Home >> Science & Nature >> Insects & Science

How to Preserve a Goliath Beetle

The goliath beetle is an impressive, large flying insect native to Africa. The beetles are black and shiny, grow as large as 5 inches and weigh up to 3.5 ounces. The male has a horn on its head. If you find a goliath beetle in your area or on vacation, you can preserve it in an insect case to save for future study and observation. Since goliath beetles have a hard exoskeleton, chemical preservative treatments are unnecessary as long as you store the insect properly.

Things You'll Need

2 labels
Insect display case with lid
1 insect pin, size 7
Mothball

Instructions

- 1
  Write the insect's scientific name, common name and the name of the person who identified the insect on one label.
- 2
  Write the name of the location where the insect was found, as well as the date and year collected, the collector and any other data important to you.
- 3
  Stick a size 7 pin through the upper quadrant of the dead beetle's right wing, through the identification labels and into the base of the insect display case. Leave the head of the pin sticking one-fourth of an inch above the beetle's back. Only use pins specifically designed for use with insects, because regular pins may rust and damage the specimen. Insect pins are available from biological supply companies.
- 4
  Place a tight-fitting lid on the insect display case and store it in a dry area to prevent mildew growth. Add a mothball to your storage area to absorb moisture if necessary.

Insects & Science