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Post by dynastes on Jan 17, 2013 12:38:13 GMT -8
Sizes of species from this order varies widely. But the title of the largest contested by several species. I came to this conclusion having studied a lot of references. Of these, I realized that the question of the maximum size of butterflies is very debatable and controversial, provides fertile ground for a number of errors and exaggerations. The criteria for determining the largest members of the group are: wingspan and length of the front wing. All references consulted agreed that Thysania agrippina (Noctuidae) has the largest wing span of any lepidopteran in the world. However, all references I located lack specific information from the primary literature to validate this claim
I ask to share documented data on the largest of lepidoptera. You can add photos of the largest specimens.
Interested documented information on the maximum wing span (or the length of the front wing) in the following species:
*Thysania aggripina
*female Ornithoptera alexandrae
- female Coscinocera hercules
*Attacus atlas
* Attacus caesar
*Papilio antimachus
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Post by papilio28570 on Jan 17, 2013 13:25:23 GMT -8
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Post by dynastes on Jan 17, 2013 13:31:17 GMT -8
Thank you. But I do not see Wikipedia as an authoritative source of information, especially in the articles do not provide links to the sources. |
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mygos
Full Member
Posts: 230
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Post by mygos on Jan 17, 2013 23:47:50 GMT -8
Yes, and also on the first link about the female "Alexandra Birdwing" being the largest, the picture shows a male Ornithoptera priamus ssp. ? !!!
A+, Michel
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Post by boogtwo on Jan 18, 2013 9:33:25 GMT -8
A never ending debate that has gone of for many decades I have seen myself, including what constitutes the speculative "largest" title not agreed on. Wing spread, wing mass, weight, etc. I'm not sure a set method has even been agreed to so all are judged equally. Below is a link addressing some of that, ie how what position each is in as a spread specimen or living adult changes the measurements. www.entnemdept.ufl.edu/walker/ufbir/chapters/chapter_32.shtml I'm not taking any side myself on which species it is because i myself did not do the work. The largest in my personal synoptic collection just happen to be Attacus atlas that I reared. I have seen some huge Thysania agrippina in collections as well. |
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Post by boghaunter1 on Jan 19, 2013 10:16:55 GMT -8
 Some yrs, ago there were photos posted in the old forum about record sized T. aggripinas held in personal collections by members (former/still present?) of this website... try a search of the old forums... I've said it before & I will say it again... the old forum is a treasure trove of information.... to all newer members... please take a few hrs/days/wks!!...  ... to browse the contents... many topics discussed in the new forum have been hashed over in the old... just a friendly suggestion... new members & all questions are certainly welcomed on this website.... we are in the minority as collectors & need to stick together....  John K.
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