Overview
This tutorial explains how to rehydrate, manipulate, and pin beetles for collection or illustration, detailing each step from unpackaging to mounting.
Collecting and Unpacking Beetles
- Beetles may arrive pre-mounted (in riker mounts) or unmounted for cost efficiency.
- Unmounted beetles are often wrapped in plastic with legs folded to prevent breakage.
- Remove any cotton in packaging, as fibers can stick to the beetle’s claws.
Preparing Beetles for Rehydration
- Use a small, airtight plastic container (like Tupperware) for rehydration.
- Saturate paper towel with water, wring out excess so it’s damp but not wet.
- Place a layer of damp paper towel at the bottom, nestle the beetle inside, and lightly wrap towel around it.
- Seal the container and leave it for at least 24–48 hours, depending on beetle size.
Checking Readiness and Avoiding Mold
- After 24 hours, check if the beetle’s joints are flexible; if not, rehydrate longer.
- Too much moisture or time can cause mold growth; monitor conditions, especially in humid climates.
Manipulating and Pinning Beetles
- Use insect tweezers to gently test and move legs, aiming for flexibility.
- Open the beetle’s elytra (hardened wing covers) by gently prying up with tweezers.
- Gently unfold the wings beneath the elytra using tweezers or a blunt insect pin.
- Place beetle on a spreading board (styrofoam works); pin through the thorax to secure.
- Arrange legs and wings with pins, crossing pins at angles to hold in position.
- Cover wings with strips of tracing vellum, pin through vellum to maintain wing shape.
- Leave beetle pinned for at least 24 hours to set before removing pins.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Riker mount — A display case for insects with a cotton backing and glass cover.
- Elytra — The hardened, shell-like forewings of beetles that protect the hindwings.
- Rehydration — The process of adding moisture to dried insect specimens to make them flexible for manipulation.
- Spreading board — A flat surface, often made of styrofoam, used for pinning and positioning insects.
- Thorax — The midsection of an insect’s body where legs and wings attach.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Prepare airtight container, paper towel, and pins before starting.
- Begin rehydration at least two days before planned pinning.
- Watch for mold during rehydration; adjust as needed.
- Leave pinned beetles for at least 24 hours to set position.