The butterfly heist orchestrated by Colin Wyatt in the late 1940s has left a lasting impact on Australian entomology. Wyatt stole approximately 3,000 butterfly specimens from museums in Melbourne, Sydney, and Adelaide, vandalizing them by painting their wings and removing labels. This act has created a complex web of taxonomic confusion that scientists are still trying to unravel. Museums Victoria's Maryanne McCubbin expressed her frustration over the 'despicable' act, highlighting its significant scientific consequences. The stolen specimens included rare holotypes, and many are still being discovered in collections worldwide, often mislabeled. Recent findings, such as a Peacock Jewel butterfly in Munich, underscore the ongoing challenges faced by taxonomists in correcting the historical inaccuracies caused by Wyatt's theft.