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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.

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!

Great moth species and very innovative display. Thanks for the post.

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.

Very nice!

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....

Hi Panacanthus,

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

John K.

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!

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.