Flight of the Persicae

Science

Myzus persicae, the Peach-potato aphid, is a damaging pest on crops, feeding on plant sap and spreading plant viruses that affect yield. The Rothamsted insect survey monitors aphid numbers and notifies farmers so they can manage them appropriately. Recent work has looked at aphid flight, revealing a fascinating 'near clap and fling' movement. In this piece I wanted to bring the beauty of their flight to the fore, and rather than see aphids as pests to make viewers think that they have value in and of themselves, as well as a place in the ecosystem.

https://resjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/afe.12623

https://insectsurvey.com/

Method

This 20 x 25cm piece was based on multiple images and created on coloured paper with Faber-castell polychromos pencils.

Bio

Kelly Jowett is an applied entomologist working at Rothamsted research in the UK. Her scientific work centres around beneficial insects in farm landscapes, but she has an appreciation for all insect life. In her spare time she is an artist, and often links her research to art with science communication.

https://www.rothamsted.ac.uk/people/kelly-jowett