Quality Codes Explained
Like everything in nature from time to time things are not quite perfect. All our hand made frames will advise the conditon of the specimen mounted inside.
| A1 | As perfect as all reasonable expectations dictate. Many are ex-pupae bred. |
| A1/A1- | Virtually perfect and fresh. A minor flaw or so. Sometimes only antennae damage. Excellent quality at significant savings. |
| A1- | Flaws, but generally respectable. |
| A2 | Definite second quality. Usually a good representative specimen but far from perfect. |
MORPHOS
Most species of Morphos have the abdomens removed from them in the field by the collectors. The reason for this is that many Morphos store fats from their larval days in their bodies. The grease stored in the abdomens tends to leach out and discolour the wings making them a black, greasy mess. While this can generally be removed by immersing the insect in fresh, clean acetone for an hour or two, this problem is prevented by removing the abdomens. Many times the abdomens are not sent with the specimens from the source. So if you wonder why some Morphos have no abdomens with them this is the reason. This problem does not seem to be prevalent in the females.