r/insectpinning

Hello, I found these guys recently and I’d like to keep them. They’re completely dry already and I’m just seeking ways that I can display them. If you guys don’t mind sharing any tips or leading me the right way id appreciate it. I’ve only ever bought bugs already pinned but I’m excited to start my own little collection.

I’m starting to find my style with these displays!

Hello! I have these butterflies that I have thrifted over the years. I want more! I adore this style of pinning so I am willing to even learn and pin them on my own. I think it is just darling and I want them to match!

I am just curious about what this style is called if it is called anything. Also curious about the backing behind them! Is it just cotton? Or something else? The back is soft and squishy and sticks out in the back. And the brown tape as well ig lol

But I want to have a fun bug wall now that I am in a home I will be in for a long while!

Thank you for any help 😭

Todays fun .... leafbug was the most fun all its legs were off so had to re attach them but I think they turned out pretty well

First time pinning an insect and I’m very lost at how I’m supposed to get the first pin through without damaging the moth T^T I don’t have access to its back unless I pick it up with tweezers but the body is so soft I’m scared the pressure of putting the pin through while holding it would destroy the abdomen

I do have a makeshift pinning board for it. Rn it’s just on the tinfoil because it was just in a rehydration chamber

I do not possess entomology pins which I’m sure would be easier. They are just sewing pins. I’ve heard the concerns about possible rusting but that’s future me’s concern :/ Itll only be in for the drying period

source: https://pubpeer.com/publications/B9A4ACD51DC24C453DF4F8229C71CE

A friend got this butterfly at a festival and it fell apart before even being bought home.

As I’m good at crafts she’s asked if I can help save it but anything I do would just be muddling my way along (this is very unlike any crafts I do!)

Can anyone give any suggestions for how we could save this? We’re aware it won’t be perfect, but if we can Frankensteins-monster it back together somehow, she’d be happy!

Ive never pinned before but I would love some ideas on what to do also what species this would be in in NC

Pinning my first dragonfly, but I see this gross brown stuff leaking out. What do I need to do in the process to prevent that in the future? I've only got 90% isopropyl alcohol. Can I inject the thorax with it? Or is there no saving it?

Technically not an insect but an arachnid lol. Vinegaroon that I pinned probably 6 months ago. Should I put it somewhere in a box? As of the last 6 months it has been sitting in my closet and seems to be perfectly fine other than some fading of the exoskeleton. I want to have the best chance at keeping this for my lifetime as it was once my pet

Unfortunately, one of my beetles has died. I found him upside down under a rock and when I tried to to move him I noticed his joints were curled inwards and moved with motion. His antenna have not moved. I set him away in a container with honey water on a paper towel but I think he's already gone. I'm going to give it a few days before I do anything but once I'm ready, I'd like to pin him. He's the first death of my colony of 8. I've had them about a year.

I'm not exactly sure how he died, but I'm guessing old age. The first batch of beetles I got was from a local seller who I forgot to ask about whether they were captive bred or wild caught. I haven't introduced any new items or food for a bit and my other guys are doing good.

Anyway, how do you guys pin them? I have a bit of experience and how the basics of making a rehydration chamber and posing. How do you keep the blue coloration? Whats the best way to display them? Do you have specific frames or anything like that.

Secondly, should I be doing anything with my remaining beetles? Cleaning their cage thoroughly or reorganizing or something? I attached a photo of the current setup (this photo is from maybe a month ago?). Any tips of advice appreciated. I am very saddened by this

Any advice for good fonts for cursive labels? My handwriting is terrible but I didn’t find any great cursive fonts online

One of the first pins I made, so my needles weren’t that professional yet 😅

Got given these by a friend and has been in my freezer for some time. They ended up being freezer burned, discoloured and smelly..is there any way I can still pin them? Please drop any advice on the best way to save them and if there’s anyway to get their colour back, also will I need to de-gut some of the bigger guys?