Butterflies Collection
The Hervey Bay Historical Village & Museum receives many donations of a great variety of historic items but occasionally we receive something very special.
We have just acquired from long time resident, Mr. Bob Long, an amazing collection of butterflies in glass cases. Comprising hundreds of mounted specimens with the majority Australian and more particularly local butterflies, the variety of sizes, colours and unique features is astounding. Some as large as dinner plates to very small ones of different shapes, the collection is unique. One local butterfly in the shape of a leaf is almost impossible to detect in the wild and can only be caught at dusk when it suddenly flies!
Of great interest is a rare specimen, un-named but found locally. The one in the collection was found in 1969 at the Torquay Fire Station and there have been no more recorded sightings for the last 53 years! You can see the actual butterfly on display.
The newspaper article explains the interest in the specimen from butterfly experts. This is where YOU can help. We would love to hear from anyone who may see the unusually marked specimen as shown in the photograph. Channel 7 is featuring the story on behalf of the Museum. It would be great news to be able to report the discovery of more specimens found locally.
Next time you visit our Museum, don’t miss the exciting new butterfly display!
The photograph shows the rare specimen in detail as well as the 1970 newspaper article. Also shown is the “leaf” butterfly which shows very clearly why it is so hard to find!
