InsectNet forum

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

Male form of Ornithoptera croesus lydius with handwritten data from 1978

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.

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

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.

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.

Miokensis - the real deal.

laurie2 wrote: Mon Aug 08, 2022 7:04 pm Miokensis - the real deal.

Thanks Laurie. That's a stunner!!

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.

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....

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".

O. croesus lydius form berchmansi

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.

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.