An epitome of the natural history of the insects of China. Comprising figures and descriptions of upwards of one hundred new, singular, and beautiful species; together with some that are of importance in medicine, domestic economy, &c. The figures are accurately drawn, engraved and coloured, from specimens of the insects; the descriptions are arranged according to the system of Linnæus; with references to the writings of Fabricius, and other systematic authors / By E. Donovan.
Edward Donovan's 1798 London folio on the insects of China, engraved, hand-coloured and self-published for British collectors and naturalists working from specimens in Linnaean order. The plates show butterflies, moths and beetles posed singly or in pairs against blank cream grounds or on sprigs of leaves and flowers, with upper and under wing surfaces both given, offering crisp wing patterns, eyespots and silhouettes cut out for reuse.
