Collecting, preserving, and pinning insects is a great hobby that combines scientific interest with a love for nature. Pinning is one of the most common methods of preserving insects, allowing you to display their form and beauty and, if done well, continue studying them for years. Whether you’re an entomologist in-the-making, or just curious about the world of insects, this basic guide will walk you through the steps towards pinning your very first specimens.
Materials You’ll Need
Before you begin, get the following materials:
- Insect Pins: These are special, thin pins generally made from stainless steel. They come in different sizes, typically ranging from size 00 to size 7. For most insects, size 2 or 3 works well. Here are a selection of our own pins.
- Setting Board: A soft but firm board is essential for holding your pinned specimens in place while they dry. You can buy one or make your own using balsa wood, foam, or cork. We offer several budget options.
- Forceps or Tweezers: These are essential for carefully handling your delicate specimens.
- Relaxing Chamber: If your specimens are dry, you’ll need to rehydrate them using a ‘relaxing chamber’. This can be a simple airtight container with damp paper towels or sponges at the bottom.
- Labelling Materials: A fine-point pen, small labels, and paper will help record important data about your specimens.
To make things easy, we offer a complete insect collecting and mounting kit, which includes everything you need to start collecting and preserving your first insects!
Step 1: Collecting Your Specimen
When collecting insects, always handle them as gently as possible to avoid damaging their delicate wings, legs, and antennae. Use a net or jar to capture live insects. If you’re collecting dead insects, look in places like windowsills, near light sources, or on the ground. Always be mindful of your surroundings and collect responsibly, avoiding rare or protected species. And of course, beware that some specimens will defend themselves!
Step 2: Preparing the Specimen
If your insect is fresh, you can move on to pinning immediately. However, if it’s dry, you’ll need to soften it in a relaxing chamber. To create a relaxing chamber:
- Line the bottom of an airtight container with damp (not wet) paper towels or sponges.
- Place the insect inside, ensuring it’s not in direct contact with the moisture.
- Close the container and leave it for 12-24 hours, checking periodically. The specimen should be pliable, but not soggy!
Step 3: Pinning the Specimen
Once your specimen is ready, it’s time to pin it:
- Select the Right Pin: Choose an insect pin that’s appropriate for the size of your specimen. Generally, size 2 or 3 is suitable for most medium-sized insects.
- Insert the Pin: For most insects, insert the pin through the thorax (the middle part of the body) slightly to the right of the midline. For beetles, the pin should go through the right elytron (the hardened forewing). Ensure the pin is perpendicular to the body.
- Adjust the Height: Push the pin through the specimen until about one-third of the pin is left above the insect. This will allow enough room for handling without touching the insect itself.
Step 4: Spreading the Wings (if applicable)
For insects like butterflies, moths, and dragonflies, spreading the wings is essential for proper display, so you can really see and appreciate their beauty:
- Place your pinned insect on a setting/pinning board, ensuring the wings are level with the surface.
- Using additional pins, carefully spread the wings. Insert one pin on the outside edge of each wing, near the body. Use another pin to gently move the wings into the desired position. The forewings should be spread outward, and the hindwings should lie flat or slightly downward.
- Secure the wings by placing strips of tracing paper or wax paper over them, held down by more pins. Avoid pressing too hard.
Step 5: Drying the Specimen
Leave the pinned insect on the setting board in a dry, undisturbed location for 1-2 weeks. This allows the insect to dry completely and hold its shape. Make sure the area is free of pests, as other insects might be attracted to your specimens.
Step 6: Labelling Your Specimen
Proper labelling is crucial for scientific and educational purposes. On a small piece of paper, write down the following information:
- Species name (if known)
- Location of collection (e.g., city, state, country)
- Date of collection
- Collector’s name
Attach the label to the pin beneath the specimen. We offer both labels and insect identification guides.
Step 7: Storing and Displaying
Once your specimen is dry, it’s ready to be displayed or stored. Insects should be kept in a display case with a glass or perspex top to protect them from dust and damage. Store cases in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.
Rounding Up!
Pinning insects is a skilful, delicate process that requires patience and practice. By following these steps, you can create a beautiful collection that not only showcases the diversity of insects but also serves as a valuable educational resource for many years to come. If you want any more information about pinning, here is a great, classic resource we offer. If you have any questions about the supplies you need for pinning, feel free to contact us!