Frederic Moore

Frederic Moore, born on May 13, 1830, was a distinguished British entomologist and illustrator, renowned for his contributions to the study of Lepidoptera and ornithology. His artistic talents paved the way for a remarkable career, beginning with his appointment as an assistant at the East India Company Museum in London on May 31, 1848. Over the years, he ascended to the role of assistant curator, securing a pension of three hundred thirty pounds per annum from December 31, 1879.

Moore's most significant work, the monumental 'Lepidoptera Indica,' was compiled between 1890 and 1913, focusing on the butterflies of South Asia. This extensive ten-volume series was completed posthumously by Charles Swinhoe, with many of the intricate plates illustrated by his son, F. C. Moore, alongside contributions from E. C. Knight and John Nugent Fitch. His dedication to documenting butterfly species has left an indelible mark on the field of entomology.

In addition to his work on Lepidoptera, Moore co-authored 'A Catalogue of the Birds in the Museum of the East-India Company' with Thomas Horsfield from 1854 to 1858 and published 'The Lepidoptera of Ceylon' between 1880 and 1887. His legacy is further enriched by his familial connections, as his brother T. J. Moore served as a curator at the Liverpool Museum for forty years, and his son Thomas Francis Moore became an osteologist at the National Museum in Melbourne.

Moore was an active member of several scientific societies, including the Linnean Society of London and the Entomological Society of London, and he maintained correspondence with the Entomological Society of Stettin and the Entomological Society of the Netherlands. His work has been influential, with the colors of Indian butterflies studied by J. C. Mottram in 1918, showcasing the lasting impact of his research.