How to Preserve Moths

More than 142,000 species of moths exist, providing an array of specimens to add to your collection. Since moths can become very brittle after drying, you can prevent them from drying out by preserving them soon after their capture. A relaxing chamber can help make a moth's body more pliable due to the development of humidity within the container.

Things You'll Need

  • Cotton balls
  • Water
  • Plastic food container
  • Nail polish remover
  • Scissors
  • Cardboard
  • Forceps
  • Spreading board
  • Pinning block
  • No. 2 or 3 insect mounting pins
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Instructions

    • 1

      Saturate cotton balls with water and place in the bottom of the plastic container. Add a few drops of nail polish remover, which will prevent fungus from developing.

    • 2

      Cut a piece of cardboard large enough for the moth to rest upon. Place the cardboard over the cotton balls to provide a barrier for the moth.

    • 3

      Pick up the moth with forceps and place the moth on top of the cardboard. Keep the moth in the container for three days.

    • 4

      Remove the moth from the container and lay it flat on the spreading board. Let the moth's wings dry, which can take up to a week.

    • 5

      Place the moth on the pinning block. Gently place a pin through the moth's thorax and push the pin through the pinning block.

    • 6
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