A common question asked by many hobbyists, how do you taxidermy/pin a butterfly with its wings spread open?
Whether you're a seasoned entomologist or a hobbyist, this guide will give you an insight into how it is done.
So with that said, lets get straight to it.
Step 1
As many of you may already know, butterflies and moths often arrive from breeding farms from various global locations. But how do we open up their wings? Arriving with their wings closed together, often in a paper packet. We refer to these specimens as dried specimens.
You'll need to relax it. This process involves rehydrating the specimen, making it easier to spread the wings without breaking them.
To do this you need to create a "relaxation chamber". Put simply this means getting a plastic tub with a lid. Laying some paper towel down inside the tub and making it damp.
Once done, you can now add your specimens to the damp paper towel. Close the container and let it sit for 24-48 hours. Check periodically to ensure the specimen is pliable. You can squeeze the thorax and you will find the wings start to spring open.
Step 2
Now that your butterfly or moth is relaxed it is time to get it on the setting board.
The part you have all been waiting for!
The level of expertise demonstrated to me by Paul Holt on pinning out lepidoptera is to that of an excellent standard. I can testify that following his method you are about to see in the videos he created, if followed correctly; will teach you how to successfully set a butterfly and moth with their wings spread open to a exceptional standard.
In these links you will see Paul Holt - (An expert at what he does with over 30 years of experience in pinning lepidoptera) at work teaching you his delicate and intricate method of how to pin a butterfly and moth. As he demonstrates the practicality behind it he will also explain why he does things the way he does and show you how to overcome obstacles you may come across along the way. Such as a twisted thorax.
How to pin a butterfly: https://youtu.be/aTZe2AFdbqg?feature=shared
How to pin a moth: https://youtu.be/QErFs2ZuEQU?feature=shared
Step 3
If you followed the steps in the video links in this article, chances are you have now successfully mounted your specimen to a really good standard. The next step is to ensure you dry it out correctly.
Allow the pinned specimen to dry completely, which can take 1-2 weeks. This ensures the wings stay in place permanently.
Remember to leave the pinned butterfly or moth in a safe place where it cannot be knocked, you do not want all that hard work to go to waste. Make sure you keep the specimen out of direct sunlight as this can cause your butterfly or moth to fade.
Check this from time to time to make sure that the specimen remains in the correct position whilst drying.
Pinning a butterfly or moth with its wings spread open is a rewarding and meticulous process that allows you to preserve these beautiful insects.
Happy pinning, and may your collections bring joy and inspiration!
Video Credit: Paul Holt - Entomologist
Thank You.
Kalem Holt - Owner of KPH Entomology