What Is Bug Under Glass and What Does It Sell?

Updated

Bug Under Glass is a California-based studio that sells real framed butterflies, beetles, and insect dioramas, hand-assembled by a conservation biologist. If you want a single preserved specimen or a small insect “world” in a frame, this is the core of what the site offers. The pieces are presented as display objects rather than kits or prints: real insects, museum-style framing, and a natural history card on the back telling the specimen’s story.

What the site sells

The catalog is organized around framed insects and insect art. The main collections shown on the site are:

  • Framed Butterflies — including species such as the Pearl Morpho and Blue Mountain Swallowtail.
  • Framed Beetles — framed beetle specimens.
  • Insect Dioramas — miniature insect scenes, such as the Toilet Beetle diorama.
  • Insects & Arachnids — a broader category beyond butterflies and beetles.
  • Collections — grouped offerings across the shop.
  • Skeleton Butterflies™ — descaled butterflies presented in a distinct style.

Customer favorites listed on the site give a sense of format and price:

| Piece | Type | Size | Price | |---|---|---|---|---| | Pearl Morpho | Framed butterfly | 6×6 | $82.00 | | Death’s Head Hawkmoth | Framed moth | 6×6 | $78.00 | | Toilet Beetle | Insect diorama | 6×8 | $98.00 | | Skeleton Butterfly™ | Descaled butterfly | 6×6 | $75.00 | | Ghost Cicada | Framed cicada | 6×8 | $66.00 | | Blue Mountain Swallowtail | Framed butterfly | 6×6 | $62.00 |

How the pieces are made

The site describes each framed butterfly, beetle, and insect shadow box as mounted and assembled by hand in the Sonoma County workshop. The framing uses 99% UV-blocking glass, intended to protect colors from fading, along with archival, acid-free materials. The stated goal is framing built to last generations.

Specimens are described as ethically sourced from conservation farms, breeders, and museum collections. Each frame includes a natural history card on the back with the specimen’s story.

Who makes them

Bug Under Glass was started in 2002 by Kevin Clarke, a conservation biologist. According to the site, he earned an M.S. in Conservation Biology, did field research in South Africa, and worked at the California Academy of Sciences before founding the studio. The maker profile is part of the site’s positioning: an entomologist framing real insects for a living, rather than a general decor retailer.

Practical details before ordering

  • Shipping: Free US shipping, with orders described as shipping in 1–2 business days.
  • Reviews: The site cites 18,000+ five-star reviews and links to reviews on Etsy.
  • New stock: New specimens are added every few weeks, so the catalog changes over time.
  • Account access: The site has Login and Register options, but the provided material does not describe any membership benefits or login-only pricing.

If your goal is a real, framed insect specimen with archival framing and documented sourcing, the site’s collections and customer favorites above are the direct starting points. If you need a specific species or size, check the current collection pages, since inventory is updated regularly.