Collecting and Preserving Insects, Bugs etc

[Red Dirt Girl]

Hi Venus. I don't really know anything about proper collecting/mounting techniques, but I do happen to have one hundred (I believe) thin, thin, thin insect mounting pins that I would be happy to send you if you're interested(but maybe you'd want to chat a bit first, be sure I'm safe before you give your address to a complete stranger. I am, but how do you know that?) I've saved them for years knowing someday I'd know what to do with them! My collecting experience involved a little plastic pink and purple net and me prowling around the back yard stooped over with my face in the plants. I froze my poor little treasures, so I can't even offer advice on the preservation end of things (although I can tell you that freezing does not keep them from decomposing and stinking to high heaven.) But... I can offer you mounting pins. Happy Hunting!

Originally Posted by Venus007

Ever since I was a little kid I have always had interesting insects around. Cicada husks, dragon flies, walking sticks, centipedes, millipedes, butterflies, moths, etc

Now that I live in Texas there is a rich wealth of new interesting creatures to find. I have decided that I am going to learn how to mount and preserve interesting specimens and was wondering if anyone else out there knows or is interested in this topic.

Do you collect bugs, tell me your story I wanna know?

Also any tips on their preservation and collection would be grand.