John Harris

Moths and Caterpillars: Spotted Elephant Hawk-moth, Grayling and Gate Keeper Butterflies and Pale Waved Moth with caterpillars on a on clover plant. Pl. XLIV. Framed.

Moses Harris began his study of insects at the age of twelve under the guidance of his uncle who was a distinguished entomologist and member of the Society of Aurelians. Harris soon compiled a private collection of specimens, and in spite of a poor education, was a scientifically accurate observer and began producing drawings illustrating his collection.

In 1766 he published ‘The Aurelian: A Natural History of English Moths and Butterflies, Together With the Plants on Which They Fed’. The work was drawn, engraved and coloured by Harris himself. The Aurelian was updated and reissued in 1840 with Harris’s original illustrations engraved with superb accuracy and stunning hand colouring. The species are shown through all stages of development, accompanied by the native plants and flowers upon which they live.

Harris contributed much to the early knowledge of the science, becoming one of the leading entomologists of his century and creating one of the most outstanding works in his field.