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Post by Paul K on Jan 30, 2021 10:57:52 GMT -8
Yes the ornithoptera fakes have now been given names by some. I ran across a guy at a fair here in England trying to sell them as naturally occurring abberations at extortive prices, the hate in his face as I was quizzing him about them was a sight to behold. I personally love some of these produced forms (not ornithoptera), especially the extreme ones, sure they don't have much scientific value but some of the colour combinations are staggering,especially the agrias prepona hybrids, Do real Agrias X Prepona hybrids exist? Paul Smart seemed to think so, in the 1970s. I've also heard talk of possibly reclassifying Agrias under Prepona. It’s been done, no Agrias genus anymore. |
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Post by eurytides on Jan 30, 2021 11:02:18 GMT -8
Yes, all Agrias are now Prepona. This was discussed on the forum just recently.
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Post by trehopr1 on Jan 30, 2021 16:44:40 GMT -8
Wow Yorkie, the red color on the hind wings of that Morpho in the second picture is truly extraordinary. So much so, it's almost hard to believe that such a thing is possible...
I have been aware of the use of chemical "enhancements" via scientific method; which was first mentioned here on the forum (last fall) if I am correct. At that time several incredible P. machaon were offered for sale by an Italian breeder.
Despite, reading several disparaging remarks about the method used to produce such specimens I think that Italian breeder has really hit upon something truly unique and even groundbreaking in the hobby.
I can only imagine this fellow has probably got hundreds (if not thousands) of man hours of experimentation involved to make it work for him.
So, I cannot help but say "well done" indeed (Bravo) because, there is some real research involved in these matters to produce such things. Further, if he is able to realize a monetary reward for efforts he has pioneered then he should enjoy the fruits of his labor and time.
Too often, ingenious or even brilliant concepts have been sold off by monetary struggling (individuals) only to be bought up by a large entity; where then the idea is watered down, mass produced, boxed up, and sold as a cheap bauble.
Heck, the Chinese have been doing this for years with everything they could snap up or steal from American makers and then sell (for half again less) with shoddy manufactured parts !
I like seeing these stupendous "anomalies" being offered from time to time. Their prices remain exclusive to those with deep pockets or desires anyway.
I would add that seeing these out there in the market is a far sight better than those light produced (items) which we have seen in the past.
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Post by wolf on Jan 31, 2021 2:27:28 GMT -8
This one is not the one I'm getting this is the one that sold for £780 Haha, i see. Well i was a bit surprised that it suddenly had so much red on the hindwings compared to the first photo u posted!  |
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leptraps
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Posts: 2,397
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Post by leptraps on Jan 31, 2021 3:22:46 GMT -8
I will say this. I have seen lots of stunning specimens on Insectnet over the years,and, some very expensive specimens as well. I only collect North American Lepidoptera. Although I do collect Caribbean Lepidoptera. However, I enjoy seeing the collections of other members regardless of where they are found/collected.
I enjoy seeing those specimens and learning something about them and the Lepidopterists who collected/possess them, regardless of how ugly some of you are.
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Post by yorky on Jun 3, 2021 11:54:24 GMT -8
 Finally off the boards |
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Post by gaspipe on Jun 3, 2021 16:58:12 GMT -8
Great thread . Educational to us rookies . Must say it makes one weary of spending any significant $ on unusually colored leps.
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Post by exoticimports on Jun 4, 2021 3:15:40 GMT -8
Great thread . Educational to us rookies . Must say it makes one weary of spending any significant $ on unusually colored leps. The more expensive an item is, the more likely it is to be fraudulently reproduced. As with other collectibles, many frauds can be traced to a small set of individuals. It can be shockingly disappointed though; in another field of collectibles a known top expert was also producing knock-offs, so one cannot assume an expert is reputable. Chuck |
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Post by gaspipe on Jun 4, 2021 11:52:35 GMT -8
Great thread . Educational to us rookies . Must say it makes one weary of spending any significant $ on unusually colored leps. The more expensive an item is, the more likely it is to be fraudulently reproduced. As with other collectibles, many frauds can be traced to a small set of individuals. It can be shockingly disappointed though; in another field of collectibles a known top expert was also producing knock-offs, so one cannot assume an expert is reputable. Chuck Yes all true . I collect vintage porcelain signs . I will no longer buy them off EBay because of the huge of signs that are impossible to tell whether or not they are authentic from photos. |
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