More information about pinning butterflies and moths.
Mounting butterflies and Moths is more complicated than most insects. In order to make a good Mount, the wings must be properly positioned.
Pin the insect, freshly killed or relaxed through the right side of the thorax and adjust to the correct height on the pin. Insert the pin in the groove of the board until the base of the wings is level with the top of the board at the groove. Keep the abdomen still by inserting two pins both sides of it.
With a pin or a mounting needle, gently push against the base of the large vein (Costa), moving the front wing forward until Its rear edge is at 90 degrees (A) to the body. Hold it in place by using a paper strip (E) placed over the wings, and Insert a pin through the paper just in front of the wing.
To fix the front wing temporarily inserts a pin through the paper, behind the wing's rear edge. Repeat this procedure for the other front wing.
The two front wings should be at approximately 90 degrees of each other (B)
move the hind wing back until it's front edge is at approximately 45 degrees of the base of the front wing (C). Insert a pin through the paper just behind the hind wing. Repeat this procedure for the other hind wing.
The two hind wings should be at approximately 50 degrees (D)
Move the antennae
into their natural Position and use pins to hold them.
If the abdomen sags, insert a pin underneath it at a angle so it
pushes on the base of the body to form a support.
Drying time will vary with the size of the specimen, temperature
and humidity bigger specimens may take a week or more.
Keep them in a dry place and out of direct sunlight.
The angles will vary a little due to size of specimen.
