How to Mount Bugs for Display

Gather Supplies for Mounting Bugs

• 1

  Obtain relaxing jars for your insects. These jars are airtight containers that are used to restore the moisture of your bug specimens.

• 2

  Secure a wooden box for your insect collection. Alternatively, you may use a large shoebox.

• 3

  Purchase styrofoam sheets to line your insect collection box.

• 4

  Gather entomology or sewing pins.

• 5

  Buy or make insect specimen labels. You can learn how to make your own by reading 'Insects on Display: A Guide to Mounting and Displaying Insects,' available at Amazon.com (see Resources Below).

Relax Your Bugs

• 6

  Place your bugs in relaxing jars along with sponges that have been wet with a solution of water and phenol.

• 7

  Seal your relaxing jars and make sure they are airtight.

• 8

  Leave your bug specimens in the relaxing jars overnight.

• 9

  Proceed, using a pair of forceps, to straighten and spread your bugs' body parts.

Pin Your Bugs for Display

• 10

  Place a bug on a styrofoam sheet by sticking a pin through its mid-section and anchoring the pin in the styrofoam. Be gentle yet firm.

• 11

  Arrange your bugs so they are pinned at a uniform height.

• 12

  Make sure that one third of each pin is left exposed above its bug.

• 13

  Identify and label your bugs with your insect specimen labels. Print neatly to add to the beauty of your display.