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MARIA SIBYLLA MERIAN (1647-1717)
Branch of a Fig with Sphinx Moths
1702-03RCIN 921189
The Fig Sphinx Moth caterpillar can change colour before becoming a deep red chrysalis; Merian shows both in her illustration. The moth in flight is a Fig Sphinx Moth (Pachylia ficus) while that shown resting is another from the Sphinx Moth family.