Hello, I'm Victoria Villamil! Thanks for coming to my page ଘ(੭◌ˊᵕˋ)੭* ੈ♡‧₊˚

I am a Miami native with strong ties to my Venezuelan and Nicaraguan heritage. I possess a strong passion and fathomless love for the environment and all critters, big and small. As an Environmental Science major focusing on policy and law, I hope to one day make a meaningful impact in protecting our beautiful planet. 

In mid-2022, I started Bitter Beetles after wanting to preserve my beloved pet rats who had passed away. I eventually ventured into arthropods, specifically insects, which have become the heart of my work. Entomology is one of my favorite subjects! I spent two years as a Butterfly Specialist at a botanical garden, where I ran the Butterfly Lab and reared over 20 species of Florida native butterflies. Although I stepped away to focus on Bitter Beetles and my studies, I occasionally host in-person Entomology and butterfly pinning classes in South Florida.

My art is a reflection of my love for both nature and my femininity. Each of my pieces incorporates elements such as lace, pearls, hearts, pinks, bows, doilies, barbed wire, and more. My designs are original and crafted with intention, love and care. જ⁀➴ ♡

As an advocate for our Earth and species, and due the anthropogenic threats of habitat loss and climate change, it is my priority to source my specimens sustainably and responsibly. Many specimens are obtained from responsible insect sellers, while others are naturally deceased specimens I've found on walks, in my garden, or during my time at the butterfly conservatory (butterflies have a short lifespan, so I have built a large collection of those that passed naturally). 

All my pieces are handmade by me, from ornate frames of all sizes to custom trinket boxes, some of which I even construct from scratch.  

I have worked with a variety of specimens, including pelts, rats, beetles, hymenopterans, praying mantises, stick insects, arachnids, bones, lepidopterans, odonates, true bugs, and more. I've also taken commissions for memorializing pets, such as rats and beetles. I'm always looking forward to expanding the types of critters I can honor through my art. 𓆦𓆣𓆨𓆑𓆤𓆧

Thank you for supporting my work and passion! ‎♡‧₊˚

-Victoria ‎♡𓆣‎♡