Materials - Procedures - 2nd Step

Begin by collecting Insects- I began collecting in the summer of 2014. On this page I am listing possible steps that I believe can help and links to helpful sites.

Collecting
Purdue University provides a good introductory site for students.

Dispatching Insects
The insects you capture will be in one of two states, alive or dead. I have both types in my collection. Regardless the insects must have movable legs and wings so that you can mount them properly. Insects that have been dead for a few days or more will have become dried out with appendages that will not move or else they will break. They will have to be RE-HYDRATED. 
If you collect the insects alive the best method is to place in a small container or a zip lock bag and freeze. Freezing keeps the insects from drying out. When they are thawed they can be mounted.
I have searched through various web sites and YouTube looking for an effective yet cheap and safe method. The best I have found is simply place the insects in an air tight container containing water mixed with Pine Sol or another that will prevent the insects from molding. Since you do not want the insects to be under this mixture use wet paper towels or float the insects on a piece of foam. A styrofoam plate cut to fit works great. Check the insects after three days to see if you can move the appendages, if not place back in the relaxing container and check daily.

Pinning

Pinning is the process whereby you mount an insect on a foam board in a life-ilke position.
Some insects are just too small or fragile to pin so I glue them to a small paper triangle that can be pinned. **SUGGESTIONS** For an easy inexpensive way to mount and store mounted insects I go ahead and cut an extra piece of foam board that will fit into my display box. I then mount insects onto this board and place in the display box and cover with the supplied lid.

Resources Needed

Sewing type pins
Foam board
Knife- to cut board
Shirt box

Relaxing and Pinning
Picture
Pinning can actually take more time than collecting especially if you are meticulous. Allow the pinned insects to air dry for about a week. You can check on them earlier if needed. **CAUTION** Once the insects have air-dried they will become brittle. Legs and other appendages will break easily. It is not uncommon to lose a leg or two. Don't become discouraged just display as is. **SUGGESTION** For small insects glue to  a small triangle of note card that has been pinned to you board.

Mount a Butterfly

Mount a Moth