Insect and Mites

These paintings of insects and mites were used in the Better Farming Train which travelled around NSW between 1927 and 1929 to teach soldier settlers good farming practices.

Emil Zeck, born in Sydney in 1891, was a noted entomological illustrator who created more than 2000 insect and mite drawings and paintings, many of which were used as illustrations in the NSW Agricultural Gazette. Managing insect pests was a critical issue for orchardists, farmers and the home gardener who relied on advice from the Department of Agriculture and the Gazette.

Although not formally trained as an entomologist Zeck published many articles on entomology. His particular interest was aphids.

Loan courtesy of NSW Agricultural Scientific Collections Trust