These metal insects are finished with patinas that are intentionally unprotected by a clear seal. Similar to the delicate nature of the animals they were modeled after, if they are removed from their cases and the fragile finishes are touched the patinas will be destroyed.

A patina is an oxide effect, an atmospheric or chemical change to the surface of any metal, for example rust, gun blue and cupric nitrate all react with and cause surface changes on the metal.