I have ALWAYS had the highest appreciation for these
butterflies. They are literally the GEMS of the South and
Central American rainforest (including southern Mexico).
I've only seen one actual (live) specimen myself; in Bolivia
1989. It was seen in flight and looked likely to have been
the common A. claudia lugens. It was showy, fast, and
gorgeous.
However, from the collector standpoint these have always
been in a league all their own AND on (another level) of
high-end collecting. Basically, the more the "bling" or
relative obscurity (of variation or form); the higher the cost.
Being a collector of modest means has only allowed me 6
specimens of this marvelous (apparently former) genus.
Despite, the recent semantics of genus (name); I still cannot
help myself as seeing the "original" Agrias species as being
(somewhat) diffrent in appearance from (most prepona).
Anyway, of my 6 Agrias specimens the two species posted below
are the "jewels" of the lot. Its little wonder why these specific
butterflies are all "the rage" of those who can afford them.
Their palette of variation is mindboggling, their elusive habits
befuddling, and their presence is "center stage" wherever they
may be seen.
Agrias phalcidon fournierae (form Viola)
Agrias claudina sardanapalus
![Image](https://i.imgur.com/hQ5adjM.png)