Here in the northern portion of Illinois the sighting of our (1st brood/spring) Tiger Swallowtails (P. glaucus) is a rather rare or infrequent occasion -- at best in the vast expanse of "suburbia" beyond the Chicago city limits. Suburbia (here) stretches west & southwest for some 60 mi...

Yeah, that A. rotunda (female) was another miss but,
I don't know how ? Definitely, saw and noted an interest
in that paratypus but, again think he had it in mind for
you.

Good thing we got there when we did because the "big
buyer" came along not long after and cleaned-out everything.

Wonderful selection chrisw ! I managed a few nice ones myself from that old collection. I have posted some of them here on another thread. Seems I somehow missed that 3rd and 4th photo's of specimens. I really desired that (female) A. frankae but, I think he already had his sights on you getting it....

This remarkable Batesian hornet-mimic of a moth is well known in most of the European theatre including parts of the Middle East. Found also in the southern reaches of Britain (from which this specimen is from); its markings and size afford it a measure of protection from being eaten by birds and ot...

Here we have a small European species with a VERY appropriate common name. A cinnamon brown color overall but, literally looking as though its outer wing edges have been scorched via heat or fire ! Another of nature's myriad and curious appearing (smaller) species of lepidoptera. Two males of varyin...

Indeed, cabintom I will get a ventral picture this afternoon
and post it later today.

As mentioned, these butterflies are "danged" numerous over
there AND varied so all is not always what it may seem....

Everywhere, and that is literally in all parts of the world (except Antartica); there are to be found many hundreds of strikingly beautiful smaller species of lepidoptera to be appreciated. Most are overlooked generally and a fair percentage really require a good strong look to notice them as they h...

This lovely and somewhat larger species of blue is
found in varying parts of Europe.This awesome pair
comes from a breeder in Poland. Just one of many
beautiful Lycaenidae present throughout Europe.

Wow, some pretty incredible variation there Cabintom.

Thank you so much for showing us some of the additional possibilities within this species. You have had a measure of good fortune landing so many different ones !

Thank you as well Adam !

Dang, that looks to be it !!👀😮🎉☺️ Man, I wasn't sure if I'd ever hear about this one. There are so many of these dang things around Africa and after (a while) they all start to look the same.... I really appreciate your detective (sleuthing) abilities at getting identifications for things I just can...

Wow, you nailed this one on the head livingplanet3 !


My sincere compliments on helping me with this one.
The Euphaedra group is regarded as a tough one to differentiate generally....

You have a good eye and have always been VERY good with identifications. Respect.

Many thanks again !

Are all your male M. cypris of the same subspecies ?

Have read there are now 5-6 subspecies named of this most
remarkable butterfly. Serious morpho aficionados usually
seek to acquire all relevent subspecies !

A daunting task indeed at times....

Wow, that was FAST paul ! Once again, I am indebted to you for your broad knowledge of butterflies (especially those from S.E.Asia). These are very unusual-looking Nymphalid butterflies which somewhat look a bit (moth-like). As always, I very much appreciate your help and I am grateful for your input.

Here I have a species of Euphaedra which could use
an I.D. Its a lovely chocolate-brown color overall with
little white tips at the apex of the forewings. Seems like
something of a standout species but, I sure can't find it !

Another I.D. much appreciated...

Acraeini are a tribe of butterflies which are quite plentiful on the continent of Africa. This species is out of Uganda and I was hoping someone of regional Africa expertice could possibly place a name for it. It is asking a bit as I know how numerous and varied this tribe is. Appreciate any help......

Here's a curious looking lep from Vietnam
for which I have no name or otherwise I.D.
Does anyone have any ideas ?

Thank you VERY much Paulfor your prompt reply.

My literature on African butterfly fauna is rather limited and their are a lot of butterflies over there !

Sincere thanks.

Another recently spread Ugandan specimen.
I would welcome any thoughts as to species...



It is very nearly the size of a typical Monarch
butterfly. A delightful species in its own right !

Here is a recently spread example of this magnificent species. Just about the MOST extravagant of african butterfly species that I can think of... I received my specimen from a good friend here on the forum. It is out of Uganda and like all examples of this species is wild caught. Its colors are bol...