Easiest Way to Make an Insect Collection

Create your bug box. Depending on your budget, select a box to suit your needs. Plastic or wooden insect boxes may be purchased from an online biological supply shop, while wooden or cardboard cigar boxes may be converted into bug boxes. Pizza boxes and other shallow frozen food boxes with lids can be converted into bug boxes, as well. Line your bug box with a piece of foam that has been cut to size. Decorate your box by painting it, if desired.

Capture an insect. Refer to a field guide to obtain and properly identify your insect. Once you have captured an insect that you wish to add to your bug collection, keep him contained until you are able to transport him to a secure destination.

Place a small amount of rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball and place it in a glass jar, such as a mason jar. Once you have identified your insect, place it carefully into the relaxing jar. Before sealing the lid of the jar, crumple a piece of tissue paper and place it inside the jar; the insect needs a place to hide so that he does not become frantic and injure himself. Allow an hour or two for the bug to die.

Remove your insect from the relaxing jar with a pair of tweezers and discard of the tissue and cotton ball. Gently arrange the insect's wings and legs into the position you wish him to be displayed in. Keep a toothpick and craft glue handy, as insects are fragile and may experience breaks. Carefully insert an insect pin through the upper right thorax of your insect.

Using a word processor, type up information about your insect. Record the taxonomic order, family, scientific name and common name of your insect. Include the date collected, location (if possible), conditions the insect was found in and the collector's name. Print this information in a small font point onto card stock to create a label. Cut out the label and pin it underneath your insect in the bug box.