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Post by trehopr1 on Apr 11, 2021 9:50:38 GMT -8
I like it Paul !
What an extraordinarily small example of that species...
I just love seeing these natural occurring "mini's" as well as natural occurring aberrations amongst lepidoptera.
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Post by andrewtim on Apr 11, 2021 11:24:16 GMT -8
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Post by Adam Cotton on Apr 11, 2021 11:46:46 GMT -8
You need to open public access to these photos, otherwise only you can see them. I just get "Access denied". Adam.
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Post by andrewtim on Apr 11, 2021 12:09:38 GMT -8
Thank you! Now should open. I am used to Drug and Drops :-)
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Post by Adam Cotton on Apr 11, 2021 13:46:53 GMT -8
Thanks for posting the superb photos, which are indeed now visible. The aberrations and unusual specimens are very interesting to see.
I hope you don't mind me commenting, but I noticed that most of the specimens only have a code number on them. Presumably you keep the data elsewhere in a notebook or computer file. I strongly recommend that specimen data is put on the pin below each specimen as well as the code number, because one day in future the specimens will become separated from the data, either because something may happen to you (hopefully not for a very long time, but it can happen to anyone any time) or the notes could get lost for whatever reason. If either of these happens the specimens would become scientifically useless.
Please don't take my comment as criticism, but as sound advice. The longer you leave it with more specimens being added to your collection the harder it will be to make labels for all your specimens.
Adam.
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Post by andrewtim on Apr 12, 2021 7:43:37 GMT -8
Yes Adam, I understand your concern, but at the same time I do not keep secret of the data records, so that they are stored and archived in different ways, including PC, Cloud and email + hard drive. Also, I can make a hard copy of any part of the collection if needed. All data are kept also with the collection on the shelf. Imagine how easy and handy it is to filter all of your stuff data labels on the screen and see what you have for example of Satyridae from Pamir or Aporias from China. With old style written and different styles printed labels it is very hard to do so. And I think that 21st century is giving us new opportunities. I am doing all to keep data together with the collection in case I cannot talk or type any more one day... And most of our fellow collectors can not see or tell easily the needed information from the pinned labels under their Lepidoptera because they do not want to open the box and take out the specimen and its label just to see what is there. In my case it is very easy.
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Post by Adam Cotton on Apr 12, 2021 8:39:31 GMT -8
I also have all my specimen data on my computer, as well as on the label under each specimen.
If one day something happens to you (hopefully not for a very long time) there is, to be frank, a very high chance that the data and the specimens will be separated forever. That would realy be a great pity, as your life's work would effectively be wasted. Please reconsider, as I am sure most other members would also recommend.
Adam.
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Post by Adam Cotton on Apr 12, 2021 8:45:07 GMT -8
I should add that the longer you delay, while adding more specimens to your collection, the harder it will become to add labels to them all subsequently. By all means include your code number in the label under the pin.
Many years ago I used the wrong type of pins (not stainless steel) in my collection. I had to relax all the specimens I had at that time and change the pins before respreading them. If I had to do that now it would take years just to do that.
Adam.
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Post by Paul K on Apr 12, 2021 9:00:47 GMT -8
I agree with Adam, keep label on each specimen besides the data on your computer or cloud or where ever it is. I had a small box of microlepidoptera which I have collected 35 years ago back in Poland when I was teenager. Because of small size I just pin on each specimen a number and kept a paper notes with all data. Two years ago I was remounting all of them for new stainless steel pins and including new labels. I could not find my paper notes anymore after 35 years and few relocation around the world. Luckily most specimen were coming from two main localities where I used to collect and more or less within three to four years time period. I had to make a guess work on my data and I’m pretty sure that it will be only about 70% correct and as day and month I’m sure less than that.
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Post by andrewtim on Apr 12, 2021 11:02:54 GMT -8
My numbers are equal to the traditional labels. So, butterflies are NOT NO-NAMED. If make sure the collection has data attached (on disc and in a safe box) there is no danger to get them lost.
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Post by Paul K on Apr 12, 2021 11:17:07 GMT -8
My numbers are equal to the traditional labels. So, butterflies are NOT NO-NAMED. If make sure the collection has data attached (on disc and in a safe box) there is no danger to get them lost. I disagree as most entomologists I’m sure would, but it’s your collection and your choice. I’m sorry but your numbers don’t tell me anything and equals to no data to me until I would actually look into your papers assuming that they can be found in far future. Anyway these are very interesting specimens you showed us and as Adam said we just try to be helpful and in no way criticize anyone’s approach to maintain their collection.
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Post by mothman55 on Apr 12, 2021 11:40:32 GMT -8
A few more mini's beside normal size. The mini Columbia and Polyphemus are reared while the mini white admiral and sulphur are wild caught. Most people naturally prefer the largest specimens they can get, but the mini's are interesting as well. I wonder has anyone ever come across a 7 inch wingspan cecropia moth? I have reared and wild caught 6 7/8 inch, but never 7 inch. I would assume they must get them in the southern USA where most everything is bigger, certainly bigger than here in the north.
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Post by joachim on Apr 12, 2021 12:42:01 GMT -8
Hello,
great speciemens! Thanks for posting!
Southern butterflies are usually not bigger, the caterpillar has 4 or 5 stages depending on the species, and if everything is okay they are the same size. Unless food is scarce. then these pupate out of necessity. But that can happen anywhere, even if you are breeding them in the basement and forget to feed them. I just got a Papilio machaon from a pupa which is from Switzerland and it is very small. (Switzerland is also a very small country) I will send a photo soon. Sorry for my bad English. Joachim
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Post by joachim on Apr 12, 2021 16:30:54 GMT -8
jta.de/v/mini1.jpgjta.de/v/mini2.jpgHello, here are the 2 scmall ones I have. For all not EU friends, the 2 EUR is 2.5 cm. the polytes is from Poring hot springs, Borneo. Thanks to all for posting beautifl butterflies Joachim
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Post by kevinkk on Apr 12, 2021 17:14:13 GMT -8
Another interesting topic and pictures. I think unless it's a mutation, dwarfism is connected to food plant and conditions the larva experience.
I have specimens of captive Hyalophora euryalus that are larger than the wild female that laid the ova, something I didn't expect.
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