We love finding new specimens to add to Elliot’s nature collection. They’re a great resource for his nature studies and I’ve really enjoyed refining my process of preserving specimens over the past couple of years. I have a bit of experience pinning a variety of different insects, but am most familiar with butterflies and moths, so that’s what I’ll be sharing today. The bugs in our bug box are all specimens that we personally collected ourselves that have died of natural causes— we don’t collect/kill live insects to keep as specimens. E keeps insects as pets (like his beloved grasshopper) and we raise and release monarchs so that aspect is important to us! You can find insects everywhere, you’ll just need to keep an eye out for them when you’re on your nature walks or in your back yard! To pin them, you’ll be using entomological pins which come in a range of sizes (the most common size being #2 and #3) and I recommend using insect pins made of stainless steel so that they do not rust. Since butterflies and moths have wings that need to be supported, you will also need a spreading board that you will use to position them on top of and they will be kept there until they dry. If you don’t have time to pin your butterfly or moth immediately, they can be stored temporarily in a folded up triangle made of parchment paper with their wings folded together. They will then need to be relaxed before pinning. Specimens that are pinned and properly dried can be kept for an indefinite amount of time if they are properly stored.
Materials:
– a tight sealing container
– rubbing alcohol
– insect spreading board: the board you’ll be using as a base. I’ve used both wood and styrofoam ones and honestly prefer the cheap styrofoam ones, like the one linked.
– insect pinning forceps: I recommend using a pair of these because butterflies and moths are fragile and you’ll want to minimize handling
– insect pins: come in a variety of sizes, the most common being size #2 and #3. I typically use a #2 pin for butterflies and moths.
Here are some recommendations (one — two — three — four)
– wax paper: cut into narrow strips, you’ll be using these to hold the wings in place as they dry.
– display box: I’m currently using this one with a piece of foam board as a backing inside. I’d like to build a custom one in the future but for now this one works well.
Instructions for pinning and preserving butterflies and Moths
Step 1: How to relax dried insects
You can skip this step if your collected specimens are fresh and still pliable. If your specimens are dried out and brittle, you will need to rehydrate them prior to pinning them. You can do so by creating a relaxing chamber for them using a tight sealing container (I use an old food storage container with a lid) and paper towels.
To create an insect relaxing chamber: Moisten a paper towel with equal parts rubbing alcohol (to prevent mold) and water. Squeeze out excess liquid so that the paper towel is damp but not soaking wet and place in a single layer on the bottom of your container. Place your butterfly or moth on top of this layer (insects will be very fragile, so handle with care). I like to place a small piece of mesh screen underneath so that it does not sit directly on the paper towel. Add another damp paper towel on top (domed over so that it does not sit directly on the specimen). Close the lid tightly and leave undisturbed for 24-48 hours. The moisture from the paper towels will create humidity inside of your closed container that will rehydrate your specimens and allow their limbs to become soft and pliable again. Check your specimens for pliability every 24 hours— when antennae and such can be easily moved then your butterfly or moth is ready to be spread and pinned!
Step 2: How to insert an insect pin
Using your fingers, hold your specimen under the thorax and gently squeeze the thorax. You should see the wings separate a bit. Insert a pin through the center of the thorax from the TOP of the specimen at a 90 degree angle. A pinning block may be helpful to use a guide if you’re just starting out but it isn’t necessary. Be careful when handling the wings as you can accidentally rub some of the scales off.
Step 3: How to spread butterfly and moth wings
Push the pin into the center groove of the board and push down into the foam until the bottom of your specimen’s wings are even with the sides of the board. Cut several narrow strips of wax paper about 1/4” wide depending on the size of your butterfly or moth. These will be used to hold the wings in place on the board as they dry. Use forceps to gently open the wings and pin a narrow strip on each side to hold them down (place a pin at the top and bottom on each side, but do not pin through the wings.
Step 4: How to position the forewings
First you’ll be moving the forewings (the wings top) into place. Move the forewing up by very gently grabbing the top vein with the tip of the forceps and puling it upwards. Place an additional strip of wax paper diagonally across the forewing as shown and insert a pin both above and below the wing. Make sure that you have pinned around the wing and not through it. Repeat this same process for the other forewing.
Step 5: How to position the hindwings and finish pinning
After you have positioned and pinned the forewings, do the same process as above for the hindwing, instead using the vein at the very bottom to move the wing. Place an additional strip of wax paper diagonally across each hindwing to hold them in place as well. Adjust the antennae, legs and body into a natural position if necessary. If the abdomen is droopy, an easy way to hold it up is by propping it up with two pins that have been crossed over each other. This specimen’s head was tilted to one side, so I used the pins to adjust it. Allow your specimen to dry in this position for several days, I usually leave mine undisturbed for about a week.
Step 6: How to Display Insect Specimens
Once completely dry, carefully remove the pins and strips of paper. Gently transfer to a display case by pushing the pin into a foam backing inside. Add a label to identify your specimen. Place your display box away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures/humidity. I’ve heard of pests getting into boxes and destroying specimens, so you may want to place some cedar chips inside to prevent this as well as to absorb moisture.
