Hey Chuck,

Regarding my username, I initially filled in "Entomologist" as my name, but unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be a way to change it once it's been set. I've been trying to figure out how to modify it, but I haven't had any luck so far. Maybe Wollastoni, one of the moderators here, can shed some light on how to change usernames or if it's even possible. As for adding an avatar, I'm also struggling to figure it out. Perhaps Wollastoni can provide some guidance on that too.

On a more exciting note, I've got some time this summer to catch up on four-plus years' worth of backlogged specimens. It's going to be a lot of work, but I'm confident that I'll make some progress. It might be small steps at first, but it will definitely be worth it. I can't wait to dive back into my leps!

By the way, I'm not sure what I went by on the old forum since I get an expired domain message when I click it. In terms of the Collectors Secret Forum and Actias, I haven't used it since high school. But I go by the name Ed (same Ed as the swap box and P. glaucus a couple years ago). It's nice to have a new username, though it would be even better if I could change it.

Looking forward to catching up with you and everyone else on the forum. Let's keep the entomology discussions buzzing!

Entomologist, what name did you go by previously?

58chevy,

Thank you so much for your kind and encouraging words! I truly appreciate your compliment on my writing style and the suggestion to expand my adventures with my grandfather into a novel or non-fiction book. It's a wonderful idea, and I can see how it would be a great opportunity to share my experiences and passion for entomology with a wider audience.

While I do enjoy writing and have received positive feedback on my storytelling, I must admit that my academic and professional pursuits have been quite diverse. During my university years, not too long ago, I delved into various fields of study. Science coursework, such as protein metabolism, biology, chemistry, and animal behavior, formed most of my studies. Additionally, I majored in a foreign language and spent a considerable amount of time conducting genetic research in the lab while also working as a language teacher along with other shenanigans.

Throughout my travels and collecting endeavors, which have taken me to around a dozen countries and counting, I have maintained meticulous written documentation of my experiences. I find great joy in preserving the details of each collection and adventure. Although I have yet to compile these accounts into a book, I am open to the idea of combining creative works with my scientific research undertakings in the future. It would be incredible to inspire future generations with my stories and contribute to the preservation of my experiences beyond my entomological collection and scientific works.

Currently, I am continuing my education, but I have been blessed with some free time to explore other pursuits and hobbies, including entomology. I believe that by immersing myself in various endeavors, I can gain a more well-rounded perspective and enrich my understanding of the world.


Notes:
I must address a minor misconception, for which I bear the responsibility of not having clarified earlier. The Victorian illustrations accompanying my text, regrettably, bear no personal connection to me or my cherished grandfather, who regrettably departed this mortal coil approximately four years ago. However, I hold his memory dear, his wisdom a beacon that continues to guide me in my pursuits.

Regarding my beloved insect collection, which has garnered requests for further glimpses, rest assured, my dear friends, that I shall fulfill your wishes. The act of capturing new images is all that remains before I unveil the visual marvels within my possession. Although I must caution that little has changed since the previous shared InsectNet & Collector Secret pictures, I shall not falter in my commitment to bestow upon you the enchanting sight of these specimens.

Yorky wrote: ↑Mon May 22, 2023 6:15 pm Many thanks. I'm not selling everything, just getting it to a size that I can manage

I hear you! I'm 90% done with moving the entire collection out of the room, bringing new cabinets up, then moving all the drawers back. And I'm still over-stocked. Good luck on your reduction, if you learn any quick tips, I'm all ears!

Entomologist, your story is very captivating. You have obvious talent as a writer. You should consider expanding your adventures with your grandfather into a novel or non-fiction book. Robert Michael Pyle (American lepidopterist) published several award-winning books about his explorations of the natural world. A movie based on one of his books was also made. Your style of writing is just as good as his and could possibly lead to a lucrative publishing contract.

I am sorry to see you letting go of most of your collection. You have some fantastic specimens. Good luck. I hope they find a good home.

Thank you for your kind thoughts entomologist.
Perhaps, sometime you could show us some close-ups of your insect drawers or certain individual specimens that you are very proud to have.....

Hey Trehopr,

Hold on to your butterfly net, because I've got something to say! I'm stoked, my friend, in every way!
That thread not long ago when you said, "No Stichophthalma for me!"?
Well, guess what? Things have changed, and boy, am I glad to see!

In a blink of an eye, you've gone from zero to a butterfly stash,
Collecting those Stichophthalma specimens in a flash!
I can't help but chuckle and cheer, oh, what a sight,
From a Stichophthalma-less existence to a collection that's now outta sight!

