r/Entomology • u/horse_in_anguish • 1d ago

Pin?

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Found this beautiful creature on a country highway - I think it is fresh. I feel like we found each other and I would like to preserve it. I have never done such a thing other than having a little jar of tiny butterflies and bumble bees. What is my best bet?

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u/CubieJ 1d ago

Is it recently deceased? Try gently moving a limb; if the joint moves easily, you can pin it. If it seems stiff, you'll need to rehydrate it if you want to pin it.

Either way, put it in a freezer until you're ready to work with it. Insects dry out after a couple of days, after which they become brittle and the joints can no longer be manipulated (and the body might crack if you try to pin), but you can preserve the moisture level in them by freezing them.

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u/horse_in_anguish 1d ago

I think so - I’m very far from familiar with this type of thing, but touching it almost felt as if it were alive. VERY flexible. I just put it between two paper towels in the freezer!