Help Topics
Abbreviations Used in Descriptions
Help Content
- To order specimens, please use the order forms provided here, and send by letter or by FAX.
- Use item numbers and name only.
- Indicate quantity desired and price and extended price (total).
- All specimens are A1 males unless otherwise indicated.
- A1/A- are specimens with negligible defect at 80% of the A1 price.
- A- specimens usually have a tiny nick or small scratch(es) but are otherwise very clean and are offered at 60% of the A1 price.
- If you can accept A1/A- or A- specimens when A1 are out of stock, please indicate with a check mark in the A- OK column.
- We cannot always guarantee intact antennae but we label A1 as those having entire antennae, with the exception of Riodinidae and Lycaenidae which sometimes have some antenna problem.
- Pairs are available for some species and their prices are listed in the PAIR column.
- As much data as is received is sent, usually nearest city and country but rarely a date.
- Payment must be made in advance either by check, money order, or credit card.
- Orders can be made by E-mail. In this case, you can call in your credit card number or FAX it to us including the CCID number. The CCID number is the last three digits after your signature on the back of the card. This is not mandatory but helps us get a better rate.
- The minimum order is being lowered to $30 for the present.
- When paying by check, make payment to TROPICAL BUTTERFLIES AND INSECTS OF AMERICA.
- We accept VISA, MasterCard, Discover and American Express cards.
- A pro-forma invoice can be sent prior to payment.
- Orders will be sent in the order received but please allow up to two weeks for delivery.
- Orders must be paid for prior to delivery and a pro-forma invoice can be requested.
- Rush orders are subject to an extra $10 charge. Express mail charges are extra.
- Shipments are usually sent by US MAIL, mostly PRIORITY.
- Please see the shipping rates on the Order Form.
- For orders with very few specimens, we will try to adjust our shipping charges to help our clients.
- Bulky and heavy entomological supplies can be sent by UPS or US mail at cost plus a small handling charge.
- We can ship to any part of the world where regulations allow but all foreign orders including Canada are subject to a U.S. Fish and Wildlife inspection fee.
- Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM EST.
- Closed for lunch between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM.
- Saturdays 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM EST.
- Closed on Sundays and on Good Friday, Christmas and New Years.
- By mail: Tropical Butterflies, 6823 Rosemary Drive, Tampa FL 33625-3980
- By fax: (813) 960-0273. If you have problems faxing you can call in your order.
- By E-Mail: MiguelS@TropicalButterflies.com
- By phone: (813) 963-6643 but only for short orders (10 items or less) or wholesale orders.
Some abbreviations and technical terms used in our listings:
- RECTO: upperside
- VERSO: underside
- FW: forewing
- HW: hindwing
- SP.: species
- SUBSP.: subspecies
We want our customers to be satisfied with the insects they buy and strive to get the best sources of quality material available. It must be borne in mind however that we ship thousands of specimens weekly and it is impossible to inspect each one individually.
Even though our specimens are clean and entire and in fine condition, we cannot guarantee that every antenna and leg is absolutely intact. Small specimens may have an occasional broken antenna and beetles may have an occasional tarsus broken off but in the package. However, if you ever receive a specimen with an obvious blemish such as a broken wing, piece missing or large tears, these will be replaced or credited.
There is no guarantee on wholesale lots although these are usually at least 90% A1 quality.
