Unmounted bugs

[@Indrid__Cold]

I love your shear enthusiasm for your insects. My wife Kellie orders lots of strange items from around the world, and she has that same way that you do of describing the details using the energy of her passion make you aware of the subtle magic that the trained eye can tease out.

[@sweetnawesome23]

I just couldn't muster up the courage to watch this one, BUT I did listen to it and I found it incredibly interesting, with the added bonus of your amazing whisper! I look forward to your next vids! I've missed you too :o)

[@KhaiaShadow]

The water in the background actually adds a relaxing touch for me personally. And the bugs are so cool! Some of them are just gorgeous...!

[@WhisperyNights8]

You're the only person I know who can make insects relaxing. haha And after watching these videos, I jump a mile if a piece of hair falls on my shoulder... Thanks for the video!

[@FatimahCharles]

DAT COLLECTION! I admire what you do even though I'm personally not into bugs.

[@KenLeonhardt]

Dear Esmeralda, I'm so glad you did a video again. Even though those bugs are friggin scaring the sh** out of me, I enjoyed the video! Anyway, I hope to watch another video from you again soon! All the best for you and your little household from Munich Germany (and soon Vancouver, Canada woohoo! :D)

[@deen.6635]

That was awesome! Really cool. Thanks for the vid! Look forward to future ones

[@ashleyw7893]

I would love to learn how to mount bugs but where and how do I buy bugs

[@UnratedMovies]

Wow you know so much about theese bugs! :O and don't let the fish tank stop you from making videos i think it's kinda relaxing! And i dont know what ill do without you're videos! :( And thank you for uploading videos for us! :)

[@SilentCitadel]

and thank YOU for watching.

[@SilentCitadel]

My pleasure! I love sharing my passion for the natural world!

[@k1ll3rtr0n]

Those are actually beautifull... Where do you get such creature's and how much do they cost?

[@restyle22]

Thx for the update! sweet video really liked it. So cool that your back you make the best of vids. There different from the rest bugs, basements, art i love it The fish tank doesn't bother me at all. it's pretty relaxing. Your such a nice person i think worry too much about us and replying, All of us know your a busy woman! Just take your time for it all. And will see you back in while with a brand spanking new vid!! See Ya!

[@PLOTBLOCK]

How do the bugs get killed so as they are not damaged and is there any case where they get stuffed at all?

[@Ersatzification]

You have some really nice specimens! Thank you for sharing! I hope you aren't too worn out by your roomies; be good to yourself and don't worry about us. We'll be here!

[@XoeKate]

Thanks for another great video!! I'd love to see your butterfly collection too!

[@sisterdiscordia]

I am now completely in love with your videos thank you

[@SilentCitadel]

yeah, I know some of my videos are a bit creepy for some viewers- Sorry! I share what I love, and I love some creepy stuff!!!!

[@tayzo]

i like looking at bugs.. when there's no change of them flying at me

[@kaeruko39]

Lovely critters you have there. Also, the fish tank sounds were quite relaxing...

[@Karenmizoscardog]

Oh how I missed your whisper! But I understand your time constraints. I love the tank noises, have been meaning to make a reply vid of my tank. But Paris' tank puts it to shame...your insects are spectacular as always, wonderfully tingly video!

[@RavenAlgwimu]

I commented like twice, but I wanted to know how much money you paid for all these bugs together?

[@SilentCitadel]

#2- They are brittle in varying degrees. Antennae and legs can break very, very easily wings tear very easily as well- but the chitinous elyrton (wing covering), head, and abdomen- tend to be fairly sturdy. One must soak them in warm water or relaxing fluid- or with butterflies expose them to heat and humidity- to "relax" them so you can position them for framing. I'll be doing a butterfly mounting video soon (hopefully tonight)

[@instigator3211]

Cool magnifying glass and the fish tank was relaxing as hell by the way how long have you collected insects an such because it might be just me but that seems like a large collection

[@SilentCitadel]

It's one of the Hunger Games China Glaze ones- I love that whole series! THANKYOU!

