Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are these REAL?

Yes, all the insects in this artwork are real, and what you see are their natural colors.

2. Where do you get these insects-- do you go out and collect them all yourself?

Many come from butterfly farms around the world-- primarily South America, Asia, and Africa. Collecting and raising insects is a cottage industry in many rainforest countries where there is little formal employment. (Only 8% of butterfly eggs ever reach adulthood in the rainforest, but 80% succeed on a farm.) Our foreign insects are all brought into the country after proper inspection and approval of the US Fish & Wildlife Service.

3. What are they like when you get them?

The butterflies are dry in wax paper triangles, and are very brittle. They may have been stored years earlier. We must first relax them for up to a week, then do the scientific mounting work, then dry them for several more days before even starting to do artwork with them. It is a very labor intensive process requiring very careful hands!

4. Do you put the name on the back?

We write the individual butterfly or insect species on the back label, along with the area of the world it came from. Multiple-butterfly pieces can have each species identified on request.

5. Can they be safely shipped?

Yes, after being double-boxed with appropriate cushioning materials to protect against shock in transit. We ship all over the country via UPS and USPS. We do not ship internationally.

6. How long will they last, and how do I care for my purchase?

Butterfly and Insect Art has no pre-determined lifespan. We have seen framed butterflies as old as 100 years that looked like they just emerged from the chrysalis, and they may indeed last for generations. They are delicate, so don’t drop them! We suggest avoiding excessive direct sunlight, which can fade papers and flowers over time. The only other thing that could shorten the lifespan of your purchase would be in the unlikely event that some other critter found its way inside the frame. Evidence of this would be readily apparent by the presence of something like sawdust in the frame, near the insect. Read here for what to do if that ever were to happen.