Beetles that des Eseeintes would keep:
Zopherus beetles would enable him to realise the project he attempted with a turtle with far greater success. Those beetles are frequently used in Mexico as living brooches, fake jewels glued onto them as well as a chain to pin to your clothing. Jean des Esseintes would definately glue some semi-precious stones to their exoskeletons and then enjoy a terrarium full of shining creatures. Perhaps he'd even wear one as a brooch.
Musk beetle (Aromia moschata) not only glimmers like a piece of stained glass in a cathedral, it also emits a musk like scent. That little gentleman is born a dandy already clothed and perfumed.
Madagaskar Giraffe Weevils (Trachelophorus giraffa) would be in eyes of many decadents a delightful display of unorthodox beauty. They move in a manner more reminescent of a clockwork toy than of a living creature and I think this appearance of artificiality would be so alluring to aesthetes and decadents.
With that being said I'm afraid a beetle collection in hands of duke des Esseintes would share the fate of his flowers, that is die of neglect as soon as he experiences his next period of malady.
















