Insect Preparation Techniques for Pinning

Who doesn't appreciate a fantastic insect collection? Creating one is easier than you might think. Whether you have a freshly caught bug or a dried specimen, preparing it for pinning is crucial yet straightforward. Without proper preparation, your specimen could deteriorate, or the pinning process might obscure its unique features. However, with the right approach and preparation, you'll be able to pin and showcase your insects in no time.

Prepare a jar with cotton wool soaked in nail polish remover. Take a small piece of cotton wool or a cotton ball and saturate it with nail polish remover. Place the soaked cotton wool into an airtight jar with a lid.

• You can also use a sealable plastic container.
• Avoid direct inhalation of the noxious fumes from the nail polish remover.

Seal the insect in the jar with the cotton wool until it expires. Place the live insect into the jar containing cotton wool soaked in nail polish remover. Seal the jar tightly to make it airtight. Wait until the insect ceases movement.

• Smaller insects like flies and bees may perish within minutes, while larger beetles could take up to an hour.
• When pinning multiple insects, refrain from placing larger ones with smaller ones to prevent predation.

Pin the insect within a short span after euthanizing it. The insect is most pliable and easy to pin and preserve immediately after its demise. Aim to pin the insect as promptly as possible after its death for optimal results.

Store the jar in a freezer if you intend to pin the insect at a later time. If immediate pinning isn't possible, preserve the insect in your freezer to prevent it from becoming rigid and brittle. Before pinning, remove the jar from the freezer and allow it to thaw for 15-20 minutes to restore its pliability.

• The insect can remain in the freezer for several days until you're ready to pin it.

Dampen 2-3 paper towels and lay them flat inside a container. Moisten a few sheets of paper towels with water until they're damp but not saturated. Arrange them in the bottom of a sealable container, such as a jar or plastic box.

• Excess moisture can saturate the insect specimens. Squeeze out any surplus moisture before placing them in the container.

Arrange the insects between layers of damp paper towels. Place a single layer of insects on the damp paper towels at the bottom of the container. Moisten additional sheets of paper towels until damp but not soaked. Carefully place them over the insects to create two layers. Add another layer of insects on top, repeating the process until all insects are nestled between damp paper towels.

• If relaxing multiple insects, stack them between paper towel layers.

Seal the container and wait 2-6 days until the legs become mobile. Seal the container tightly and place it in an undisturbed location like a cabinet or drawer. Allow the specimens to relax and rehydrate for 2-3 days before attempting to pin them. Larger or harder insects may require 5-6 days to fully relax. Test the mobility of the legs with your fingers; if they're no longer stiff, the insect is relaxed.

• If the legs remain stiff, refrain from forcing movement. Return the insect to the container and check again after another day.

Opt for 38mm entomological pins to prevent corrosion. Select pins designed specifically for entomological use to avoid corrosion from insect bodily fluids. Size 3 entomological pins are the most common and suitable for most specimens.

• Find these pins at entomological supply stores or online.
• Avoid using sewing needles or other metal pins prone to rust, which can damage specimens over time.

Avoid pinning insects with soft bodies. Soft-bodied insects like caterpillars, mayflies, and silverfish are unsuitable for pinning as they dehydrate. Choose hard-bodied insects such as grasshoppers, butterflies, and beetles for pinning instead.

Insert the pin through the thorax center for butterflies, moths, and dragonflies. Opt for the heavier parts of their bodies to ensure preservation. Target the thorax center between the base of the forewings, situated beneath the larger top wings.

Position pins slightly right of center through the thorax for bees, wasps, and flies. Align the pin just to the right of the middle line of the insect, between the base of the forewings. This placement ensures coupling of the fore and hind wings.

• Accurate pin placement safeguards essential identifying features of the insect.

Insert the pin through the scutellum of true bugs. This area, located beneath the base of the wings on the back of the true bug, ensures secure pin placement for species like cicadas, aphids, and shield bugs.

Opt for placement slightly to the right of the saddle for grasshoppers and crickets. Choose the prothorax, or saddle, which is the lower segment of the thorax where the first pair of legs attaches. This ensures proper support without obstructing identifying characteristics.

Insert the pin through the right wing cover near the centerline of beetles. For beetles and other hard-bodied insects, aim for the top of the cover, just right of the centerline on the insect's back.

Attach the pinned insect to an insect display case. Utilize a specialized insect display case to showcase your impressive bug collection. Securely affix the pin to the mounting surface of the display case to prevent it from dislodging.

• Find insect display cases at entomological supply stores or online, selecting a design that suits your preferences.

Opt for a freshly killed or well-relaxed winged insect. Delicate wings of moths and butterflies require careful handling to avoid breakage. Ensure the specimen is either recently deceased or fully relaxed to prevent wing damage.

• If the insect's legs move easily without brittleness, it's relaxed and ready for pinning.

Pin the insect through the thorax and secure it to a spreading board. Using an entomological pin, carefully insert it through the center of the specimen's thorax. Secure the insect onto a spreading board, crafted from soft wood to facilitate wing spreading without causing harm.

• Purchase spreading boards from entomological supply stores or online.

Cut 2 strips of paper measuring approximately 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) wide and 6 inches (15 cm) long. Utilize wax, tracing, or plain white printer paper. Use scissors to cut 2 strips, ensuring one for each wing.

• Avoid adhesive paper as it may damage the wings.
• Steer clear of newspaper or colored paper to prevent potential wing staining.

Insert a paper strip between the wings and gently lower one wing. Slide a strip of paper between the wings of the insect specimen. Carefully press down one wing until it aligns with the spreading board.

• Avoid exerting too much pressure on the wings to prevent breakage. If a wing resists movement, attempt to relax the insect once more.

Secure the wing in place by pinning the top and bottom of the paper. Use the paper strip to hold the wing down. Insert a pin at the top and another at the bottom of the strip into the spreading board to gently secure the wing.

• Enlist the assistance of a friend to pin the ends of the paper while you carefully maintain the open position of the wing.

Utilize the second paper strip to anchor the opposite wing. Guide the other strip of paper to gently press down the remaining wing until it aligns with the spreading board. Secure both wings open by pinning the top and bottom of the paper strips.

Allow the insects to air dry for 2-3 days before removing the pins. Leave the insect undisturbed to ensure the wings remain spread. After a few days, remove the pins and paper strips, then mount the insect in a display case with its wings spread.

• If the wings start to close upon removing the strips, gently reopen them and allow additional drying time.
• Insect display cases are available at entomological supply stores and online.