Starting a bug collection and need a lot of help~~~??

Question

Ok, so it all started when I found a huge green dead locust on the ground outside. I wanted to keep him. Then I decided to start a bug collection. So, all I have is a shoe box for him. I can't get that foam pad thing yet. I could buy toothpicks. So, I am going to keep him in a shoe box all by himself until I get those. How do you keep him from falling apart?

Answer 1

well its a lot harder with bugs you find dead as opposed to live ones you preserve. and how you go about it depends on your budget.

1. keep watching it, you have to avoid maggots and ants or your collection will disappear real quick. in 8th grade we had a bug collecting project and lets just leave it at watch it and get rid of pests.

2. the most expensive option is also the most effective.  there are companies that will preserve your bug in a clear plastic dome that can be used as a paperweight or mounted to a stand.

3. if you catch a live bug and put it in a mason jar with some rubbing alcohol it will kill them quick and help preserve the body somewhat.

4. for the one you have now just leave him alone and dont jostle him any more than you have to. dont pin him to anything until you are ready .

5. i'd avoid toothpicks, they are thick with dull edges. they wont go in cleanly and make shatter the exoskeleton  or smush tiny bugs. some simple thin straight pins would work for larger ones, and a drop of superglue for small things like ants and such.

hope this helps, if you need more just ask.