Nick,
I was going to go through my bird skins to check if any buggies are found.
If the feathers are still attached to the skin, you don't have any bugs. They can gnaw them off practically overnight.
Only one problem though... inexperience. I have no clue what am I looking for? What sizes are we talking about? Do I need to sit with a magnifier or is it like "if there is one, you will see it"?
They're usually visible - little grayish-white worm-like things. But if you haven't looked for a while, don't worry, they're easy to see. None of your feathers will be attached to the skin any more.
What are the most common insect species the fly-tier most likely will find in an infested storage?
Species? Smecies! They're bugs. I assume you've seen flour beetles (or weevils or whatever you call them)? Essentially that's what you'll see.
(If I knew the insect I could search for pictures to see what I'm looking for.)
Be safe. Put moth crystals in with your fur and feathers and keep them in a fairly tightly-closed container. Work in a well-ventilated area when tying flies. And wash your hands well afterwards.
Allan -- Allan Fish Greenwood, IN [EMAIL PROTECTED]
