How are your specimens sourced?
View our insect ethics policy HERE.
View our animal ethics policy HERE.

How do you preserve your insects?
For most bugs, they naturally preserve themselves! All insects are invertebrates, meaning they have exoskeletons. These exoskeletons keep the outside looking perfect. For butterflies and moths, the wings maintain pigment because of the thousands of tiny scales. These scales can shed which you will see if you rub a butterfly’s wing and glittery dust comes off. So long as the scales stay on the wings, the butterflies will keep their colour!

Our Quality Scale
(A1) = perfect / nearly perfect quality (small amount of rubbed wings)
(A / A-) = good but with damage (rubbed wings, missing antenna)
(A2) = second quality, clear imperfections

If there is anything wrong with a specimen, we have written about it in the description of the listing. Please ensure you've read all descriptions & checked all photos of the pieces you intend on purchasing to avoid any disappointment. 

Commissions
We consider commissions on a case-by-case basis. Generally, we do not accept commissions for framed displays or domes, though you are welcome to request a specific insect species. If we are able to source it, we’re happy to create it for you.

If you have a pet you’d like preserved as a wet specimen, we can also assist. Please note, however, that we cannot work with native species or reptiles due to Australian laws and licensing restrictions. We enjoy unique challenges when processing wet specimens - we’ve even preserved human fallopian tubes!

At this time, we do not accept commissions for traditional taxidermy mounts.

 

Specimen Care 

 

Insect Display Care 
All pieces are permanently preserved and can last decades with proper care. Do not open your frame or remove the seal we have put in place. Keep your pieces out of direct sunlight or excess humidity (such as in bathrooms or near fireplaces). Do not leave them unattended in a box for long periods of time. Click HERE to read more about maintaining your collection. Oddity Bug Club will not be responsible for any damage caused by improper care.

In the off chance you notice dust-like specks inside of your frame, this may be book lice. Place the piece into the freezer for at least 3 days to kill off anything living, remove for a 3 days and then repeating the first step to kill any unhatched eggs. Closely monitor the rest of your collection during this period as you may have to isolate them. Read more about this HERE.

Wet Specimen Care
Our wet specimens are initially preserved in formalin, then rinsed and stored in a solution of 70% isopropyl alcohol and 30% purified water. Over time, the alcohol will evaporate, and if not topped up, your specimen may end up sitting in water - or in an empty vessel. You can purchase 70% isopropyl alcohol at most chemists or supermarkets for under $10. We recommend changing your wet specimens solution at least once a year. 

Please note that the position of specimens may shift during transit or while on display. The preservation liquids are not toxic to touch, but should be handled with care and never ingested.

Diaphonised Specimen Care
Diaphonised specimens are stored in vegetable glycerine. Unlike wet specimens, their solutions generally do not need to be topped up or replaced. In the event that the vessel breaks or leaks, the fluid can be easily replaced, and vegetable glycerine is available at most chemists and supermarkets for under $15.

Please note that the position of specimens may shift during transit or while on display. The preservation liquids are not toxic to touch, but should be handled with care and never ingested.