Entomological illustrations created in graphite and colored pencil.
Hera Buckmoth & Great Basin Sagebrush
The Hera buckmoth (Hemileuca hera) perched on its primary host plant, the Great Basin sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata). The Hera buckmoth does not feed once it hatches as its moth form. The female moth lays her eggs on the host plant, and once the eggs hatch, the larvae feed on the host plant.
The Hera buckmoth is found throughout most of the western states of the US. It is part of the moth family Saturniidae, and in the subfamily Hemileucinae.
Colored pencil & graphite on duralene
11” x 14”
Io Moth & Common Hackberry
The Io moth (Automeris io) perched on one of its preferred host plants, the common hackberry (Celtis occidentalis). The Io moth does not feed once it hatches as its moth form. The female moth has less than two weeks to lay eggs on a host plant before she dies. The male moths live even shorter lives. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae feed on the host plant.
The Io moth is found throughout the eastern and mid states of the US. It is part of the moth family Saturniidae, and in the subfamily Hemileucinae.
Colored pencil & graphite on duralene
11” x 14”
Comet Moth
A male comet moth (Argema mittrei) illustrated immediately after it has hatched from its cocoon. Comet moths only live up to 7 days after they have hatched. During this time, they do not eat and their sole purpose is to mate. Often the female comet moths will spend the entirety of their short lives perched on their cocoon while they wait for a male to find them.
Colored pencil & graphite on duralene
11” x 14”
Spanish Moon Moth
The Spanish moon moth (Graellsia isabellae) is native to the mountains of northern Spain. The moth’s host plant is the pine tree. The females will lay their eggs on pine trees, and the larvae will eat the pine needles once hatched.
Colored pencil & graphite on duralene
11” x 14”