How to Correctly Label Insects in a Collection

Secure Supplies for Labeling Insects in a Collection

• 1

  Obtain paper for labeling the insects. Many collectors choose to use a thick stock paper.

• 2

  Buy or borrow a paper cutter.

• 3

  Select a pen that has non-smear ink for labeling.

Make Insect Labels on a Computer

• 4

  Use a heavy stock of paper to create insect labels on your computer.

• 5

  Trim your labels using a paper cutter. Strive for rectangles with neat, straight edges.

• 6

  Make certain your labels are uniform in size. Labels should be small. Many collectors make them about 1/2 inch by 1 inch each.

• 7

  Write or print the city, county and state in which you collected each insect on its label.

• 8

  Print or write the date on which you collected each insect on its label.

• 9

  Finish each label correctly by writing or printing the name of its collector beneath the date.

• 10

  Create a second label for each insect and label it with the corresponding bug's genus and order names. You may also choose to include host plant and habitat information on this secondary label.

Position Your Insect Labels

• 11

  Place your insect label on the pin that holds your bug. Make certain your labels are orientated in the same direction as your insects.

• 12

  Place insect labels for ethanol vials within the vials themselves.

• 13

  Position each insect with its head to the left of the label.

• 14

  Position a second label, with the order name and other pertinent information, beneath each primary insect collection label.