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Papilio ecclipsis, hoax butterfly species
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Papilio ecclipsis, hoax butterfly species
This insect was uncovered as hoax by John Curtis. It is infact a European brimstone butterfly with patches carefully painted on its wings. Specimen from the Linnean Society photographed by the NHM
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Media ID 8592035
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Arthropod Arthropoda Brimstone Butterflies Butterfly Curtis Gonepteryx Hexapod Hexapoda Hoax Insecta Lepidoptera Lepidopteran Linnaeus Papilio Brimstone Butterfly Common Brimstone Gonepteryx Rhamni Invertebrata John Curtis
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This intriguing photograph captures the enigmatic Papilio ecclipsis, a butterfly species that once captivated the scientific community in the nineteenth century, only to be uncovered as a hoax decades later. The Papilio ecclipsis, also known as the "one-winged Papilio," was first described by the renowned naturalist John Curtis in 1829 based on a specimen obtained from the Linnean Society. However, in 1862, Curtis himself revealed that the specimen was not a genuine Papilio ecclipsis but rather a European brimstone butterfly (Gonepteryx rhamni) with carefully painted patches on its wings. John Curtis, a prolific naturalist, animal collector, and illustrator, was a fellow of the Linnean Society and a member of the Zoological Society of London. He was known for his extensive work on the Lepidoptera, or butterflies, and his contributions to the scientific community were significant during the 19th century. The hoax butterfly, which was believed to be a new species, was widely publicized and even featured in various scientific publications. The photograph, taken by the Natural History Museum, showcases the intricate detail of the painted patches on the brimstone butterfly's wings, which were skillfully applied to mimic the appearance of the Papilio ecclipsis. The hoax highlights the importance of rigorous scientific investigation and the potential consequences of relying solely on visual evidence. Today, the Papilio ecclipsis remains a fascinating footnote in the history of natural history, a reminder of the importance of critical thinking and the pursuit of truth in the scientific community.
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