#queenofcreepycrawlies

[katgbirmelin]

Today's #matriarchymarch is German born naturalist and scientific illustrator, Maria Sibylla Merian. Maria received artistic tutalige from her stepfather. As a child she collected insects, and as a preteen had begun raising silk worms. At around 16 she published her first book of natural Illustrations, and two years later published one of two volumes of illustrations of caterpillars. She made her own engravings which documented the life cycle and plant hosts, and was the first to document metamorphosis. Maria traveled around tropical island colonies to collect, observe, and document a wide variety of plans, animals, and insect species at a time where only men did such things. She was a leading entomologist of her time, and is said to have greatly influenced other naturalist painters both of her time and after. David Attenborough has said she is among the most significant contributors to naturalism and entomology. Do read up on her, there's so many interesting things about Maria's life and contributions. And especially look up her artwork, you may be surprised to have seen it before without realizing who created it! #matriarchy #herstory #girlsandbugs #entomology #entomologist #naturalist #smartgirl #clevergirl #illustrator #femaleartists #history #womenofscience #womenofhistory #womenshistory #womenshistorymonth #girlsempowergirls #portrait #womenpaintingwomen #queenofcreepycrawlies #buglove https://www.instagram.com/p/BvlreV9F6CZ/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=fef8rk4ujorm