Synopses & Reviews
The lovely saturniid moth, the most majestic of insects, also has one of the most poignant and romantic life stories: born without a mouth, a stomach, or any defensive mechanism beyond camouflage, each moth lives just a few dayslong enough only to mateand then it dies. Because the moths are nocturnal, and some species are endangered, many people will glimpse these beautiful creatures only through the paintings of John Cody, who has been called 'the Audubon of Moths.'
Cody has spent a lifetime studying and painting the Great Saturniids, also known as silkmoths. In pursuit of his avocation, Cody travels frequently to distant and exotic locales to collect cocoons and learn about the moths' native environments. He then brings specimens home; as the moths emerge from their cocoons, Cody has only a brief time to capture and record their distinctive coloration before they die.
Seventy-two of Cody's paintings of saturniids are included here, accompanied by his commentary on the moths' life cycles, habitats, and geographical range and on the circumstances of his finding and painting each moth. A foreword by Richard S. Peigler, curator of entomology and saturniid specialist at the Denver Museum of Natural History, provides scientific background on the Saturniidae.
Review
Cody's creations could soon be the only visual records of vanishing species.
International Wildlife
Review
A remarkable look at moths.
Audubon
Review
Breathtaking.
Gene Shalit, The Today Show
Review
Anyone interested in nature, and its beauty, will welcome reading and looking at this splendid book. Most highly recommended.
Wildlife Activist
Review
Cody has lovingly detailed every scale of their wings, and every hair of their furry, mammal-like bodies.
Washington Post
Table of Contents
A remarkable look at moths.
Audubon Breathtaking.
Gene Shalit, The Today Show Anyone interested in nature, and its beauty, will welcome reading and looking at this splendid book. Most highly recommended.
Wildlife Activist Cody has lovingly detailed every scale of their wings, and every hair of their furry, mammal-like bodies.
Washington Post Cody's creations could soon be the only visual records of vanishing species.
International Wildlife