[@astrologyisnotscience]

I love it that you love bugs. They creep me the hell out but I wish I wasn't so freaked out by them. I envy you. lol

[@cgaskill]

Those pachyrhynchus weevils are also called Easter egg weevils! So amazingly beautiful. I Googled some images. So many colors and patterns.

[@xxjust_anniexx]

Wow, where do you purchase there kind of things? I like this video a lot!

[@SilentCitadel]

Wow, that's awesome of you to say, thank you! I will be doing a butterfly mounting tutorial here very very soon!

[@SilentCitadel]

It's fascinating- I get what you mean. I am actually terrified of wasps, but I own several. I like to handle them in frames because it's sort of... thrilling, without being dangerous. It indulges the 'fear as fun' nodule in my brain that most people watch horror movies to excite. They are beautiful too- and also interesting, I love getting a new bug and then reading all about it's habits and life cycle.

[@gdubrow13]

I gotta say that I am NOT a bug person. My first reaction was to turn away, but, you spoke with such knowledge and passion about these little guys that I had to watch. I was surprised to find that they are beautiful. The colors and patterns are amazing! Don't get me wrong, they are beautiful "from afar"! If one landed on me, I would totally freak out! ;-) I'm curious, how do they not just crumble when handled? I would think that they are very brittle. Thanks for opening my eyes to their beauty!

[@SilentCitadel]

oh definitely. I got a lot of these from indonesia, hong kong, etc. Go to ebay and look up collectibles/ animals/ insects and butterflies- and then poke around, you'll be delighted by all they have- be aware shipping is usually high so it's a good idea to bu a whole bunch from one seller to get a break. you can get them mounted, or like this- unmounted. I can recommend good sellers if you're unsure

[@k1ll3rtr0n]

I was looking for a pattern and the bug at 01:43 actually inspired me. Thanks!

[@SilentCitadel]

It's a really cool vintage 1950's diner table with matching chairs I got from a friend. I don't think anyone's remarked on the table before, lol

[@Egle3771]

Would crabs and lobsters be considered bugs?

[@191726]

Actually, I do see the beauty in some of these critters.....But I've gotta say, if one of those big ones was to crawl up my pants leg, I would invent a new dance and need a clean change of clothes right away! ......Love the video, love the fish tank, love your voice, love you. We've missed you. so glad your back. -Steve-

[@71dogmata]

Thanks for making a new video... YAAAAAAY!! Did you buy these or collect them?

[@SuperGreatFabulous]

Missed you! Glad you're back =)

[@Indrid__Cold]

I guess the only thing about the idea of bug mounting that would give me the willies would be the water soaking phase of the process. I mean, you are kind of brewing a water infusion that has been filtered through the dried little sacks of protein that are what's left of their tiny bug organs. Does that water get a funky smell? I remember as a kid going through the whole "catching lightning bugs in a bottle and they smelled nasty ( kind of like what I'd expect a zombie to smell like.)

[@WinterofBlack]

The fish tank is relaxing...

[@SilentCitadel]

I'm glad you know your own limits! I know they're creepy- I get a little creeped out by them as well- but I like the feeling. It's like... thrilling. I know they can't hurt me, so it's ok.

[@SilentCitadel]

YES! The water I soak beetles in does get pretty icky. It's not terribly discolored or stinky- but enough to gross one out sufficiently. With butterflies you just have to expose them to humidity- so no ickiness involved. (little sacks of protien- hahahah, I love this description- it reminds me of the star trek episode where the ammonia based life form calls us "ugly bags of mostly water')

[@RavenAlgwimu]

"squeamish people will wanna look away now" Me: -dies-

[@GentleASMRSounds]

Oh, and just to say - I find moths really cool. Here in New Hampshire I live in the twigs, and we have some awesome lookin' ones. Just last night while I was making dinner I saw something above my cupboard. It looked like a leaf! Upon further inspection I found it was a moth, just chilling and soaking up the heat of my house. I let it stay there. c: not sure where it went. Anyways, those beetles are fantastic looking.

