How to Spread Butterfly Wings

Hold the thorax of the butterfly in the tweezers and gently squeeze. Proceed to Step 4 if the thorax can be squeezed slightly. Proceed to Step 2 if the thorax feels rigid.

Place moist paper towels in the bottom of the plastic container, and the wire mesh on top of them. Add one cap of a hosehold grease cleaning agent to keep the inside of the container from becoming moldy.

Place the butterfly atop the mesh and close the container, leaving it to sit for one day before returning to Step 1.

Pass a pin through the center of the butterfly's thorax, then stick the pinhead into the polystyrene, positioning the butterfly with its underside facing up.

Place a pin on either side of the thorax to prevent the butterfly from shifting left or right.

Carefully spread one portion of wing with a pin until it is fully open.

Lay wax paper over the end of the extended wing, and pin the paper down on either side of the wing without passing a pin through the wing.

Repeat Steps 6 and 7 for all portions of wing on the butterfly.

Remove the pins on the sides of the thorax, and reinsert them so they cross over the top of the thorax, creating an "X" with the lower portion snugly holding the thorax down. This will keep it from curling up in the drying process.

Allow the butterfly to sit for a week before removing the pins holding down the paper and thorax. Your butterfly is ready to be pinned to your display, using the pin through its thorax.