Walter Marsh, an Australian historian and author of The Butterfly Thief, unravels the bizarre story of Colin Wyatt—a ski champion and wartime camouflage expert turned gentleman thief. In the 1940s, Wyatt masterminded the heist of over 3,000 rare butterfly specimens from Australian museums. Marsh discusses the significance of holotypes, explains why butterflies are vital environmental indicators, and explores Wyatt's obsession with collecting. The conversation highlights museum security, scientific integrity, and the legal aftermath of this grand theft.
