule, brimstone butterfly
Illustration of a brimstone butterfly by John Abbot, Tab 211, Volume 16 from the Abbot Collection held in the Natural History Museums Entomology Library

Background imageJohn Abbot Collection: Poanes, broad grafs skipper butterfly

Poanes, broad grafs skipper butterfly
Illustration of a broad grafs skipper butterfly by John Abbot, Tab 307, Volume 16 from the Abbot Collection held in the Natural History Museums Entomology Library

Background imageJohn Abbot Collection: Papilio, little yellow butterfly

Papilio, little yellow butterfly
Illustration of a little yellow butterfly by John Abbot, Tab 240, Volume 16 from the Abbot Collection held in the Natural History Museums Entomology Library

Background imageJohn Abbot Collection: Papilio ajax, black barred swallowtail butterfly

Papilio ajax, black barred swallowtail butterfly
Plate 78 from Natural History of the Coleoptera and Lepidopterous Insects (1804) by John Abbot (1751-1840)

Background imageJohn Abbot Collection: Papilio, white butterfly

Papilio, white butterfly
Illustration of a white butterfly by John Abbot, Tab, 275, Volume 16 from the Abbot Collection held in the Natural History Museums Entomology Library

Background imageJohn Abbot Collection: Papilio, butterflies

Papilio, butterflies
Illustration and text by John Abbot: No 38, 39 & 40 Papilio taken 5th March. Common it may be met with most parts of the summer and autumn, the caterpillar is rarely met with

Background imageJohn Abbot Collection: Actias luna, emperor moth

Actias luna, emperor moth
A green swallow tailed emperor moth with the liquid amber or sweet gum plant (Liquidambar styraciflua) by John Abbot (1751-1840)

Background imageJohn Abbot Collection: Papilio orithya, American peacock butterfly

Papilio orithya, American peacock butterfly
An illustration of a peacock butterfly (upper and under side shown). Taken from Insects of Georgia by John Abbot (1751-1840)

Background imageJohn Abbot Collection: Nymphalis antiopa, Camberwell beauty

Nymphalis antiopa, Camberwell beauty
An illustration of a mourning cloak or Camberwell beauty butterfly (upper and under side shown). Taken from Insects of Georgia by John Abbot (1751-1840)

Background imageJohn Abbot Collection: Portunus pelagicus, flower crab

Portunus pelagicus, flower crab
Illustration by John Abbot from his Insects of Georgia, 1787

Background imageJohn Abbot Collection: Regulus satrapa, golden-crowned kinglet

Regulus satrapa, golden-crowned kinglet
Watercolour drawing by John Abbot from his Birds of Georgia, (1827)

Background imageJohn Abbot Collection: Eurytides marcellus (Ajax), swallow tailed butterfly

Eurytides marcellus (Ajax), swallow tailed butterfly

Background imageJohn Abbot Collection: Phanaeus vindex (Macleay), dung beetle

Phanaeus vindex (Macleay), dung beetle
Top, lateral and underside views of a female dung beetle also called a tumble dung beetle by John Abbot

Background imageJohn Abbot Collection: Araneus saevus, great round web spider

Araneus saevus, great round web spider
An illustration of a great round web female spider from Insects of Georgia by John Abbot (1751-1840)

Background imageJohn Abbot Collection: Trumpet leaf moths

Trumpet leaf moths
The lower moth pictured is (Tarachidia semiflava) and the lower moth (Noctuae Phytometra ernestiana) with a pitcher plant (Sarracenia sp.) by John Abbot (1751-1840)

Background imageJohn Abbot Collection: Grus americana, whooping crane

Grus americana, whooping crane


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John Abbot was a renowned naturalist and artist who dedicated his life to studying and documenting the fascinating world of insects. His passion for entomology led him to discover and describe numerous species, including the striking Aix sponsa, also known as the Wood duck. Abbot's keen eye for detail is evident in his exquisite artwork, such as his depiction of the elusive Camberwell beauty butterfly (artwork C016 / 5543). He captured its delicate wings with precision, showcasing its vibrant colors and intricate patterns. Among Abbot's notable contributions is his study on the Ectopistes migratorius, commonly known as the Passenger pigeon. Through meticulous observation, he unraveled secrets about their behavior and migration patterns that were previously unknown. His expertise extended beyond butterflies and pigeons; Abbot also documented various species of Papilio butterflies. From the black streaked little yellow butterfly to the clouded yellow butterfly and even a stunning red butterfly featured in No. 44 Papilio Vol. 6 plate 62 (credited to Abbot J), he left no stone unturned when it came to exploring their diversity. Abbot's tools of trade included a carpenter's square for precise measurements, an ink-line or chalk line for accuracy in sketching specimens, and markers for highlighting important details during fieldwork. His dedication knew no bounds as he meticulously cataloged insects found in Georgia through works like "Insects of Georgia. " This comprehensive collection showcased not only beautiful butterflies but also lesser-known creatures like Palilio Erebus (No. 179 & 180) - testament to his commitment towards understanding every aspect of nature. John Abbot's legacy lives on through his remarkable illustrations that continue to inspire scientists today. His contribution has not only enriched our knowledge about these enchanting creatures but also serves as a reminder of how one person can make an indelible mark on scientific exploration.