Snoh says
Lovely! Thank you for sharing!
Woodlark says
Thank you for reading, I’m glad you enjoyed it!
mary jenson says
Thank you for sharing – very helpful. Do you sell cats &/or eggs? Especially monarch & swallowtails? I learned the hard way this year that I can’t go clomping around fields. But my little garden has yummy miilkweed & tasty parsley waiting to be eaten! I’m ready!
Woodlark says
Hello!
Sorry I do not. I generally do not recommend purchasing caterpillars, but rather attracting them with native milkweed and flowers planted in your garden. Good luck!
– Ashley
Leon says
I was wondering if you have to have a moth covered once done preserving it. Like in a sealed case. Because I have an old piece of rock that’s absolutely beautiful and i’m going to attack my moth i’ve preserved to it as decoration along with a few other decorations.
Woodlark says
Hi Leon,
Yes I do always recommend placing the preserved specimen inside of a case– otherwise it will eventually attract live insects and be subjected to elements which will cause it to degrade over time.
– Ashley
Maggie Dwyer says
Do I need to relax and pin the butterfly if I found it with its wings already spread?
Woodlark says
Hi Maggie,
If you’d like to move the wings at all I’d still recommend relaxing the butterfly to prevent possible breakage. If the specimen is too dry it can also crack when inserting the pin.
– Ashley
Johanna says
This process is so interesting and looks like art when finished. Will it also work for cicada killers, bees and wasps? We found a few on our walks and are thinking how to preserve them. I want my son to be able to look at then up close but not destroy them…
Woodlark says
Hi Johanna! Yes, the process is very similar for bees and wasps. You’ll need to create the relaxing chamber before pinning to relax their limbs and the pin will go in the same place (through the thorax). If you need to reposition the wings I would do so by propping them up with pins around them since they are small and fragile.
Loanna says
Thanks this helped me a lot as a beginner!
Drea says
I want to do the same with a dragonfly. I am not sure where to begin.
Woodlark says
Hi Drea,
The process would be relatively the same, starting with creating the relaxing chamber if your specimen is dried out. You can also look online for example photos of pinned dragonflies to use as a visual guide for deciding wing placement.
– Ashley
Ali says
I found a beautiful Polyphemus moth the other night on my porch who didn’t look to be doing very well. Sadly I found him in the morning passed away, but to my surprise I saw the stunning eye patterns on his inner bottom wings. I’d love to try and preserve and pin him to give him a bit of life back, and to be shown off instead of forgotten about, so thank you so much for this article. This lil guy will now have a peaceful resting place, and ill do the best I can to give him the second chance that he deserves thanks to you, very much appreciated. <3
Woodlark says
Hi Ali!
So glad to hear that the moth will be appreciated <3 My son (5 years old) and I have added most of the specimens to our collection in a similar way. Thank you for sharing!
- Ashley
Linda Kay Gross says
I have one as well, that I found alive INSIDE the house last week during our blizzard. I believe I brought the cocoon in on furniture we found outside, and the warmth inside brought it out prematurely, sadly. I keep him in a Tupperware safely, until I found out he had a very short lifespan. I wrote to a few people and because it is almost gone, he told me to freeze him before he disintegrates. I have a shadow box ready to go, and will honor him as well. He came to me, it’s the least I can do. Such a beautiful moth!!! I cried when I finally sealed him up. A sad day..💔
Woodlark says
That’s so great to hear that it will be loved and appreciated. Thank you so much for sharing!
– Ashley
hattie says
hi! I have a moth I’d like to pin, I found it as it was dying and have had it for just under a week. I didn’t do anything to keep its wings in a specific position, just put it in a drawer on a folded tissue. I don’t have any pinning supplies and would need to order them, which may take a couple weeks. I assume the moth will already have dried by the time I would be able to begin pinning it – would pinning still be possible, or would the moth be too dry? thanks for your time!
Woodlark says
Hi Hattie,
You’ll just need to follow all of the instructions outlined in “step 1” for creating the relaxing chamber to rehydrate the moth. Do not attempt to pin without rehydrating the moth first. From there you’ll be good to go. Good luck!
– Ashley
Mimi says
Good Morning, Ashley,
Thank you for your detailed and clear instructions on pinning and presenting insects. Three days ago I opened my front door and a male luna moth literally fell dead at my feet. He is truly a beautiful moth. I sent a picture of him to my daughter and she asked me to bring him to her when I visit her, in Maine, two weeks from now. Do you have any recommendations you would share on how to properly preserve and safely transport him without damaging him? My husband and I live in Arkansas and, as I said, she lives in Maine. We will be traveling by plane. Hopefully, it is not a problem to carry him in my carry-on luggage.
Thank you most kindly,
Mimi
Woodlark says
Hi Mimi,
Is it possible for you to bring the moth with you (un-pinned) to your daughter’s house and proceeded to pin and preserve once you arrive? In my opinion this would present the least risk for damage while transporting. If this is an option for you, I would place the dry moth inside of a glassine/paper/wax paper envelope and then gently wrap that in some sort of padding before placing inside of a small box for transportation. I’m unsure of the rules and regulations for traveling with such specimens but perhaps you could call and ask the airline. Good luck!
