We sell dried butterflies and moths packaged in glassine envelopes with their wings closed (not spread) and antennae intact but not guaranteed because of their fragility or the quality selected. Other insects are set on cardboard covered with cellophane, legs and antennae tucked close to the body. Spreading and posing options are available at the time of purchase.
We take great care to package your order to assure safety in transit. Dried insects can be stored indefinitely or re-hydrated and spread when they arrive. With Morpho butterflies and some Saturnid moths, please note that many of our suppliers remove the abdomens to prevent the oil in them from staining the wings.
Sustainably & Ethically Sourced
Sustainably & Ethically Sourced
Sustainably & Ethically Sourced
Sustainably & Ethically Sourced
Sustainably & Ethically Sourced
Sustainably & Ethically Sourced
Sustainably & Ethically Sourced
Sustainably & Ethically Sourced
Sustainably & Ethically Sourced
Sustainably & Ethically Sourced
Sustainably & Ethically Sourced
Sustainably & Ethically Sourced
Sustainably & Ethically Sourced
Sustainably & Ethically Sourced
Sustainably & Ethically Sourced
Sustainably & Ethically Sourced
Sustainably & Ethically Sourced
Sustainably & Ethically Sourced
Sustainably & Ethically Sourced
Sustainably & Ethically Sourced
FAQs
If I don't add on the Spreading Service, how will my purchase arrive?
What do the quality codes stand for?
A1: Specimen is perfect or nearly so.
NP: Near Perfect, very minor imperfection
A-: Good. Small chip or light scratch. (We cannot guarantee tarsi/legs on beetles.)
A2: Fair. Tear, nick, smudge, likely repairable
2nd: Suitable for reference purpose only
How is the size of a butterfly or insect measured?
Size is measured in millimeters (mm) in these dimensions:
Butterfly and moth size: Wingspan when spread flat from wing tip to wing tip
Beetle size: Length from jaw or horn tip to end of shell.
Insect size: Length from end of face to rear of body.
How does butterfly farming help preserve rainforests?
Butterfly farming helps to preserve rainforests and increases butterfly populations. Butterfly farms must preserve large areas of native forest growth to cultivate and collect the native host plants needed to feed their caterpillars and run their businesses. This provides motivation for farming families to protect local forests rather than sell the land for mono-crop farming, which is an unfortunate alternative.
We strongly support butterfly farming and conservation projects. Most of our butterflies and insects come from licensed breeders or from butterfly farms, which support ecosystems and economies and help the survival of the species. All these factors help ensure our butterflies and insects are sustainably and ethically sourced. Your purchases will help natural habitat conservation efforts around the world.
What happens if my butterfly or insect arrives damaged?
If there is a severe damage not expected based on the chosen grade, please contact us within 14 business days of delivery and we will take care of you and make things right!