Background:

These richly colored and detailed engraved prints are from Edward Donovan's (1768-1837) Natural History of British Insects.  On this page we feature prints of Butterflies, Moths, Dragonflies and Beetles.  Each plate was devoted to a single species, many featuring the insect in several states. The accompanying text, also authored by Edwards, discussed their "transformations, food and economy".  Together with the work by John Curtis, they represent some of the best of British entomology artistry of the late 1700s-early 1800s.