Why Moths?
Why Moths Matter Part 3
21/01/2024
The Intrinsic Value of Moths and How they have Inspired Humans.
The Sallow Kitten is not overly rare, but it is a favourite of mine. It took me several years to find one and I still smile every time I find one
Moths are Important Just Because they exist - They are beautiful, fascinating and an important element of the nature around us, and many take pleasure in their presence around us. Moths have a right to exist, as much as any other species on the planet. They are one the oldest and most diverse group of species on earth, having appeared some 150 million years ago. Moths are a living link back to the time of the dinosaurs.
Moths have been a inspiration to artists throughout the age. Moths appear in cave art created by southern African hunter gathers dating back up to 5000 years. The moths appear to depict "plume" moths of the Pterophoridae or Alucitidae family. It is considered they were painted in the belief that the presence of that moths at the camp fire foretold successful hunting the next day.
Inspired both by the beauty of a moth which flew into his room, in Provence, and metamorphosis and how it symbolised human capacity for transformation, Vincent van Gogh created the "Giant Peacock Moth" painting. It depicts the the Giant Emperor moth, a relation of the Emperor we have in North Antrim.
More recently an album cover of American thrash metal band Death Angel, features a deaths-head hawkmoth.
The “Marvel of the day” the wonderfully named Merveille du Jour is one of our most beautiful moths. Demonstrating that moths are worth protecting just because they exist, the pleasure their beauty gives, the sense of wonder in their lifecycle and the other wider benefits they give us.
Moths have been a inspiration to artists throughout the age. Moths appear in cave art created by southern African hunter gathers dating back up to 5000 years. The moths appear to depict "plume" moths of the Pterophoridae or Alucitidae family. It is considered they were painted in the belief that the presence of that moths at the camp fire foretold successful hunting the next day.
Inspired both by the beauty of a moth which flew into his room, in Provence, and metamorphosis and how it symbolised human capacity for transformation, Vincent van Gogh created the "Giant Peacock Moth" painting. It depicts the the Giant Emperor moth, a relation of the Emperor we have in North Antrim.
More recently an album cover of American thrash metal band Death Angel, features a deaths-head hawkmoth.
The “Marvel of the day” the wonderfully named Merveille du Jour is one of our most beautiful moths. Demonstrating that moths are worth protecting just because they exist, the pleasure their beauty gives, the sense of wonder in their lifecycle and the other wider benefits they give us.