Sometimes semi-cryptids, known species of animals seen by native peoples beyond where they are normally known, in time and space, but unproven by zoologists (yet), apparently can be insects.
Take, for example, Papilio troilum, which a few folks felt were in Maine, although it officially had not been acknowledged as living in the state for three-quarters of a century.
The only documented Maine sighting was in 1934, noted wildlife biologist Phillip deMaynadier.
It had been 75 years after that last reported sighting of a spicebush swallowtail caterpillar or butterfly in Maine. Now evidence and photos of the caterpillars have been verified by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries, by Phillip deMaynadier, who took the above image.
In September 2009, deMaynadier found several occupied swallowtail nests in some hardwood swamps in Berwick and Wells. The finding proves that the butterfly breeds in Maine, he said.
“This is now officially one of the largest, most colorful butterflies in the state, and somehow it slipped under our radar screen for the past 75 years,” deMaynadier said.
The adult spicebush caterpillar.
For more, see here.
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The International Cryptozoology Museum will be closing early on Saturday, November 28th. Hours for this one Saturday will be from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm (instead of 6 pm). Normal hours resume for Sunday, November 29th, Noon to 5:00 pm. Closed Monday, and back to 11-6 pm then Tues-Sat again.
Five dollars per person, any age, for admission, cash or check. There is an ATM next door at Joe’s Smoke Shop.
Bigfoot and Yeti Christmas ornaments have arrived. Other popular cryptozoological items and autographed books are available.
I will have extended hours on the Saturday before Christmas, December 19th.
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