What is the best way to keep a beautiful big but dead moth which has found its way into our lab??
Kathryn
moths
moths
Hi Kathryn,
in the past I have put a pin through the body (thorax) and then placed the pinned moth onto a piece of polystyrene (something like 5cm x 5cm).
It then goes into a container, (lunchbox or similar) with some crystals of naphthalene. The crystals keep the little beasties away that feast on dead insects.
To keep the wings straight and at right angles to the moths body, you can cut a channel in a wedge of polystyrene into which the legs and body sit but the wings are supported by the polystyrene until they are dry and fixed into this position.
Try to identify the moth with a common and scientific name.
Good luck with the start of your collection.
~Robyn
in the past I have put a pin through the body (thorax) and then placed the pinned moth onto a piece of polystyrene (something like 5cm x 5cm).
It then goes into a container, (lunchbox or similar) with some crystals of naphthalene. The crystals keep the little beasties away that feast on dead insects.
To keep the wings straight and at right angles to the moths body, you can cut a channel in a wedge of polystyrene into which the legs and body sit but the wings are supported by the polystyrene until they are dry and fixed into this position.
Try to identify the moth with a common and scientific name.
Good luck with the start of your collection.
~Robyn
