Extremely rare set of five iridescent butterflies in a large glass dome

Museum-worthy centerpiece assembled from the renowned Vestergaard collection. Under a large, ornate glass dome (Ø 17 cm x H 22 cm) a floating composition of no less than FIVE tropical day-fly butterflies. It concerns 4 large specimens of the very rare Euploea mulciber, in common parlance the Striped Blue Crow. This species occurs exclusively in the pristine rainforests of Southeast Asia. The males, as presented here, are famous for their deeply iridescent royal-blue fields that only light up under certain illumination — an optical phenomenon caused by the microscopic scale-structure. This effect is extremely fragile in collections and rarely preserved so intensely as with these specimens. It is a medium-to-large species with a wingspan up to 110 mm. Crowning the top of the arrangement is a fifth, extremely rare Diaethria sp. (the 88 butterfly) from South America, recognizable by the red upperside and the iconic '88' markings on the underside. A unique opportunity: Euploea mulciber is normally offered only as a single specimen. An ensemble of four perfect males with preserved blue gloss in one dome, complemented by the 88 butterfly, is practically unseen in the trade and comes from an old, closed collection (Vestergaard). Condition: Very good for age. Colors vivid, wings complete, antennae present. Display dome in perfect condition, without cracks. Origin: Ex. collection Vestergaard Dome dimensions: Base diameter 17 cm, height 22 cm. An absolute top piece for the serious entomology collector, a natural history enthusiast, or as a curiosity in your living room. We have received 100 new Vestergaard museum drawers!!!! Again, a very large complete scientific insect collection. Provenance Vestergaard / Gyulai and several other national and international entomologists. We will auction this collection again with no minimum prices on Catawiki, so keep an eye on my offers. Pickup is preferred due to fragility. If you buy multiple crates we can arrange personal delivery. When shipping, we will package the crates with care and utmost prudence. Although all insects are securely mounted on pins, there is always a small chance of damage. Therefore shipping is also at the buyer’s risk. We have shipped over 80 crates to date, and all have arrived well except for one lone pin butterfly. We take great care in packaging and ship insured.

Estimate:£125.77

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