FAQs

Insect Names - A Discussion of Taxonomy and Nomenclature
The difference between taxonomy and nomenclature is important to understand. You can have a correct name that is nomenclaturally correct but taxonomically not incorrect or not popular. Correct vs incorrect taxonomy is purely a matter of taxonomic opinion. That is so regardless of empirical science you do. Its because numbers by themselves have no meaning. The only meaning that they have is what we give them AKA subjective opinion. This point is really important. Taxonomy is not trigonometry. In trigonometry, one can construct a mathematical "proof." There is no mathematical proof in distinguishing taxonomic categories. i.e. Is a taxon a species or a subspecies rank taxon? Numbers will not tell you the answer to that without using subjective judgement. We can quantify things but the notion that because we have quantified something that we have eliminated subjectivity or proving anything is pure arrogance.
So, for example: the use of the name Boloria communicates a particular taxonomic hypothesis at the genus rank. Clossiana is another taxonomic hypothesis that in the opinion of some authors, captures only a subset of species in the broader genus Boloria. So the broad genus of Boloria used by some authors is also treated 3 genera by other authors (Boloria, Clossiana and Proclossiana). This can be confusing because people can be discussing the same species without knowing that they are.

Antennae Inc. constantly strives to be taxonomically accurate in the material that is provided. However, science does not stand still and we are constantly re-examining old and current taxonomic hypothesis. So, the names that we use and see in the literature can be replaced or changed in light of new knowledge.


What is the price difference between a mounted and an unmounted butterfly?
This is a very difficult question to answer as each art dealer or collector values the pinning process differently.
90% of damage that occurs to a specimen is during the pinning process. This is due to the tremendous fragility of the butterfly. Because of this there is a significant gap between a pinned and unpinned specimen.
Depending on the price for the unmounted species, a mounted butterfly or moth is valued by a factor between 2.5 and 5. The multiplier is reduced with each price level.
Some people’s nerves are affected by knowing that they could easily break the specimen even with the slightest error. And for this a premium is charged because the "pinner" undertakes all the risk.
When you see a perfectly mounted specimen, not only is it appealing to eye, but it represents a lot of skill with hand eye co-ordination as well as having steady nerves.

Where do all the butterflies and insects you sell come from?
We mainly sell specimens from South America, Asia and Africa.
Many of our insects and arachnids come from breeders or farmers who harvest these species from their land. We have established relationships with breeding operations in Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, and Thailand. We have breeders in Peru, Brazil, Bolivia, Mexico, Argentina, Canada, USA, Europe, and the Republic of Central Africa who also supply us with our stock. Others come from rain forest land that the locals are living off of by selling unmounted insects and arachnids. These specimens are grown naturally on their properties. 
For some species we have suppliers from different parts of the world that go and hunt butterflies for us, but we also go out ourselves to catch them. It is important for us that the specimens we acquire come from areas that are environmentally stable.


Does it destroy the ecosystem to catch butterflies and insects?
A collector in the rainforest has a very limited chance of catching certain species. The abundance of the different species guarantees that the collector cannot harm the population more than any other predator. The same applies to any farmer or breeder who takes specimens from his or her own land.
The only way to hurt a butterfly population is to destroy the host plant that the larvae (caterpillar) feed on. That means, that as long as areas where the food plants grow remain intact, butterfly populations will be stable.
We do not want to promote poaching or reckless behavior that could potentially harm the environment. So the only times that we get material from collectors is if we know that neither the species nor their environment is threatened.


How are the insects killed?
Depending on the species, a collector or breeder tries to kill the specimens as fast and painlessly as possible. Some are pinched in the Thorax, which collapses the trachea. Others are killed by an injection of isopropyl alcohol or simply are put into a freezer.

How long is a dried specimen stable? How long will my framed insect last?
A well dried specimen that is stored in dry conditions and protected from dust and vermin, like ants and museum beetles, can be kept for many years. Collections in Museums of Natural History all over the world show that specimens can last for centuries.
Some species need to be protected from direct sun light to avoid bleaching of the colors.


How can I mount a butterfly myself?
Please watch our video for a step-by-step tutorial



The most important part of spreading butterflies or moths is to ensure the specimen has been re-hydrated properly. To relax specimens with minimal risk of damage is best done with a Tupperware container that has warm water mixed with Pine sol or any anti fungal agent. Then a piece of absorbent foam is placed onto the water as to not create possible splashing. Then place a piece of Styrofoam on top of the foam. Keep it dry by making sure the Styrofoam does not get wet. Place 2 pieces of paper towel on the foam where the specimens will be placed on.

Lay the butterfly or several specimens on the paper towel (take the specimens out from the envelopes) and cover for 12-24 hours. The specimen is now “relaxing” which means it is absorbing moisture into its body and veins and wings. The trick to knowing if the butterfly is relaxed enough to spread is that it should feel very much like a live specimen with movable wings, antennae etc. Large or thick bodied specimens will take longer to re-hydrate. Some people inject the butterfly thorax with hot water and then relax it for a few to several hours. This technique also makes it easier to spread stout bodied species. This technique should only be attempted if the craftsman is well experienced. The risk of pricking oneself is high and some butterfly species have thermo-sensitive colours and the hot water can permanently discolour them if application is done poorly. Male birdwing and Morpho butterflies are particularly vulnerable to this problem.

1 ) After the butterfly has be re-hydrated properly, hold it by the thorax and squeeze gently or pinch thorax and wings will open slightly.

2) While squeezing thorax to separate wings, carefully insert an insect pin through the thorax about half way.

3) Holding the pinned butterfly, place the body in the groove of a spreading board and push the pin into the groove to hold butterfly in place.

4) After the thorax is pinned in the groove, place thin strips of butter (or tracing paper) paper over each side of the wings, close to the body, holding the wings down. Use pins to secure the wings in desired position. DO NOT pierce the wings with the pins as this damages them. Set specimen with its fours wings equally spread apart from one another to give it a symmetrical look. Look at our photos of pinned specimens to see the industry standard of how the butterfly and moth should appear.

5) One way to move the wings into place is to use a long pin that you use to push onto the main costal margins of the specimens to move the wings into the desired position. This technique takes a long time to master as the risk of damage is quite likely. Another method is to use spade tip forceps to maneuver each forewing and hindwing individually until the lower edge of the forewings are horizontal and a “V” forms when the hindwings lift up to meet them. Do your best to make both “V’s” the same on each side for symmetry. Even with this method there is still a risk of damage. Great care must be taken when doing this part of the mounting process. Antennae should form a V extending outward. Wing edges can be covered with paper to prevent curling.

Allow the specimens to dry butterfly on the spreading board for 24-48 hours. Remove all pins carefully except the pin through the thorax. Pin the butterfly in your display case. Most damage occurs during the pinning process which is why there is significant price difference between pinned and unpinned (unmounted) specimens. If breakage does occur, you can attempt to repair it with glue or parts of another similar specimen. This repair is an art in and of itself as it requires a new set of skills to master in order to do a convincing job.

The best spreading boards are wooden (made from soft wood) and have an adjustable groove. When I began as a child, I made my first spreading board from a flat piece of Styrofoam where I cut out a slit to accommodate a butterfly body.

How much is the shipping?
In Canada and the USA we prefer regular parcel service provided by Canada Post. International Parcels are sent via small packet airmail
purchase value --> cost of packing and shipping
000.01 - 100.00 USD --> 20.00 USD
100.01 - 499.99 USD --> 25.00 USD
500.00 - 750.00 USD --> 30.00 USD
750.01 - 999.99 USD --> 35.00 USD
1000.00 and up USD --> 40.00 USD