Entomology 311 Lab Manual - 1st Edition, 2019

the underneath of the second thoracic segment. Cardstock works best for durability, and there are specially made
point punches for creating standard points (figure 1-13).
Figure 1-13: Using Elmer’s glue for pointing is fine as this glue usually dries clear. However, it is viscous out of the container, and allowing
it to dry and become more sticky before use is advised. Alternatively, clear nail polish works well.
Insects with large wings are mounted with the aid of a spreader board, which allows the curator to gently spread
the wings and secure them for the drying process. The body of the insect is inserted (on the pin) into the lateral
groove in the board, and strips of paper are used to gently pull the wings to the board. Using the blunt end of a pin
(to prevent tearing) to gently manipulate wing joints may be helpful. Once the wing is in the ideal position, pins are
inserted into the strips of paper rather than the wings themselves to avoid damage (figure 1-14).
Figure 1-14: Once pinned or pointed, the second and third step on the pinning block can be used to adjust the correct height for the two
labels that will accompany the specimen.
Week 1: Reading | 17