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Mulberry leaf and silkworm, Bombyx mori
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Mulberry leaf and silkworm, Bombyx mori
Silkworm moth, Bombyx mori, caterpillar and pupa with mulberry leaf, Morus alba I. Handcoloured copperplate engraving by Maria Sibylla Merian from De Europischen Insecten, J.F. Bernard, Amsterdam. 1730. Reprint of Der Raupen wunderbare Verwandelung and sonderbare Blumennahrung
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Media ID 23194266
© Florilegius/Mary Evans
Alba Amsterdam Bernard Bombyx Caterpillar Entomology Maria Merian Mori Morus Moth Mulberry Pupa Sibylla Silkworm Insecten
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This exquisitely hand-colored copperplate engraving, created by the renowned naturalist Maria Sibylla Merian in 1730, depicts various stages of the life cycle of the silkworm, Bombyx mori, alongside a mulberry leaf from the Morus alba tree. The intricate detail and vibrant colors bring to life the fascinating metamorphosis of this remarkable insect. Merian's work, titled "De Europischen Insecten" or "European Insects," was published by J.F. Bernard in Amsterdam. This specific image is a reprint of her earlier publication, "Der Raupen wunderbare Verwandelung und sonderbare Blumennahrung," which translates to "The Wonderful Transformation and Extraordinary Flower Food of the Caterpillars." The silkworm is shown in four stages: the caterpillar, pupa, and two forms of the moth, which are the adult male and female. The caterpillar is seen voraciously feeding on the mulberry leaf, a crucial part of its diet. The pupa, or chrysalis, is shown in its protective casing, ready to transform into an adult moth. The adult moths are depicted with their wings spread, revealing their intricate patterns and delicate structures. Merian's dedication to documenting the natural world during a time when scientific exploration was just beginning has left us with a stunning record of the beauty and complexity of the silkworm's life cycle. This image remains a testament to her groundbreaking work in both botanical and entomological fields.
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