How to preserve a bug?

Question

my dad found a dead beatle in the lowes parking lot and we wanted to preserve it and mount it... the only thing we don't know is how to preserve it.

Answer 1

My grandpa caught butterflies and put them in a box.

They're still there after almost 10 years now without any preservative.

Answer 2

In absolute alcohol (ethanol).

Answer 3

They don't need preservative they need protection.  Dermestid beetles and other insects find their way into stored dead insects and eat them.  You must add moth balls to wherever you keep the beetle.  Special pins are used to mount insects, but if you are only going to keep this one you could use a long sewing needle.  They also make storage cases just for insects.  But if you are only keeping one I suggest a box with a glass lid,  Make it large enough to keep mothballs inside and tight enough that you don't smell them mothballs throughout the house.

Answer 4

Just put it in a jar in the freezer.