How to Care for Framed Specimens
Framed insects (and those in cloches and similar displays), are prone to damage as the average individual tends to not be versed in the process of caring for them. This post is my resource for caring for framed insect specimens that I would refer to as "casual", aka: the specimen is not in a museum setting and is used for aesthetic purposes rather than for scientific or research purposes.
Ideally, your insect displays should be kept in an area that does not receive direct sunlight. Sun will cause the specimen to loose its color due to sun bleaching over time. Additionally, high humidity environments can lead to mold, so you should keep your piece in an environment with low or average humidity for your space (ex: the bathroom is not a good place to display a specimen).
With any preserved natural material, it is possible for pests to get into and feed on it. I recommend checking your piece periodically for damage and "mite dust". Damage on Butterflies and moths in particular tends to be apparent on the edges of the wings, making them appear more jagged or serrated, and the body. "Mite Dust" is the result of this pest feeding and can be seen as a dust like substance collecting at the bottom of your frame.
If you see damage you should freeze your piece immediately. Freezing your piece will kill any pests present. Freezing a few times a year can also prevent damage from occurring. To do this, I recommend putting your piece in a shopping or garbage bag and placing them in your freezer for 3-4 days. When you take your piece out of the freezer, I recommend wiping any moisture off the outside of the piece with a towel and placing the piece face down onto a towel as it returns to room temperature.
If you care for your specimen properly, they can look beautiful for decades (some collections even have specimens from as early as the 1700's)!
