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How to Make an Insect Spreading Board

A spreading board allows you to preserve a butterfly or moth with its wings properly spread. While a butterfly which has been allowed to dry naturally has crumpled wings or wings that are stuck together, a spreading board forces the butterfly's wings open, letting them dry flat. Make a simple insect spreading board to show off your butterfly and moth specimens to their full advantage.

Things You'll Need

¼ inch thick balsa wood
Saw
Wood board
Glue
Measuring tape
Pencil

Instructions

- 1
  Cut two strips of 1/4-inch balsa wood that are 2-inches wide and 12-inches long using a saw.
- 2
  Cut one piece of wood that is 12-inches long. The board should be at least 5-inches wide, though it can be wider.
- 3
  Glue one strip of balsa wood to the board, matching the lengths to one another. The balsa wood should be glued flat to the length of the board, close to one edge.
- 4
  Measure a distance that is 1/4-inch away from the glued strip of balsa wood and mark it with a pencil.
- 5
  Glue the second strip of balsa wood at that point, leaving a 1/4-inch gap between the two strips. You will pin the butterfly's wings to the balsa wood, placing the insect's body over the gap to prevent crumpling.

Insects & Science