Every preserved insect carries the marks of its species, source, and preparation — which is why our frames include an honest quality grade.
Minor farm-origin characteristics are common. The codes below help you choose the standard that suits your display.
All our handmade frames will advise the condition of the specimen mounted inside. Use the guide below to understand the difference between near-perfect examples, minor natural flaws, and second-quality representative specimens.
The grading system.
Our codes are intentionally simple: they give a quick, practical indication of condition, while recognising that preserved insects are natural materials rather than factory-made objects.
A1
Top grade
As perfect as reasonable expectations dictate.
Many A1 specimens are ex-pupae bred and represent the highest standard normally expected for natural entomology specimens.
A1/A1−
Minor flaws
Virtually perfect and fresh.
These specimens will have minor flaws — sometimes only antennae damage — and can offer excellent quality at significant savings.
A1−
Respectable
Flaws, but generally respectable.
A good choice when the overall display quality remains strong, while visible imperfections are acknowledged in the grading.
A2
Second quality
A representative specimen, far from perfect.
A2 indicates definite second quality. The specimen is usually still a useful representative example, but not a pristine display standard.
Preparation notes
What to know about Morphos, heads & abdomens.
Some characteristics come from farm preparation, drying, preservation, or the structure of the insect itself. These notes explain common points customers may notice.
01
Morphos
Why many Morpho butterflies have no abdomen.
Most species of Morphos have the abdomens removed at the farms because many store fats from their larval days in their bodies. The grease can leach out and discolour the wings, so removing the abdomen prevents the wings becoming black and greasy. Many times the abdomens are not sent with the specimens from the source. This problem does not seem to be prevalent in females.
02
Heads
Why a butterfly head may be slightly twisted.
Occasionally, some entomology butterflies may arrive from the farm with a slightly twisted head. This can happen during drying and cannot be corrected after the specimen has been relaxed and set. Attempting to twist the head will result in it breaking, as the delicate structure becomes brittle once preserved.
03
Abdomens
Why abdomens can appear compressed.
Specimens frequently exhibit dorsoventral compression of the abdomen, typically resulting from the desiccation process during farm-based preparation. This is due to the low structural density of the tissue. At present, there is no established entomological method for restoring the original abdominal morphology after drying.
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