Butterflies are free
For the first time in 15 years Queenslanders will have the chance to view an extraordinary array of the state’s beautiful butterflies, beetles and moths at Queensland Museum South Bank, marking the International Year of Biodiversity.
Opening on 17 February, The Butterfly Man of Kuranda is a spectacular and historic insect exhibition showcasing the Museum’s F.P. & A.P. Dodd Collection of Tropical Insects from Australia and New Guinea.
The exhibition focuses on 28 beautifully-arranged showcases dating from 1917 through to the 1960s.
Queensland Museum South Bank Director Dr Graeme Potter said the new exhibition will showcase the Museum’s unrivalled collection of Queensland insects and enlighten a new generation to the art and science of collecting.
“The exquisitely arranged cases have introduced generations of Australians to the true beauty of their own insect fauna,” Dr Potter said.
“The brilliant colours and delicate forms of the insects on display give insight into the unique creatures that fill our rainforests, woodlands and urban areas and highlight Queensland’s insect biodiversity,” he said.
A family collection of national significance
As a 21-year-old bank clerk, Frederick Parkhurst Dodd was reluctantly transferred from Victoria to the remote Queensland frontier town of Townsville in 1884.
A fascination with the wonderful tropical insects of the region led him to devote his life to their study. Settling in Kuranda, he developed a spectacular show collection of insects for public viewing.
When the collection toured nationally in 1918 and 1923, Dodd became a national figure, known as ‘The Butterfly Man of Kuranda’.
His son, Alan Dodd continued his father’s passion for collecting, and in the 1920s brought the Cactoblastis moth from South America to rid Australia of the scourge of prickly pear, an outstanding achievement rewarded by both MBE and OBE.
In his retirement Alan undertook several adventurous collecting trips to New Guinea and produced beautifully arranged cases that complement the older collection of his father.
The Butterfly Man of Kuranda
From 17 February at Queensland Museum South Bank, 9.30 am to 5pm daily.
Entry is free.
Talk
A free talk on the exhibition will be held on Wednesday 3 March at 12.30pm at Queensland Museum South Bank. Presented by Geoff Monteith, former insect curator at Queensland Museum and author of the award-winning book The Butterfly Man of Kuranda – Frederick Parkhurst Dodd.
Queensland Museum South Bank, located at Brisbane’s Cultural Centre corner Grey and Melbourne Streets, South Bank. Open daily 9:30am to 5pm except Christmas Day. Tel 3840 7555.
