Ornithoptera croesus

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daveuk
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Ornithoptera croesus

Post by daveuk »

This is, was & always will be my favourite species of Ornithoptera.
I have three subspecies.
Photo one: Pair of O croesus croesus. Bacan
Photo two: Pair of O croesus lydius. Halmahera
Photo three. Pair of O croesus toeantei. Morotai
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daveuk
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Re: Ornithoptera croesus

Post by daveuk »

Male form of Ornithoptera croesus lydius with handwritten data from 1978
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Chuck
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Re: Ornithoptera croesus

Post by Chuck »

25 or so years ago I bought a pair of OC lydius from Insect World. About a year later, I bought a pair of OC toeantei. The males look exactly the same. Makes me wonder.
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jhyatt
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Re: Ornithoptera croesus

Post by jhyatt »

Chuck wrote: Mon Aug 08, 2022 1:48 pm I bought a pair of OC toeantei. The males look exactly the same. Makes me wonder.
Chuck,

In re subspecies of doubtful validity or usefulness, I was taught this philosophy by a collector-friend: If I have a specimen or series of the ssp in question, then it's obviously a valid name and I curate it as such. But if I haven't been able to get my hands on any, then it's probably not a valid ssp anyway, and I'm not missing anything!

Cheers,
jh
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Re: Ornithoptera croesus

Post by Trehopr1 »

Indeed, also my favorite of the 3 (basic) color versions that Priamus comes in.

However, I do find the rather exclusive and rarely encountered (in private collections) miokensis "tops" for it's bluish/green (aquamarine) coloration. Of course, not all miokensis necessarily possess that look as some (pictured ones) I've seen appear to be about 90% urvilleanus.

I have only seen one aquamarine specimen in my life in a private collection. It was just on "another level" of awesomeness !

As always, thank you for sharing all of the wonderful possibilities with us --- of this species.
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Re: Ornithoptera croesus

Post by daveuk »

You are welcome Trehopr.
I have not seen miokensis in the flesh. If any one out there has some it would be good to see them.
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Re: Ornithoptera croesus

Post by laurie2 »

Miokensis - the real deal.
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Re: Ornithoptera croesus

Post by daveuk »

laurie2 wrote: Mon Aug 08, 2022 7:04 pm Miokensis - the real deal.
Thanks Laurie. That's a stunner!!
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Re: Ornithoptera croesus

Post by Trehopr1 »

You know Dave, I actually had the opportunity to purchase the specimen of miokensis which I saw in either 1999 or 2000.

Problem was at the time the private collector wanted $1,200 USD for it and I just couldn't afford that big league price.

I imagine aquamarine versions of this hybrid still fetch handsome prices and it would be indeed nice to see one here (shared) with the forum.
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Re: Ornithoptera croesus

Post by daveuk »

Trehopr1 wrote: Mon Aug 08, 2022 7:10 pm You know Dave, I actually had the opportunity to purchase the specimen of miokensis which I saw in either 1999 or 2000.

Problem was at the time the private collector wanted $1,200 USD for it and I just couldn't afford that big league price.

I imagine aquamarine versions of this hybrid still fetch handsome prices and it would be indeed nice to see one here (shared) with the forum.
I know the feeling well. What's worse is not buying something when it is ridiculously cheap. For instance I did not buy a mint papered specimen of a male Papilio lampsacus from a dealer friend here in the U.K. when he was offering it for the princely sum of £8.00 back in the late 80s....😱
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Re: Ornithoptera croesus

Post by Panacanthus »

Trehopr1 - I had a Pair of O. priamus miokensis but gave (yes gave!) them away to a friend/fellow collector years ago, as he was intent on obtaining all subspecies. The male was the aquamarine color that you speak of. These were not perfect A1, as I believe they were almost certainly wild caught, and they were from an older collection. Still really nice specimens. I haven't seen bred specimens of this subspecies but I'm not certain if they have been "produced" this way or not. Wish I had a photo to share but I don't!

Dave - I'm not seeing form "berchmansi" in your male with the handwritten label. As far as I know, this form is represented by an additional orange band at the inner angle of the forewing. I have snapped a few quick photos including my own form "berchmansi".

I have always wanted O. croesus helios but it has evaded me so far!

First, here is a pair of O. croesus wallacei from Mandioli. I have always loved the green glow in the hindwings of the male. The orange coloration on this subspecies is also extra "bright".
OCW IN.jpg
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O. croesus lydius form berchmansi
OCB IN.jpg
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O. croesus lydius
form watsoni (no hindwing spots - that form name is what it was called by the dealer anyways) Also very slight form berchmansi.
OCLW IN.jpg
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Last edited by Panacanthus on Tue Aug 16, 2022 12:03 am, edited 1 time in total.
“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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daveuk
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Re: Ornithoptera croesus

Post by daveuk »

Thanks for the information & those stunning pictures/specimens Panacanthus. Was unaware of what the traits of form berchmani were so thanks for clearing that up.
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