Insect Pinning

[bazjra]

Between a couple 'how to preserve bugs' threads here and my finding a huge grasshopper on my porch the other day, I decided to put together a quick guide on how to pin insects. Keep in mind that I'm an amateur at this and that I've still got a lot to learn, but I thought I'd share my knowledge (and enthusiasm!) anyways.

Comments

[cheeseiv]

My head exploded like on the second step.

Mother also said the mail company won't allow bugs, dead or alive -- so I guess a picture will have to do.

Also, do dried bugs not rot?

[bazjra]

Aw, sadness! Well, if you ever hear otherwise, let me know. :>

No, it won't rot. You'd really have more to worry about other bugs eating the dried ones. The guts will dry up like paper and the exoskeleton remains intact so it keeps its form. There is nothing left for bacteria and other critters to eat. It could still fall apart, say, if you left it outside in the rain and heat, but I wouldn't expect it to decompose like mammals do.