You've really stepped up your game, my buddy, and it's truly grand,
No more empty shelves, now it's Stichophthalma all on hand!
I'm absolutely thrilled that you've joined the club,
Rockin' that butterfly love, collecting them like a boss!

So, Trehopr, keep chasing those winged wonders with glee,
May your collection expand, bringing laughter and gaiety!
Butterflies and friendship, that's what it's all about,
Cheers to your Stichophthalma success, without a doubt!

Stay fabulous, my butterfly-collecting amigo!

How should we contact you? I would be interested in some satyridae depending on your holdings.

Ah, thank you; sorry I didn't have time to read the papers you posted links to, I'm really busy at the moment. So now Acraeini is a tribe within subfamily Heliconiinae and Cethosia is a genus in tribe Acraeini.

Adam.

adamcotton wrote: ↑Sat May 20, 2023 3:32 pm I thought Cethosia belonged to Heliconiinae. Has it been moved?

No, it's in Heliconiinae. From the paper:

Family Nymphalidae Rafinesque, 1815
Subfamily Heliconiinae Swainson, 1822
Tribe Acraeini Boisduval, 1833
Genus Cethosia Fabricius, 1807
Type species Papilio cydippe Linnaeus, 1763
Synonyms: Alazonia Hübner, 1819; Eugramma Billberg, 1820

Trehopr1 wrote: ↑Sun May 21, 2023 3:04 am Thank you kindly Dave.
Indeed, my purchase has turned out to be a real bargain after the finding of this (male) S. godfreyi. I love them all and now I think I have a decent showing of them.

I feel I owe you a depth of gratitude Dave because of your passionate interest in these butterflies and (your willingness to share your wonderful holdings) with us here. It inspired me immensely to find a small measure of them for myself to enjoy and admire for years...

So, again thank you for your kind comments and for imparting the interest in these through your many posts and threads.

Thank You Trehopr. I am very glad that you have been able to obtain a good number of specimens from this beautiful genus in a relatively short time. I remember a thread not so long ago where you said you had no Stichophthalma at all. Very pleased that is no longer the case for you.

Thank you kindly Dave.
Indeed, my purchase has turned out to be a real bargain after the finding of this (male) S. godfreyi. I love them all and now I think I have a decent showing of them.

I feel I owe you a depth of gratitude Dave because of your passionate interest in these butterflies and (your willingness to share your wonderful holdings) with us here. It inspired me immensely to find a small measure of them for myself to enjoy and admire for years...

So, again thank you for your kind comments and for imparting the interest in these through your many posts and threads.

My father has always said that my passion as an avid
insect enthusiast AND "small-game hunter" began at
the tender age of 5. At that time only dad's backyard
was my universe and because he ALWAYS loved flowers
and flower gardening we had a fair sum of things stop
at his yard and no-one else's.

Naturally, all this activity captivated my interest and
I was simply mesmerised watching bees going flower
to flower, cabbage butterflies bouncing back and forth
amongst the blossoms, and crawly things (beetles) sitting
about leaves. Caterpillars as well caught my attention.

When grandma (who lived next door) saw me closely
eyeing all these things up close she handed me some of
her empty pill bottles of varying sizes and well -- I was hooked.

By the next summer, mom would buy me my 1st butterfly net
at the local (five and dime) store, Then my adventures became
more interesting !

In time, my range became broader and local fields became accessible
and it has been a fulfilling and everlasting passion/interest all
my life. I've visited South America (twice) and the Dominican Republic
(once) as field collecting excursions.

I shall do this until I am no more....

Trehopr1 wrote: ↑Sat May 20, 2023 9:13 pm A very pleasent surprise amongst my recent cache of
papered Stichopthalma is this (male) of S. godfreyi.
It comes from Thailand and was collected in May 2009.

It was somehow mixed-in with all the other material
from Vietnam. This species is probably the "grandest"
of the genus with its variably blue/white (males) and
absolutely enormous and magnificent (females). It is
a "first" and only for me and I'll probably never afford
a female but, you never know....

Another really beautiful specimen Trehopr.
You were lucky to find this one amongst the Vietnamese material. It sounds like you got a real bargain !!

A very pleasent surprise amongst my recent cache of
papered Stichopthalma is this (male) of S. godfreyi.
It comes from Thailand and was collected in May 2009.

It was somehow mixed-in with all the other material
from Vietnam. This species is probably the "grandest"
of the genus with its variably blue/white (males) and
absolutely enormous and magnificent (females). It is
a "first" and only for me and I'll probably never afford
a female but, you never know....

lovely story!