Ornithoptera alexandrea, Urania sloanus and others

You do realize that O. alexandrae is completely, 100% illegal to have?
I am not sure if age of the specimen matters, but I am fairly certain that this is the case.

Ornithoptera alexandrae is a protected species under CITES appendix 1 and requires both import and export permits. Trade is possible under highly exceptional circumstances, however, as in the cases of either museum/academic collections or when a specimen collected before its inclusion in appendix 1 is concerned. Upon inspection, it appears that the supplier in question is a reputable auctioneering service with the necessary CITES permits.

Additionally, consider the site. An illegal supplier is rarely so daft as to advertise a protected species on such a public venue.

Hope this helps to clarify.

I would add that (believe it or not) specimens of this extraordinary species
ARE traded, bought, and sold within the hobby and between collectors.

Back in the day, many were available from different sources. A friend of mine
who once had a modest business as a dealer in the (early-mid 70's) has told me
more than once that he purchased pairs (papered) for $80. Then he would flip
them for $125. He even returned some of them if they arrived in A2 shape. He says
he is sorry now that he didn't keep those boxed up for sales down the road...

A collector I know who always has had a disposable income has purchased several
collections over these last 40 years or more. Every one had 1-2 pairs present at least.
I saw with my own eyes 6 pairs of (high quality) which he showed me but, suggested their
were others...

I have in turn had no less than 6 occasions to own it over the last 20 years. However, as
fate would have it most were not of the higher quality samples I seek. Asking price is
always (high) and even absurd now-days even for obvious A2 or worse specimens.

Eventually, there is "movement" which occurs in collections from time to time. Not everybody
wants their goods locked up for posterity in some museum. Some would just like to see their
treasures be absorbed back within the hobby for yet others to enjoy for years to come.

Here, in the Eu, you might posess such a specimen if you can prove that it was captured before. I think 1975 or 1974. I have some troides I asked for a permission ( untere Naturschutz behörde ) and I could also get a permission from other authorities. However, how can I prove that I bought it in 1972 or 1980? simply change the paper.... If the posess at all is illegal, all museums would have illegal speciemens ( and the directors go to prison ... haha )
I think the alexandrae will go away for 6000 EUR or more. the urania I guess 4000.

why did Urania sloanus become extinct?

I doubt deforestation would be the only reason.

As most island species who have been endangered, the introduction of an invasive parasitic wasps could be the reason too.

Hithere, the sloanus was sold at 4500 EUR plus 23 % tax plus provision... So about 5200 US $
For those who might be interested, you can see the results for example here.
www.interencheres.com/meubles-objets-art/14h15-entomologie-et-documentation-sur-lhistoire-naturelle-273386/lot-26187964.html

The european Apollo were sold at very high prices.

best wishes
joachim

P.S. it ia difficult to get the boxes and there is a lockdown in France and you have it to carry with a car. Then u-boat, Car again. Might be difficult for my american friends.