Frequently Asked Questions

All our framed items - beetles, butterflies, dragonfly, spiders, scorpions, stick insects, cicada, bats and other insects are REAL and professionally mounted. We have been in business for over 20 years and offer full professional service to our customers.
We strive to supply ex pupae and A1 specimens only. A2 specimens are listed in the 'specials' section of our website.
Insects are a natural product and as such small variations may occur. All images on our website are taken in house and are indicative only of the item that is purchased.
All of our framed insects are permanently mounted to the backboard and cannot be removed without causing damage to the specimen.
b&b™ framed mounted specimens are professionally done in house by our skilled artisans who have had over 20 years to perfect their skill. We make and assemble our own bespoke shadowbox frames and carefully prepare and mount each specimen. As such you can be reassured that the quality of mounting is first class. We do not ever mount on cheap cotton backing (i.e. Riker mounts).
As company policy, b&b™ does not trade in endangered, rare or otherwise protected wildlife. We source some of our supplies of common, abundant species from Government regulated ranching cooperatives in many countries. Some countries require strict permits for export to regulate and control populations. Your purchase aids environmental conservation rather than detracting from it by encouraging the indigenous caretakers to maintain host plant areas and all taxes on permitted insects go toward government regulatory control. Breeders (often called farmers) can be single people or families operating a 'cottage industry' to produce pupae. Small breeders are sometimes organised in cooperatives. At the other extreme, large butterfly farms can have many employees. We cannot assess the number of breeders, but many hundreds are involved, notably in tropical countries (including Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, Suriname, Philippines, Tanzania, and Thailand). Dickinson (2004) reported that 250 farmers were contributing to the Amani Butterfly Project (Morgan-Brown 2007). Being engaged in such a process can have social, economic, and environmental benefits: "Butterfly farming allows the local community to diversify their income generating activities and to work at home around childcare and domestic duties. It also raises awareness among residents and decision makers of the benefits of conservation." (Zanzibar Butterfly Centre ) 2011. It is the destruction of habitat by human intervention that is the principal factor in the extinction of any insect not the collection of insects for educative or commercial purposes. Some are bred some are wild caught. All have permits from respective countries.
This is a sustainable practice industry - whereby breeding and collection is done without harming the environment and in turn safeguards environmental destruction of habitat. Most are bred for purpose that’s why they don’t have tattered wings whilst some are wild caught on strict country regulatory permits. They are all common abundant species. Any company/website that says their stock died of natural causes is being deceitful otherwise their framed items wouldn’t be perfect specimens . I have personally visited many of our insect suppliers and their families . It is true the business supports local communities. Rather better for the environment that they look after the habitat which provides them with a living then cut forests down for crops . Bits & Bugs imports is strictly governed by the Wildlife Trade Regulatory Authority. Import regulations are managed by The Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment.
Furthermore, our black frames are not made from real wood. Ethical concerns over deforestation in many third world countries has led us to pioneer the use of timber substitute framing. The use of recycled cardboard in our carry boxes also makes our product the complete eco friendly gift.
All butterflies, other insects and arachnids found in b&b™ are REAL! We do not alter, enhance or otherwise modify their natural colour. Website images are as close as possible to true likeness. Some sizing’s of insect etc. in frame maybe approximate.

All frames are fumigated and are professionally prepared. As this is a natural product, book lice / mites may occur in your frame. Book lice / mites are present in most environments, do not carry disease and are best dealt with by following the instructions below.
These tiny insects may be detected by black dust underneath the bug. ( Please note not all black dust is from mites - some dust may occur from material that has shed off the body during transport ). If you see tiny mites running around within the frame immediately place frame inside a plastic bag and put into freezer for a minimum of one week.
If you have a collection, constant monitoring is highly recommended to avoid these tiny insects attacking your specimen.
Keep framed specimens out of direct sunlight and keep in low humid areas. This will prevent mould and help prevent book lice / mites.
Mould growing on your specimen. This may occur during high humid / rainy conditions where low air flow, humidity and sunlight combined may cause condensation which may cause mould. This may occur on one or all of your specimens.

What to do:

Gently remove the left, right and bottom piece of framing tape (leave hook side on) and carefully brush the mould off with small brush (For example: makeup or small paint brush) and leave out for 24 hours in a nice dry spot. Watch for ants.
Clean glass whilst open to remove any potential mould spores. These can also be gently brushed away if present on the backboard.
Once complete, reuse removed tape to reseal your frame.
Correct care for your framed insect specimen will ensure many years of enjoyment. Do not leave unattended in a box / on a wall for long periods of time without monitoring. Bits and Bugs will assume no liability for failure to comply with the instructions above.