– Ashley
Laura Karden says
Thank you for posting this. Super helpful. I just found a beautiful (dead) moth and I am excited to try my first project
Woodlark says
Hi Laura!
So glad to hear it was helpful for you. Good luck with your specimen!
– Ashley
Bridget says
Hello! This may not be in your realm of expertise, but I just have to ask. I found some butterfly wings, just wings, outside my home this morning. I’d love to preserve them for using in electroforming jewelry. How best should I preserve the wings?
Woodlark says
Hi Bridget,
The wings alone can be stored in the same way (flat inside of an envelope made of parchment paper) until you are ready to use them. I am not familiar with that particular jewelry process but if they need to be re-hydrated prior to using them you can also create the same relaxing chamber as covered in the post. Hope this answers your question!
– Ashley
Victoria says
I found a dying moth and it is quite large. How do I go about drying it out so that it does not rot when I pin it for display?
Peg says
Thanks! I don’t do real butterflies. Origami butterflies are what I do. I wanted to know how to make a “realistic” looking display for a few of my creations, complete with pins and labels. This was just what I needed to get started. (Well, I also need 6 awesome paper butterflies.)
Peg
Woodlark says
Hi Peg,
That’s a wonderful idea! I’m sure it will turn out beautifully. Thank you so much for sharing!
– Ashley
Fred Vaccaro says
I found a Eumorpha_pandorus moth recently. It was on it’s last legs, so I put it in a food container and placed it in my freeze (I did that to keep it from messing up its wings in its last moments of life) After a few days in the freezer, I took it out and let it thaw. After a few days of that I took off the lid of the container–WOW the smell was terrible!!! Right now it is in my garage with some baking soda in the container. It seems to did getting better, but I can still smell the odor. Is there anything else that I can do to get rid of the smell??
Woodlark says
Hi Fred,
I would probably let it dry out completely in a well ventilated area first, then once it’s dry and the small is gone you can rehydrate it using the relaxing chamber with the alcohol mixture to prevent mold. Good luck!
– Ashley
Eugene says
Hi. I found a large moth which has just died. Planning to pin and preserve it (first time doing it) to show my 2 years-old-son. Do you recommend piercing and emptying the inner cavity contents (I read on another website which recommends that to ensure the specimen does not decay). And what about encasing moth specimen in resin?
Woodlark says
Hi Eugene,
Yes, if it is a fresh specimen I also recommend emptying the inner cavity. I don’t have personal experience encasing specimens in resin but *do* know that they need to be properly preserved or dried prior to encasing them, otherwise they will rot.
– Ashley
Rachael Drechsel says
Thanks for this blog post. The other info out there isn’t as well said and lacking photos. I’m in Wisconsin and we’re in a major spongy moth event. I have no love for these invasives moths killing our trees. But I found a dead female in my yard and was taken with how soft and plump she is. I do a bit with skulls and think it’d be cool to start pinning deceases moths. Thanks again!
Nicole says
Hi! Do the insides of the moths need to be remove or preserved in any way first? Thanks 🙂
Oli says
Hi Nicole, I am not the original author of this post however if you have a fresh specimen the inner cavity needs to be emptied before you proceed with any further preservation. This ensures the specimen will not decay.
P.S. If you purchase a dried specimen from a farm they should do this for you. You can skip to relaxing them if they have already been dried.
Hope this helps 🙂
Alex Rose says
Hey I found a dying moth and I just kept an eye on it as it stayed on my porch until it passed. And I was wondering how best to dry it so it doesn’t rot until I can get the right materials to preserve it?
Cameron Austin says
Hi there, I found a banded sphinx moth with really bright red lower wings that was still flexible so I pinned it up. during the drying process do I need to do anything? It is starting to smell so I am worried mold is going to start destroying it. Thanks for the help
Raven says
hi! thanks for such a precise, beginner-friendly guide. i found a poodle moth at my relatives house and it was the first time i saw one irl so since ive always liked taxidermy from afar i decided this was the signal to start pinning specimens myself. however in my ignorance, my already dried up moth lost an antenna and a leg i could find and still keep. would it be too rude if i tried gluing them? should i place them next to its body on display somehow? or is it better to just keep it without one antenna and one leg?
again thanks a lot for the guide! im excited to get home and hydrate my little first try.
Woodlark says
Hi Raven,
You can carefully glue them back on if you’d like! It’s totally personal preference. Enjoy!
– Ashley
Emma says
Thanks for a lovely post! I’ve just found a beautiful recently deceased bumblebee in my garden – thankfully his family are still happily buzzing around the salvias. Do I need to preserve him in any way before I pin him?
Woodlark says
Hi Emma,
Nope! I’m assuming it is already dried out so you’ll just want to rehydrate it before pinning, then allow it to dry out again if you are enclosing it inside of a container or box.
– Ashley