Handling of specimens that will be prepared needs to be done when the specimens are flexible—either from an alcohol sample, or a dry specimen that was rehydrated overnight. The pin should be inserted …

Nov 11, 2024 · This training focuses on the preservation and restoration of insect specimens, which are essential for further study. Specimens can be prepared in liquid, solid, or dry mount and fixed to …

Jul 9, 2025 · Collecting and preserving insect specimens is a rewarding activity that combines fieldwork skills with scientific inquiry. Following proper collection methods tailored to different insect groups …

Both hobbyists and professional entomologist have found particular ways to collect with minimal damage to their specimens. Following established techniques helps begin the conservation of insect …

Nov 26, 2024 · In this article, we’ll crawl through the essentials — why you’d want to preserve insect specimens, the tools you need (don’t worry, you don’t need a degree in mad science), and step-by …

In order for insects to be properly identified and the best control recommendations to be made, the specimens must be in good condition and at least a minimum amount of collection information provided.

The next step after collecting insects is to preserve them permanently for future display and study. Insect larvae and soft-bodied and extremely tiny specimens are preserved in liquids. Isopropyl alcohol (70 …

Our curated collection features exceptional dry-preserved insects sourced ethically from a trusted global network of butterfly breeders, collectors, and entomologists.

Preparing specimens for dry-preservation is appropriate for the majority of insects, and is therefore the method we focus on in this training. Read the guidance and watch the videos in this section to learn …

Learn why and how specimens are prepared for long-term preservation, and what is required to ensure they remain scientifically useful for decades (or even centuries!)

Nov 15, 2025 · Various insects require different methods of preservation; soft-bodied insects like larvae or termites are preserved in liquids, while larger specimens are mounted on insect pins of varying …

Jul 17, 2025 · In this article, we will explore comprehensive steps to prepare and mount insect specimens properly, covering everything from collection and killing techniques to pinning, labeling, …

When collecting in the field, carry a few small vials of preservative fluid to store specimens. An even better method of preserving caterpillars, grubs, and maggots, is to carry them home alive in separate …

See Preserving Insects in Alcohol to learn the correct way to preserve immature specimens or soft-bodied adults. See Specimen Labeling to learn how to properly label each pinned insect specimen …

Insect morphology is the study and description of the physical form of insects. The terminology used to describe insects is similar to that used for other arthropods due to their shared evolutionary history. …

Educational displays may teach nearly any subject dealing with insects and always feature real specimens as part of the box. Subjects often selected include comparisons of insect mouthparts, …

In order for insects to be properly identified and the best control recommendations to be made, the specimens must be in good condition and at least a minimum amount of collection information provided.

Insect pins come in several sizes, but sizes No. 2 and No. 3 are most useful to the general collector. Any insect that is large enough to be supported on a pin without breaking or otherwise being distorted is …

An experienced insect collector makes it a habit to mount and label all specimens within a few hours after they are caught. Insects left in the killing jar for more than a day become too soft and, thus, …

An alert collector finds many insect specimens from very diverse habitats. For example, dragonflies, damselflies, and other aquatic insects are found near water. These, as well as other flying insects, …

Professional entomologists usually welcome the opportunity to study the insects of a well-preserved and labeled collection, because such collections supply distribution and timing records, as well as other …