Heliconius doris (Colombia) - blue

We source our specimens from a number of insect suppliers in Asia, Africa and South America.

Many specimens are captive bred and others are wild caught. We do not deal in protected species.

Insect breeding / collecting is sustainable and is a good source of income for people who often live in very remote places.

Most species are only available for short periods each year and in limited quantities, and may not be available every year.

Change of mind returns

Please note that unless the item you receive is not as described in the store, arrives damaged or is lost in the mail, we generally do not accept returns or issue refunds.

If you wish to discuss a return with us, please contact us at sales@insectdesigns.com . This should be arranged within 7 days of receipt of the items. Should we accept the return, we will explain the procedure to you. The item/items need to arrive back to us in the same condition they were shipped and in the same packaging. The refund with then be issued minus the initial shipping costs. You also need to pay the return shipping costs.

Damages and issues

Please inspect your order upon reception and contact us immediately if there is a problem, so that we can evaluate the issue and make it right. This may mean the reshipping or a refund of an item that arrived damaged or was missing from the order.

Please note that items marked as A- or A2 in the store are damaged to varying degrees, so refunds will generally not be given for these unless that damage is markedly beyond that which would be expected for the quality grading given.

Please also note that no refunds will given for items that arrive with antenna damage due to postal shock.

As insect specimens are a natural product and not manufactured, sizes and colouring can vary slightly from specimen to specimen. Refunds will not be given for such natural variations. If you are ordering from overseas, it is your responsibility to ensure you are able to import items into your country. Insect Designs will not be responsible for any difficulties at the boarder or liable for any fees or duties. We will not issue any refunds for any loss or damage caused by boarder inspections or treatments.

If your order is returned to us by Customs or the postal carrier due to non-delivery, we will issue a refund for the items in the order provided they arrive back in the same condition they were sent. However, the initial postage cost will not be refunded.

Exceptions / non-returnable items

Unfortunately, we cannot accept returns on gift cards.

Refunds

If a full or partial refund is approved, you’ll be automatically refunded on your original payment method within 2 business days. Please remember it can take some time for your bank or credit card company to process and post the refund too.

If more than 10 business days have passed since we’ve approved your return, please contact us at sales@insectdesigns.com.

As Insect specimens are natural products, the quality can vary greatly. If specimens are not A1 in the store, they will be marked as A-, A2 or second grade. The guide below explains the gradings used for specimens in our store.

A1: These are perfect specimens (or as perfect as you could expect from wild caught specimens), with exception of leg damage. In the case of beetles, these should be perfect. Male morpho butterflies are normally supplied without abdomens as the oils stain the wings black. They are still considered to be A1.

A-: These specimens have minor damage, such as antenna damage, or minor flight wear such as small scratches, minor sale damage, some minor fraying/chipping around the edges of the wings. In the case of beetles, the damage could be minor leg damage, small stains or scratches.

A2: More significant damage, such as major flight wear, small rips, small pieces missing from the wings, damage to the thorax or abdomen, or staining. In the case of beetles, damage could be missing legs or significant staining/scratches.

Second Grade: These specimens have similar damage to A2 specimens, but to a more significant degree.