Entomologist Sierra Biological Lyndonville, New York
Insects are surprisingly well-represented in historical art, including, for example, in medieval illuminated manuscripts and in Dutch flower paintings of the 16th and 17th Centuries. In some cases, the images are sufficiently detailed to allow individual insect species to be recognized. The first part of this presentation will address the question of whether these historical images might be a useful resource for entomologists of the 21st century (for example, by documenting historical ranges or plant associations). The second half of the presentation will address the question of how art might be used today to encourage the development of a ‘search image’ for nature (and insects in particular) amongst the general public, and in doing so, increase awareness and appreciation of insects in our everyday environment.