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Any insect collectors here?

Discussion in 'Other Off Topic Forum' started by Husker, Mar 27, 2007.

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  1. Husker

    Husker F1 World Champ

    Dec 31, 2003
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    #1 Husker, Mar 27, 2007
    My 7-yr-old son is fascinated with insects. I have seen boards with insects stuck by a pin of some sort to the board, with the insect name label above or below the insect. I think my son would really enjoy this, but I was wondering what process one has to do to "taxidermy" the insect so that it will last. Does anyone here do this? Is this something that can be done at home? If so, how?
     
  2. GrigioGuy

    GrigioGuy Splenda Daddy
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    #2 GrigioGuy, Mar 27, 2007
  3. SrfCity

    SrfCity F1 World Champ

    Nov 1, 2003
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    #3 SrfCity, Mar 27, 2007
    Careful, don't let the PETI people see this thread. They'll be all over your @ss.
     
  4. Husker

    Husker F1 World Champ

    Dec 31, 2003
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    #4 Husker, Mar 27, 2007
    Thanks guys. Hope to start poking some insects today!
     
  5. quartermaster

    quartermaster Formula 3

    Sep 11, 2005
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    #5 quartermaster, Mar 27, 2007
    I can drive over to the dairy and get some flies, if it would help.
    (humor)
     
  6. venusone

    venusone F1 Rookie

    Mar 20, 2004
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    #6 venusone, Mar 28, 2007
    It's called "entomology": the scientific study of insects. And, yes kids can do it at home. "Kill jars" are used to capture insects & contain ether usually to put them to sleep. Then they are dried out & mounted w/ a pin. Technique is involved to spread the insect & properly preserve a lifelike pose. Excellent start your son has on a career w/ the USDA. It can go far.
     
  7. UroTrash

    UroTrash Four Time F1 World Champ
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    #7 UroTrash, Mar 28, 2007
    No special presevative is needed but it is wise to put a few moth balls in the display case as it prevents what ever little vermin eat specimens.

    I do remember the pins are very thin and were (when I was in college) imported from England, pretty pricey. The tiny labels were made on card with dip pins in India ink.
     
  8. Horsefly

    Horsefly F1 Veteran

    May 14, 2002
    6,929
    #8 Horsefly, Mar 28, 2007
    When preserving the various species of Lepidoptera, the trailing edge of the front wing should be at right angles to the body.
    The Coleoptera are also very interesting, especially the larger species of Unicorn and Rhinocerous.
     
  9. CookieMonster

    CookieMonster Rookie

    Feb 15, 2007
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    #9 CookieMonster, Mar 29, 2007
    I used to love collecting insects when I was 5! only because they crawled around and stuff.
     

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