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Post by larrycurlymoe on Aug 16, 2020 15:34:12 GMT
Trehopr1,
You mentioned the difficulty of reproducing the iridescent color of Morphos on paper. I'm an amateur artist and made an attempt to do so a couple of years ago. I'm not able to do attachments on this forum, but if you're interested I can send my painting to your email and you can post it here. You did that with a couple of blue buckeye photos I sent you. I'm 58Chevy on Insectnet.
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Post by trehopr1 on Aug 16, 2020 17:16:15 GMT
Hello larrycurlymoe ! Yes, indeed I would be happy to show folks here some of your handiwork in Morpho artwork. Feel free to send me your picture and I will post it for you.
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Post by trehopr1 on Aug 16, 2020 17:44:24 GMT
Hello jhyatt, no none of the females in the photograph were augustinae (I checked the labels out of curiosity). Indeed, I too have not seen a female of that subspecies.
It's a funny (odd) coincidence that both of the augustinae males pictured had data from the 1930's. Only one however, was a former ex LeMoult specimen.
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Post by trehopr1 on Aug 16, 2020 18:36:17 GMT
Jhyatt, below are close-ups of the two augustinae pictured (not mine, both were sold). Have posted their associated data... Morpho augustinae f. semicypris Venezuela, Orinoco Delta, Tucupita April 1931/ex. LeMoult Sold for: $2100.00 USD (2013)(male 5") Morpho augustinae f. dickseei Venezuela, Orinoco Delta, Tucupita Sept.1938 Sold for:$1850.00 USD (2013)(male 4.5") I certainly cannot speak for the validity of those form (names) as I have none of the Patrick Blandin books on "The Genus Morpho". However, the data as you see it is what I photographed (verbatim) of what was on the respective labels. Both specimens were simply awesome in their very light blue color with an overall "pearlessence" overlay. Stunning !
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Post by trehopr1 on Aug 17, 2020 4:46:29 GMT
A few hours ago a member of our community (larrycurlymoe) asked if he could submit a picture of a Morpho painting which he personally did using his artistic skills. So, without further hesitation I present his work for your viewing pleasure... Well done indeed ! Those little Riodinids are mighty nice too. Thanks for your input larrycurlymoe !
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Post by trehopr1 on Aug 17, 2020 6:06:51 GMT
Another Morpho species of notoriety is the Anaxibia Morpho (Morpho anaxibia) (Esper, 1801). This species is unique for two reasons in particular. Firstly, the species is endemic to Brazil; actually southern Brazil more specifically ! Secondly, the species stands quite alone in having the abdomen blue above. In 1913, Hans Fruhstorfer wrote: that anaxibia forms a transition from the rhetenor to the menelaus group, anaxibia, however, lacks the wonderful gloss of the rhetenor series, the blue is duller, although it has its own particular beauty, and the dazzling iridescence is wanting. Here, I post a fantastic photograph from the web of this gorgeous species. The species is said to fly at the end of January and beginning of February for a period of between 15-30 days in its native haunts. Males fly singly, sailing quietly along however, they may be seen congregating in number around rainforest seepage spots, the periphery of waterfalls, as well as sandy banks along rivers to imbibe the moisture. Females, are loners and are rarely ever seen or encountered. On particularly hot days a few have been observed at rest in the morning hours in wet places on forest paths getting their drink... Below, I offer up a splendid photo of a "choice" female specimen which I simply ran short of cash to afford recently !! *Just broke my heart... And the next photo shows a couple of nice pairs of this lovely species. So, the other surprising caveat about this species (from the viewpoint of a collector) is its apparent availability. Now, those of us in the know are well aware that Brazil for a long time now does not allow trade or export of its fauna. Yet, anaxibia males are not really hard to find out there in the market. In fact, it could be said they are downright cheap ! I bought one myself last year for $22.00 USD Of coarse, that's hardly the case for the much sought after and seldom offered females. In these last 4 years I have seen females price out anywhere between $175.00 USD (on the low end) on up to $400.00 USD (on the high end). Quality and cleanliness of the specimen is always paramount. Females are hopelessly popular so if you have been really longing for a female pull out the wallet and "grin and bear it". Hope you have enjoyed my overview of yet another one of those spectacular Morpho species. There still remains a fair number more to talk about...
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jhyatt
Aurelian
Posts: 224
Country: U.S.A.
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Post by jhyatt on Aug 17, 2020 14:36:21 GMT
Trehopr, Thanks for the enlarged augustinae photos. The lower one is about as worn as mine, but mine has a slit that was sealed only moderately well.
Cheers, jh
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Post by trehopr1 on Aug 17, 2020 18:51:16 GMT
No discussion about Morpho's would be complete without at least a worthy mention of one of THE most desirable (female) forms; that one of coarse is Morpho cypris cypris f. cyanites. It is the much lesser seen and perhaps occurring "blue" form of the species. Typical females are a rich yellow in color with some brown present all along the wing margins including two main cells of the forewings. There are also a series of yellow "somewhat" angular spots within those brown wing margins. *Note: A photo of a male and (both forms) of the female may be seen on my 1st post of this thread. I will further discuss Morpho cypris in an upcoming post for more specifics but, the real purpose of this brief discussion was to show all of you what I regard as the "finest" printed rendition of this glorious female form ever to be seen in any book. This is an artistic rendering present (again) in an older book titled: Butterflies and Moths by Alfred Werner/Josef Bijok (1965)+ (1970). The rendering is not only accurate in its dimensions but, in its details as well. What further ENHANCES it is the unknown manner in which the (I assume) printing company was able to somehow apply an almost "airbrushed" iridescence to the rendering; giving it a lifelike look. Absolutely astonishing... To be honest I think even this posted picture of the rendering loses some of its iridescence ! However, you get my point that its a great artistic piece for an age old "coffee-table"book. The real deal females are seldom offered on the market. However, when they do show up specimens in top condition are heavily contested by buyers for ownership. Over these last 5 years the CHEAPEST that I've ever seen a female of this form sold for was $1000.00 USD. At the HIGH END I have seen one fetch $2100.00 USD. I suppose pricing could even go higher if two collectors really "arm wrestle" over one ! An absolutely fantastic species and form of butterfly. You have to be on another collecting "level" these days to afford one of these honeys...
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