Kirk Stirnweis (Colorado, New Hampshire, B. 1967) "Luna Moth" Signed lower left. Original Oil painting on Illustration Board.
Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation.
This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day of Issue Maximum Card of the 22c Luna Moth issued on June 13, 1987.
Appropriately named after the Roman goddess of the Moon, the Luna Moth is one of the most beautiful insects indigenous of North America. Large and graceful, the Luna Moth is a member of the Saturniidae, or silk worm family. Their pale green wings, with a small eye-like dot near the center, span more than four in. A normal year may have one or two generations of Luna Moths successfully bred. Females place their eggs among dead plants so the tiny caterpillars, once hatched, will find themselves on or near their very first meal. Partaking mostly of Sweet Gum, Hickory, Walnut and Persimmon leaves, the caterpillars grow, shedding each warty skin as it gets too tight. When fully grown and the tim is right, this intricate larva spins a silk-like cocoon. Inside, it is somewhat active while its body changes form. When the adult is ready, she emerges as a moth. Her frame is soft at first, her wings yet small and limp. Hanging so that they might dry, the Luna Moth takes her final form.
Image Size: 13.5 x 18.5 in.
Overall Size: 17.5 x 22.25 in.
Unframed. (B11101)
Condition
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