[@SilentCitadel]

some of these were captured wild, and some came from insect farms- Places where they raise insects native to that country and harvest some, release others. Great for the economy and environment. I wish all bugs could be had from farms. There are differnet ways for capturing them- but they all preserve pretty much the same- by drying- then reconstituting them to mount them. :)

[@SilentCitadel]

yes, which is why I always warn the squeamish to steer clear of my insect videos- I know I'm a weirdo for loving huge bugs- I don't expect everyone to agree

[@ThinkImBasedGod]

Aah, more videos :3! I love this channel.

[@thehermit8618]

Im the kind of person that both loves and hates bugs, i like insect-type toys, house decoration and bug wing patterns but i dont like handling the actual bugs much. good job, i love your work, even if it gets me that creepy-crawly feeling in my back

[@liveforlove13]

I love this!! It's so unique and cool...although I'm getting some very kafka vibes here lol :) thank you for the video!!

[@SilentCitadel]

Awwwww, what a nice series of statements, thanks for all of them.

[@SilentCitadel]

I have WAY more than that. Yes, it is a lot. I've been collecting for a few years, but I've been very passionate about it, and have collected a lot in a relatively small amount of time.

[@TimbaCes]

heyyy :) do you think they ship them to belgium ? these bugs are reaaaly cool .

[@Anyox17]

I'm not saying this rudely, but purely out of curiosity. Why do you mount bugs on your walls?? All your videos are very interesting and extremely relaxing. I am intrigued! Subscribed!

[@kell909]

Oh I SO needed a geek fix today! Thank you! p.s. I've missed you!

[@SilentCitadel]

They are a little creepy, but that's what makes them so cool, to me!

[@SilentCitadel]

lol, awesome! can I make you do my chores and keep you folded up in a box? if so, you're hired!

[@SilentCitadel]

Like, my entire collection? I honestly have NO idea. I've been collecting for a long time, so I don't remember most prices for bugs... and I don't know how many I have exactly, plus most I bought frames for and then mounted so that's seperate... a lot, probably- lol. I've never paid more than 50 dollars for one, and never less than 2 dollars... most are less expensive, but some of the larger ones were 30 dollars- most of them are in the 5-15 dollar range.

[@enochnox7852]

I'm in Love with the cicadas.

[@SilentCitadel]

She's really into it- very dedicated. I could not even come close to keeping one like that. I'd love to see yours though, karen

[@SilentCitadel]

That's my next video- hopefully tonight

[@WinterCritter]

the fish tank makes it more relaxing

[@collectionaire]

You and I have the same propensities, we're both collection collectors. :-) Very much enjoy your vids.....

[@GentleASMRSounds]

I'm spamming as I'm watching, and I apologize, but OH MY GOSH THAT CICADA IS HUGE. We have them everywhere around here, in the summer time that's all you can hear. Their damn chirping from the trees. Oh Gosh, they're beautiful.

[@SilentCitadel]

I mean "that's too morbid for even me" hur hur, sentance construction

[@SilentCitadel]

Awwww, hugs- Missed you too kell!

[@opaldreamsofpeace]

We have tons of those tiny beetles where I live. {or at least ones that look similar.} They freak me out so badly after seeing that mummy movie.

[@Glambertx96]

I know you've probably answered this a million times, possibly even in this video, but where do you get your bugs from? Do you buy them all? And if so, where from?

[@SilentCitadel]

Glambertx96 Pretty much all of em come from eBay, occasionally from mom and pop antique shops pre-mounted, or I'll find a dead bug, or a friend who knows me will-

[@Glambertx96]

SilentCitadel Gotchya. Thank you!

[@SilentCitadel]

Glambertx96 I can refer you to reputable sellers if you ever want your own, mounted or unmounted insects of any kind.

[@Glambertx96]

SilentCitadel Ooooh yes please!!!

[@SilentCitadel]

Glambertx96 message me here or on fb- and let me know if you want mounted, unmounted, or both! Funsies!

[@SilentCitadel]

Actually- Australia has some of the coolest bugs ever. Those extrasoma triatums came from Australia! There's a type fo spider- called coloquially the "spiny spider" that's really hard to come by, and if you ever find an expired one in your windowsill (or anything awesome for that matter) I'll make it worth your while to send it to me!!!!

