a once "unique" creature are the "bits-N-pieces"
of it for us to examine. These tantalizing remnants
however, give us a new perspective of just what is
possible in nature.
Lots of bad things can happen to artifacts if they
are not properly cared for and maintained. Yet still,
the "evidence" of somethings unique existence here
is still better than no evidence at all....
I have a good friend who "judges" the 4-H club insect
collections at State Fair (every summer) for years now.
He has on occasion seen some interesting specimens
collected by young people over the years. Sometimes,
those folks have returned years later (to him) as adults
willing to relinquish their collections to him rather than
see them neglected or lost to time when interest fades.
On one particular occasion a former contestant brought
his collection by as a donation and included a couple of
cigar boxes along with it.
My friend thanked him and the fellow left. The next day
my friend took a closer look at the collection and proceeded
to inspect the 2 cigar boxes. To his GREAT astonishment one
of the cigar boxes contained the "remnants" of a wonderful
(albino/male) of our native Alfalfa Butterfly (Colias eurytheme).
He still has the cigar box as he received it (specimens included)
but, now kept safe in an insect cabinet !
Below, I offer photographs of the contents including that "special" find.
