The ordering process

The business operates largely using a pre-order model. So, how does this work?

  1. Breeding stock of a particular species is secured by us or one of our trusted breeders & listed on the website - the number of batches sold in advance is based on what can reasonably be produced from existing breeding stock and any surplus will be listed for sale during the main season - expected breeding times are stated in product titles, e.g. JUNE.

  2. Customers place an order for the species they desire. We recommend making an account so that you can check on its status.

  3. The species comes into season and starts to breed; orders are shipped chronologically, from oldest to newest, either from our own facilities or direct from the breeder.

Why operate in this way?

The pre-order business model is most effective for dealing with live insects. This is because: for most butterflies and moths, the duration of time they spend either as an egg or pupa is limited - most eggs will hatch within 2 weeks, but this can be even shorter in several species. Pre-orders mean that eggs can be sent out as soon as they are laid, or pupae/cocoons as soon as they are formed and solidified, greatly reducing the risk of emerging in transit. We can offer a wider range of species and adjust breeding stock numbers according to demand, in advance of the breeding season, so that nobody misses out.

Please pay attention to estimated availability prior to ordering, as often customers expect their order much sooner than is stated in the product title. Remember also that these are estimates, as emergence and breeding relies on external conditions such as favourable weather. Note that you may have to wait several weeks before shipping, depending on your selected species.

Placing an order

Once you have decided on the species or item you wish to order, you can add it to your cart or go straight to checkout. From your cart, you can then proceed to the checkout where you may add your address, select a shipping method, and arrange payment - read more about payments and refunds here.

We highly recommend making separate orders for different species. Choosing not to do so may result in significant delays, particularly if you select multiple species with different availability, as we will then need to coordinate these for a single delivery. In some cases, we may need to split these into separate consignments, in which case you will not be able to track all parts of your order.

If you order several species together, we may need to make substitutions to fulfill your order in a timely manner. For example, if you ordered 3 different kinds of pupae together, I may have to substitute one or two of these for a similar species of equal or greater value if all 3 are not available at the same time. If you ordered, e.g., 3 different kinds of egg, I may have to double up on one of your other species to the same or greater value.

Shipping & Delivery

Orders are shipped chronologically, from oldest to newest, as soon as the livestock becomes available. Estimated availability is stated in the title of each product.

Shipping is currently only by Royal Mail. Orders shipped to UK addresses have a live & healthy arrival guarantee. Issues must be reported on the day of arrival to be eligible, including photographic evidence. After this, the livestock is under your care and not eligible for any further guarantee.

International orders have no guarantees, and are sent entirely at the risk of the customer with a complete customs declaration. If you have a permit or license you would like to attach to the shipment please get in touch after ordering, this is not a problem.

Currently, shipping options are:

UK orders:

  • Eggs/larvae - Royal Mail 24 Tracked

  • Pupae/cocoons - Royal Mail 24 Tracked

  • Aquatics - Royal Mail 24 Tracked

  • Amphibians - Animal courier

International orders

  • Eggs, pupae, cocoons - International First Class Tracked

  • Live aquatics - cannot be sent outside of the UK

  • Amphibians - cannot be sent outside of the UK

Delivery times

Note that delivery times refer to the time taken from dispatch to delivery, not from ordering to delivery. Please do not expect your order to arrive the day after ordering.

An analysis of 315 international orders shipped in 2023 shows average delivery time for each region as follows:

  • France: 6 days

  • Belgium: 11 days

  • Canada: 6 days

  • USA: 15 days

  • Croatia: 13 days

  • Estonia: 12 days

  • Germany: 15 days

  • Hungary: 10 days

  • Netherlands: 6 days

  • Norway: 11 days

  • Poland: 11 days

  • Romania: 10 days

  • Slovakia: 14 days

  • Spain: 14 days

  • Sweden: 14 days

  • Switzerland: 7 days

  • EU (combined): 10 days

Please use this information wisely to decide on the species you order if you decide to proceed. My recommendation would be to avoid species with a short hatch time - feel free to consult me prior to placing an order.