The astounding story of the fake butterfly specimen Papilio

For April Fool's Day, our Senior Collections Manager Darren Mann recounts the story of an elegantly fake butterfly – Papilio ecclipsis – asking whether it was a piece of scientific fraudulence or practical joke that went awry.

Papilio bachus - Orange Mimic Butterfly - framed butterfly

3+ Thousand Colorful Real Butterfly Royalty-Free Images, Stock Photos & Pictures

OUMNH – More Than A Dodo

Natural History Museum – More Than A Dodo

Why are many butterflies more patterned and colorful on the underside of their wings? - Quora

TWO (2) Papilio blumei, A1 The Green Swallowtail Butterfly, Dry-Preser

OUMNH – More Than A Dodo

P. Butterfly

Papilio Karna Karna Swallowtail Real Butterfly Specimen for Bug Pinning Taxidermy Artwork Natural History Collection Insect Decor Homeschool

Pinning this beautiful monarch butterfly that had crumpled wings #pinn

P. Butterfly

Making Faux Butterfly Art (And Checking Out Foamhenge)

The Blue Swallowtail Butterfly (Papilio ulysses), Framed Butterfly Wall Decor, Unique Entomology Taxidermy

Butterfly eyespots III. Deflect and sacrifice. – Ray Cannon's nature notes