Sarah GillespieAn exhibition examining how moths have adapted to environmental changes caused by humans, has opened.
Organisers said the exhibition of mezzotint prints would be hosted at the Cornish gallery, Kestle Barton, and featured works by artist Sarah Gillespie.
Gillespie said the exhibition displayed more than just her long-standing fascination with moth wing patterns – it reflected her growing awareness that “what is wild hides from us” as habitats are destroyed by development and the use of pesticides.
The exhibition is due to run from 20 June to 6 September.
More news stories for Cornwall
Listen to the latest news for Cornwall
One of the exhibition’s central stories focuses on the peppered moth, which adapted during the industrial revolution by developing darker colouring to blend in with soot-covered buildings.
The species later returned to its lighter markings after clean air laws helped reduce pollution from the 1960s onwards.
Gillespie said: “Nature always has liked ‘to be hid’ but what is left now, it really must hide. We are the danger.”
“I’ve been fascinated for a long time by the camouflage and disruptive patterning of moth wings,” she added.
Organisers said Gillespie used moths that were humanely captured and released during the creation of the works.
Follow BBC Cornwall on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@bbc.co.uk.
