Tiger Moth card from the Butterflies and Moths of America series 1862 - 1869

This is a 'Tiger Moth' card from the "Butterflies and Moths of America" series, created by Louis Prang & Co. sometime between 1800 and 1950. Prang was a German-born American printer, lithographer, and publisher whose works often reflected the Victorian era's fascination with natural history and entomology. The card series was intended for educational purposes and as collectable items, fitting into a broader trend of using visual media to disseminate knowledge and shape cultural values. These images weren't simply about scientific accuracy; they also served to cultivate an appreciation for the beauty and complexity of the natural world. During this period, the categorization and collection of specimens were influenced by colonial and imperial projects, reflecting the desire to catalogue and control the natural resources of newly accessed lands. The 'Tiger Moth' card, therefore, is not just an innocent depiction of a moth, but also part of a larger historical narrative that reflects the intersection of science, culture, and power during this era.