Card 37, Catocala Nupta, from the Butterflies series (N183) issued by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. 1888

"Card 37, Catocala Nupta" is a chromolithograph from the "Butterflies" series issued by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. in 1888. The card depicts a young woman with the wings of a *Catocala nupta* moth, known as the "bridal moth", as a visual representation of the species. The use of a human figure as a visual element was a common practice in Victorian natural history illustrations, allowing for a more engaging and easily relatable representation of the insect's beauty. The intricate detail of the moth's wings and the woman's attire highlights the artistry and craftsmanship of the chromolithographic printing process. This card, now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, exemplifies the popularity of butterfly collecting and the artistic representation of natural wonders in the late 19th century.