Frames

Empty frames are available to purchase separately to our existing customers if your frame has incurred damage. For example: falling off a wall or shelf.
Only hang frames by hook provided. Bits and Bugs will not be liable for damaged frames if found they have been hung by alternative methods. 3M hooks will pull the backboard off and your frame will fall. (See image below of incorrect hanging method) All frames have glass fronts with a hook ready to hang.
Our bespoke shadow box frames are made by our own in-house production team. We take pride in offering crafted frames to stand apart from mass produced generic photo frames often used.
As of 1st July 2023, we have upgraded our smooth-edged frame profile to that of ridged edged frame profile. This new profile will eliminate the look of any scratching that was noticeable on the previous profile. This will be a gradual process and we aim to have totally migrated by the end of 2023.

All specimens sold by Bits & Bugs are real insects and natural products. Due to the unique nature of each specimen, variations in colour, size, markings, and appearance may occur. Product images are provided as a guide only and may not represent the exact item received. While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of information on this website, product availability, specifications, and pricing are subject to change without notice. By using this website and purchasing our products, you acknowledge and accept these conditions.

Images and text within our website. All our online images and text is unique to Bits & Bugs. We have been trading for over 20 years and provide professional customer back up. All images are done in house. Unauthorised use of our online images or text is not permitted. Please contact us if you are wanting to use any image or text you see on our website.

Correct care for your framed insect specimen will ensure many years of enjoyment. Do not leave unattended in box / on wall for long periods of time without monitoring. Bits and Bugs will assume no liability for failure to comply with the instructions noted on this page.

We pack our items very carefully however breakages sometimes occur during delivery.
Head office must be notified of damage within 24 hours of receipt by courier. Only Head Office can authorise returns.
We will require an image emailed to kingbug@bigpond.net.au or text it to 0418 158 586. We will then email you a confirmation email advising as to whether the item will be required to be returned for replacement or refunded. This is at our discretion. If we are out of stock of the item, we will refund or you may wish to choose another item.
Items to be returned will be picked up by our courier and we will organise a return label for you. If our courier is unable to pick up in your area, we will liaise with you to return the package to our P.O. address ( postage will be refunded in this case ).
Items being returned must be well packed to avoid further damage, be in their original box and posted within 5 days of receipt.

We are unable to accept returns / refunds for the following:

Change of Mind: As our products are natural specimens, each item is unique. Minor imperfections, variations in colour, size, and appearance may occur and may differ from the images shown online.
Product Images: We make every effort to display colours as accurately as possible. However, actual colours may vary slightly due to screen settings and the natural characteristics of each specimen.
Shipping Timeframes: We reserve the right to dispatch orders once all items are ready for shipment. In some cases, processing and dispatch may take longer than five (5) business days.
Return Timeframe: Returns received more than three (3) days after delivery will not be accepted unless prior approval has been obtained from Head Office.
Return Authorisation: Returns submitted without prior approval from Head Office will not be accepted.
Condition of Returned Items: Returned items must be received in their original condition. We reserve the right to refuse refunds or exchanges for items damaged due to inadequate return packaging.
Sale Items: Items purchased on sale or marked as "Final Sale" cannot be returned, exchanged, or refunded.
Exchanges: Where an exchange is approved, the customer is responsible for all return postage costs and any applicable restocking fees. If a refund is approved for purchases made using Afterpay, applicable Afterpay fees may be deducted.
Restocking Fees: Approved refunds and exchanges are subject to a restocking fee of $15.00 for the first item and $5.00 for each additional item returned.

We carry a large range of items in our warehouse and update our inventory daily. However due to high demands at various times we are unable to have a real time inventory and as such some items ordered may have sold out. We will notify you and offer various alternatives. If no alternatives suit we are happy to refund.

Specials A2

We offer a cheaper range of framed insects that have come to us that are imperfect i.e. not A1 hence they are at a vastly reduced value price than the other A1 specimens offered in the general catalogue. Just because they are imperfect doesn't mean they are invaluable and still a treasure !
These may have marks on the backboard or imperfections on the insect or the frame itself maybe A2.
We endeavour to show the image of the actual item with full description of imperfection. Some items may vary slightly in the imperfection than that shown on the image.
These are all on sale and no retrurns are accepted unless the item breaks in transit or is vastly different that the item shown in description.
Some items may have residual dust within the frame upon delivery due to the shedding from the insect itself . This is easily fixed by opening up the back of the frame, dusting out and resealing. A 5 minute job.
Some frames may have slight marks / scratches on the outside of it.
By purchasing the A2 items you accept the conditions above.

We will work quickly to ship your order generally within 1-3 business days. Once your order has shipped, you will receive two emails with further information; one from the carrier directly and one from Bits and Bugs. Please check your junk / spam folder if you have not received this. Delivery times vary depending on your location.

We offer free nationwide standard shipping on all orders over $150. All orders under $150 incur a $12 shipping fee per order.
Express shipping options available at the checkout.
For all international orders, shipping is calculated at the checkout.
Each order is dispatched within 1-3 business days from our Mudgeeraba, QLD warehouse.
Tracking will be automatically provided via email once your order has been dispatched.

No, we do not sell dried, pinned or unmounted stock.

No, we do not sell our bespoke shadow box frames. If for any reason your frame gets damaged, please contact us to arrange a replacement frame.

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Frequently Asked Questions