"White Witch Moths of the Peruvian Amazon" wall display

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Panacanthus
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"White Witch Moths of the Peruvian Amazon" wall display

Post by Panacanthus »

This is a recently completed "wall display" featuring 3 large males of Thysania agrippina. The average wingspan of these specimens is 274mm, which is what I consider their "true" wingspan, calculated by measuring forewing lengths and adding width of thorax. Thysania agrippina is considered to have the largest wingspan of all Lepidoptera. The center specimen would be considered the typical, most common color form. The top specimen is a dark form, and the bottom specimen is a normal example showing the underside.

The design of this display was based on the nameplate title, which was decided upon first. I wanted a look which might remind me of the Amazon, and the trunk of a rainforest tree upon which one of these moths may rest. The border was created by cutting strips of natural 1 inch thick cork bark and beveling the inside edges. Moss was then added to the bark. The center panel is "floating" and does not actually touch the cork bark.

For the framing I use Optium Museum Acrylic, which is anti-static, anti-reflective, scratch resistant, and blocks 99% of U.V. light.

Thysania Display IN.jpg
Thysania Display IN.jpg (689.06 KiB) Viewed 1953 times
Thysania Display Angle IN.jpg
Thysania Display Angle IN.jpg (737.59 KiB) Viewed 1953 times
Thysania Dispay Nameplate IN.jpg
Thysania Dispay Nameplate IN.jpg (730.36 KiB) Viewed 1953 times
“Seems to me the natural world is the greatest source of excitement; the greatest source of visual beauty; the greatest source of intellectual interest. It is the greatest source of so much in life that makes life worth living.” -David Attenborough
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Panacanthus
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Re: "White Witch Moths of the Peruvian Amazon" wall display

Post by Panacanthus »

For anyone not familiar with this species, when you shine an ordinary flashlight (or any bright, direct light) on the underside, it glows in a beautiful blue/violet!

Thysania Display Purple Glow IN.jpg
Thysania Display Purple Glow IN.jpg (666.19 KiB) Viewed 1952 times
“Seems to me the natural world is the greatest source of excitement; the greatest source of visual beauty; the greatest source of intellectual interest. It is the greatest source of so much in life that makes life worth living.” -David Attenborough
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Re: "White Witch Moths of the Peruvian Amazon" wall display

Post by 58chevy »

Great moth species and very innovative display. Thanks for the post.
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kevinkk
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Re: "White Witch Moths of the Peruvian Amazon" wall display

Post by kevinkk »

It is superb work. Stylish as well. I like the Riker mounts without the 90 degree corners. I've never seen the underside of the species.
Sometime I'll get a picture of the last displays I made for Christmas gifts a couple years ago with atropos.
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Re: "White Witch Moths of the Peruvian Amazon" wall display

Post by livingplanet3 »

Very nice!
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Re: "White Witch Moths of the Peruvian Amazon" wall display

Post by Trehopr1 »

A masterpiece without comparison ! 🙏🎉🎉☺️

Your framing abilities and artistic approach are exemplary.

A passionate approach indeed to the beauty of insects !

Thank you so much for sharing....🙏☺️
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Re: "White Witch Moths of the Peruvian Amazon" wall display

Post by boghaunter1 »

Hi Panacanthus,

Absolutely beautiful... :shock: 8-)... a very artful AND, a scientific display as well... as we have all, by now, come to expect :D I especially like the display of this magnificent moth's ventral surface, which is uncommonly observed, & is, indeed, very striking. Well done!

John K.
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Panacanthus
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Re: "White Witch Moths of the Peruvian Amazon" wall display

Post by Panacanthus »

Thank you everyone for such kind comments. You are all an inspiration! Finding other people who share our passion for insects can sometimes be a challenge, and I have always been grateful for this forum! I very much appreciate all of you!
“Seems to me the natural world is the greatest source of excitement; the greatest source of visual beauty; the greatest source of intellectual interest. It is the greatest source of so much in life that makes life worth living.” -David Attenborough
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Re: "White Witch Moths of the Peruvian Amazon" wall display

Post by livingplanet3 »

Panacanthus wrote: Mon Oct 07, 2024 11:27 pm Thank you everyone for such kind comments. You are all an inspiration! Finding other people who share our passion for insects can sometimes be a challenge, and I have always been grateful for this forum! I very much appreciate all of you!
Same! I hope this forum will keep going for many years to come.
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