I finally had time last night to get some quick
pic's of my 3 favorite specimens of these. Now,
compared to Manfred's "incredible" gems mine are
(pale) in comparison. However, it took time and a
certain effort to eventually get specimens that I
was truly pleased with.
The 1st Agrias specimen that I ever acquired is
pictured below. It is easily the most common AND
recognizable species of the entire lot. This is
P. claudina lugens
It remains very affordable and is basically the
"entry level" species of anyone with
a desire to start in these.
Factoid: In the late 1840's and all through the 1850's an intrepid, young,
and determined naturalist named Henry Walter Bates would spend 11 yrs.
moving about the great Amazon basin collecting scores of insects new toΒ
science. Sometime, during this period he was the 1st to capture a specimen
of P. c. sardanapalus.
After a bit of time my gaze fell upon this next charming species. Years ago,
these were seldom offered (here in the states) so they commanded some
stiff pricing. As time passed, the species became more available and pricing
dropped so finally it was within my reach and I "pounced" at the chance !
Here is my long sought-after specimen of Agrias phalcidon fournierae (form Viola).
This species varies a fair amount in the yellow which is present. Whilst, mine
seems to have it confined within the main cell of the forewing; there are many
which often exceed that boundary thus making them even more extraordinary !
Lastly, I offer my 3rd best one which I've acquired. This is P. claudina sardanapalus. This one bears a very expansive blend of blue/red/blue.
So, its quite obvious why these stunning brilliant "jewels" of
Central and South American rainforests are all the rage. Their
palette of variation is mindboggling, their elusive habits befuddling,
and their presence is "center stage" wherever they are seen.