How to Pin and Preserve Beetles for Museum Collections

Beetles are the most diverse insects on Earth, and a lot of them end up in museum drawers. If you’ve ever wondered how those tiny specimens stay looking sharp for decades, you’re in the right place. At EntomoDisplay we love turning a messy field find into a tidy, research‑ready beetle. Below is a step‑by‑step guide that anyone can follow, even if you’ve never held a pin before.

Why Proper Pinning Matters

A well‑pinned beetle tells a story. Researchers can see its exact shape, color, and tiny details that help identify species. Bad pinning can damage the specimen or hide important features, making it useless for science. At EntomoDisplay we’ve seen everything from perfectly straight pins to beetles that look like they’ve been through a tornado. The good news? You can avoid the tornado with a few simple habits.

Materials You’ll Need

Item	Why It’s Important
Insect pins (size 2 or 3)	Strong enough for beetles but thin enough not to break the body
Pinning board with a foam base	Holds the specimen at the right angle
Relaxing chamber (a sealed container with damp paper)	Softens the beetle so you can move it without breaking
Fine forceps	For handling delicate parts
Labels (acid‑free paper, pencil)	Keeps data safe for years
Storage boxes (plastic or archival)	Protects the pinned beetle from dust and light

All of these items are easy to find at a scientific supply store or online. EntomoDisplay always keeps a small kit ready for field trips, so you never have to scramble for tools.

Step 1: Collect and Relax the Beetle

When you first catch a beetle, it’s usually stiff and can crack if you try to bend it. The trick is to “relax” it gently.

Place the beetle in a small glass jar with a piece of damp (not wet) paper towel.
Seal the jar and keep it in a cool, dark place for 12–24 hours.
Check the beetle; it should feel a little softer when you touch the legs with forceps.

I remember the first time I tried this on a big rhinoceros beetle. After a night in the chamber, the beetle was so relaxed I could almost hear it sigh. That’s the moment you know the beetle is ready for pinning.

Step 2: Position the Beetle

The goal is to show the most useful parts: the head, pronotum (the shield behind the head), and the elytra (the hard wing covers).

Lay the relaxed beetle on the foam board, belly up.
Use a fine needle or a tiny piece of thread to hold the beetle in place while you adjust it.
Align the beetle so the right side faces up (most collections follow a standard orientation).

If you’re not sure which side is “right,” look at the beetle’s antennae and legs – they usually point forward on the right side.

Step 3: Insert the Pin

Now for the main event: the pin.

Hold a size‑2 pin with the blunt end down.
Insert the pin through the middle of the thorax (the middle segment), about 1 mm behind the pronotum.
Push the pin straight down, keeping it perpendicular to the board.

Why the middle of the thorax? That spot gives the strongest support and keeps the head and elytra visible. If the pin is too far forward, the head may tilt; too far back and the elytra can droop.

A quick tip from EntomoDisplay: If the beetle’s abdomen is soft, you can add a second pin through the right side of the abdomen to keep it from curling.

Step 4: Label and Store

A beetle without data is like a book without a title.

Write the collection number, date, location, and collector’s name on an acid‑free label.
Attach the label to the pin using a small piece of thread or a label holder.
Place the pinned beetle in a storage box with a breathable lid.

Make sure the box is stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. At EntomoDisplay we keep our boxes in a climate‑controlled room set to about 18 °C (64 °F) and 55 % relative humidity. That slows down any decay and keeps colors from fading.

Tips from EntomoDisplay

Use a pinning block: It’s a small wooden block with pre‑drilled holes at standard angles. It makes the whole process faster and more consistent.
Check the pin for rust: Even a tiny rust spot can stain the beetle over time. Replace any pin that looks even slightly corroded.
Practice on a dead beetle first: If you’re new, start with a specimen you don’t need for research. It’s a safe way to get the feel of the pin and board.
Don’t over‑pin: One well‑placed pin is enough for most beetles. Extra pins can damage delicate structures and make the specimen look cluttered.
Document everything: A quick note about the habitat (under a log, on a flower, etc.) can be priceless later. EntomoDisplay always adds a short habitat note on the label.

Final Thoughts

Pinning beetles may seem like a tiny, old‑fashioned task, but it’s the backbone of entomology. With the right tools, a little patience, and the step‑by‑step method we’ve laid out, you can turn a field catch into a museum‑ready specimen. The next time you’re out in the field with your net, remember the simple steps: relax, position, pin, label, store. And if you ever need a reminder, swing by EntomoDisplay – we’re always happy to share a story or a tip.