FAQs

Depending on the size of the insect, the process can take several days to weeks! First we place our insects in a hydration chamber for them to soften to allow us to articulate and pin them as desired. This takes take time, skill, and patience as the subjects we are working on are very small and fragile! We leave them pinned for as long as needed until they are able to remain in their fixed position. Then we carefully assemble them in to beautiful art pieces for you to enjoy!

I use insects that I have found myself that are already dead, or I buy them through conservationists, all of which have also died of natural causes. The average adult lifespan of most butterflies are 2-3 weeks! Some only live for a few days to hours as they are born without mouths. Many species are bred in captivity to save them from going extinct.

It is best to keep your specimens out of direct sunlight, which can fade their vibrant colors. It is also recommended to keep them out of excessively humid or moist environments, such as bathrooms, above sinks, etc. This can cause mold and ruin your insects! If you want to change the case your insects are in be careful not to touch the wings because this will rub off their tiny scales which give them color and iridescence.