[@SilentCitadel]

I like me some lernin', hyuk hyuk. lol- srsly, thanks- and I'm glad the tank isn't too disturbing!

[@SilentCitadel]

Hahah- oh that's fine- I am creeped out by them a little too, but that's kind of why I love them- if that makes any sense at all. It's kind of thrilling to be able to hold them and know they can't hurt me. Like watching a horror movie or something- scary but good- but that's just for me!

[@SilentCitadel]

they scare me a little too, but I like it. :) It's a "safe" scared

[@rosieroberts9345]

Can you show us some butterflies? Never thought bugs would interest me until now..You are welcome to come to Sydney and collect all the bugs you wish!! I'm surrounded by bugs, spiders, bats and snakes!! I fear for my life when i see a snake on the way to the washing line..

[@opaldreamsofpeace]

Oh dear lord. It's a cicada. No. They are here too, and I don't enjoy it. Things with wings are where I draw the line. This is a wonderful video.

[@poeira1983]

This video really BUGS me - HAHA. I had better be the first to get that joke in (^-^) Blurg!

[@SilentCitadel]

Hahaha- I see live ones around and I'mlike "awww, look it's so tiny and cute"

[@WhisperDrifter]

Those are so freakin cool!!!!

[@RavenAlgwimu]

Can I come live with you

[@SilentCitadel]

Well, many species of moth and other mature insects don't have mouths and therefore cannot eat, so starve to death naturally (crazy, right?) As far as killing goes, some people put them in jars with chemicals, but a large number of them come from places called "insects farms" where people raise insects native to that location (eg: in indonesia, africa)- they release some into the wild (great for the environment) & wait for others to die naturally, then collect them and sell them.

[@SilentCitadel]

ebay! Collectables/ animals/ insects and butterflies. Anywhere from 99c to 400$ (I don't have any of the 400$ ones)

[@SilentCitadel]

(oh and I'm uploading a butterfly video as we speak)

[@ExoticFireGirl]

When I heard titanius dorcus I thought awww he is a dork. I did enjoy the whispering and looking at some of the bugs but the big one scared me.

[@SilentCitadel]

yeah- we call them the "chaos crew" lol. It's just settling down!

[@SilentCitadel]

I know it's a bit odd, but I've seen stranger ones! Lol, thanks so much!

[@benley83]

Glad ur ok. Weve been waiting on new stuffs! 3

[@SilentCitadel]

THANKS! I think so too

[@SilentCitadel]

She sounds like an amazing lady!!!!

[@GigaBoost]

Collecting insects? That's kind of.. macabre. Interesting hobby though, but I'd be creeped the hell out if I walked into a house and saw a bunch of mounted animals on the walls.

[@SilentCitadel]

Thanks!

[@SilentCitadel]

Ebay!!!! collectables/ animals/ insects & butterflies! There are some sellers I like more than others- but pretty much that's where they are all from.

[@DesertNebula]

Oldie but goodie!🖤🖤🖤

[@Egle3771]

it was a joke to make you think i wasn't looking at the bugs

[@SilentCitadel]

My new magnifying glass is a favorite toy!

[@SilentCitadel]

Lol, thanks!

[@SilentCitadel]

THere's a seller called ummm.... jrcunkle. They have some of the best quality balanced with reasonable shipping. one of the names of their auctions is "beetle insect Chalcosoma Caucasus nice horn 4 inch full data HUGE specimen" so if you copy paste that into the search bar you should find their auction- then just go to the seller page and see all their stuff. They have some very interesting taxidermy too- I'd put a link but youtube comments can't have links.

[@SilentCitadel]

yay! Thanks!

[@TheQueenDucky]

omg - I dont like bugs but I still watched the video - dayum you are brave

[@SilentCitadel]

thanks!

[@SilentCitadel]

:D Delight! Thank you!

[@alizaroncrimson655]

Why don't you look up Burl Ives' "Ugly Bug Ball" sometime and get a nice little chuckle. I think its on you tube. Its gonna make you smile.

[@SilentCitadel]

LOL, oh man, I'm so sorry. Nephila maculata is kind of horrifying, I know.