Stiff goldenrod leaves, mined

unmatted, unframed
graphite drawing on Stonehenge printmaking paper
Image size: 5.25 x 11.375 inches
Paper size: 10 x 15 inches

Goldenrod leaf miner beetles (Microrhopala vittata) have found the Stiff goldenrod (Solidago rigida) in my front yard. Over the course of the summer, the beetles turn some of the sturdy goldenrod leaves into delicate, lacy structures. I love that the native wildflowers I planted are supporting some native insects, and I think the results of the beetles’ feeding are interesting and lovely. I wanted to showcase the evidence of the beetles’ feast in this drawing, and found that including the elegant leaves’ cast shadows enhanced the effect.