Insect Pinning Techniques and Tips

Kristina Reed from the Cleveland County Extension Office provides a tutorial on how to pin insects. She explains the difference between good and bad specimens, the importance of using special insect pins, and the techniques for pinning various insects, including moths and butterflies. She also covers methods for handling small insects and concludes with contact information for further inquiries.

What is the first step in preparing to pin an insect?

• Choosing the right size of pin

• Identifying a good or bad specimen

• Selecting the correct board

• Applying glue to the insect

Why is it important to pin an insect on the side rather than the middle?

• To keep half of the insect undamaged

• To avoid damaging the wings

• To make it easier to display

• To ensure the insect looks natural

What is the role of Kristina Reed in the video?

• Biology Teacher

• Insect Collector

• Program Assistant at Cleveland County Extension Office

• Entomologist

Where should the pin be placed when pinning an insect?

• At the center of the body

• Between the first two sets of legs

• At the tip of the abdomen

• Near the head

What is the main goal when pinning insects?

• To make them easier to handle

• To make them look larger

• To ensure they look natural

• To preserve their color

What is the purpose of using paper strips when pinning moths and butterflies?

• To make the wings more colorful

• To add weight to the wings

• To keep the wings straight across

• To protect the wings from damage

How long should the paper strips be left on the wings of moths and butterflies?

• A few weeks

• A few hours

• Indefinitely

• A few days

What should be done if an insect is too small to pin directly?

• Create a paper arrow and glue it to the insect

• Avoid pinning it altogether

• Use a smaller pin

• Use a magnifying glass

What type of glue is recommended for attaching small insects to paper arrows?

• Epoxy resin

• Elmer's glue

• Super glue

• Hot glue

What should you do if you have questions after watching the tutorial?

• Rewatch the video

• Contact the County Extension Office 4-H department

• Ask a friend

• Search online for answers