Mounting Instructions

[Longbord1]

Can anyone give me a step by step process of how they go about mounting dead inverts and what not? I am very interested in seeing a very precise and correct process. I have mounted before but I am looking to see how others do so.

Pics to go with the steps would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!!

 

[thedude]

ask ted.. im sure he can give you some pointers, i do it too but it's sorta hard to explain... you really have to watch it be doen first.

but the trick is to make the invert look natural

 

[Longbord1]

yeah I know exactly how to make them look natural and what not. Just have a problem with my technique of softening their joints.

have heard of steaming the insects slightly and that loosens their joints. I know there has to be a better technique though.

 

[Elytra and Antenna]

Can anyone give me a step by step process of how they go about mounting dead inverts and what not?

Maybe that's a discussion for the watering hole...

Try relaxing in a closed container on paper towel saturated with rubbing alcohol. Water evaporates too slowly.

 

[thedude]

nooo not rubbing alchohol!

get a tubbaware container put wet paper towles in the bottem that have bin dowsed in warm water.

or just freeze bugs till you want to mount them

 

[petshopguy]

What you are looking for is called a relaxing chamber. Just google "how to make relaxing chamber for insects, butterflies" and you should get some tips on how make one and use it.

 

[thedude]

it's really simple... tubbaware container of appropriate size(think sandwich contaienrs) put moist paper towle on the bottom(warm water) and put bugs in.. and let em sit til there relaxed

 

[Curry]

Depends on what your spreading....

Grab a ziplock or some gladware tubs. Place a thick layer of paper towels down and put some boiling water in. Place your bugs in and seal it up. Usually ready within a few hours.

Beetles and larger butterflies may need 24-48 hours. I ALWAYS let my birdwing butterflies sit for at least 48 hours. In between I sligtly flex the joints before fully spreading.

 

[Ted]

really depends on the species.
every specie needs a bit different method.
some inverts can/will discolor if hot water is used certain colors are affected differentlythe same applies for metallic beetles, etc, it can ruin moths if not careful.
If i am mounting huge insects i may inject the thorax with very hot water in addition to relaxing them in a chamber.
care must also be given, as some specimens will start to mold if left too long in a damp container.
some will fall apart.
just takes lots of practice..and keep in mind it also depends o what they are being displayed for..if its for study, they may need to be labeled as well as the fact that they dont have to be mounted the same way as for decoration.
i am at my office right now, but maybe this evening i can do a photo tutorial on my methods.
there are various ways to acheive the same result, and everyone does it different, depending on what works for them.