Community & Business
17 August, 2023
Butterfly Man’s life mission on show
Queensland Museum is showcasing a remarkable collection of insects and butterflies collected by a Kuranda icon, in an exhibition titled “The Butterfly Man of Kuranda: The Dodd Collection”.
Opening its doors until 14 April, 2024, this captivating display pays tribute to the late Frederick Dodd, an esteemed local naturalist known for his dedication to the study of insects.
Frederick Dodd, affectionately referred to as "The Butterfly Man of Kuranda", spent his later years immersed in the world of entomology, recognising the inherent beauty, complexity, and fragility of nature that his meticulously arranged display cases exemplify.
Comprising 42 showcases created by Mr Dodd and his family between 1917 and the 1960s, the Dodd Collection stands as an essential part of the State Collection, with some specimens over a century old.
Queensland Museum Network CEO Dr Jim Thompson said Mr Dodd's passion for the natural beauty of biodiversity drove him to showcase his collection throughout the southern states of Australia, leaving a lasting impression on audiences worldwide.
“Dodd had a desire to educate Australians about the wonders of tropical insects, and 86 years after his passing, his work continues to captivate people globally," he said.
“It is a privilege to present these beautiful showcases to the visitors of Queensland Museum.”
Over four decades, Mr Dodd devoted himself to exploring Australia's uncharted territory of tropical insects, generously contributing tens of thousands of specimens to museums worldwide.
His valuable observations found their way into leading scientific journals, elevating him to a renowned figure in the entomology field.
While his financial circumstances led him to adopt the role of an "entomology showman", Mr Dodd's life was interwoven with the profound study and celebration of insects, inspiring countless scientists around the globe.
The Dodd Collection is already available as a virtual exhibition on the Queensland Museum website.
Locals traveling to Brisbane can also view in the collection in person on Level 2 at the Queensland Museum from 28 July 2023 - 14 April 2024.
