---
title: Pinning Large Insects: 7‑Step Museum‑Ready Guide
siteUrl: https://logzly.com/entomodisplay
author: entomodisplay (EntomoDisplay)
date: 2026-07-06T02:02:19.107526
tags: [entomology, insectpinning, museumdisplay]
url: https://logzly.com/entomodisplay/pinning-large-insects-7step-museumready-guide
---


If you’ve ever snapped a pin or crushed a beetle’s wing while trying to mount a big bug, you’re not alone. In the next few minutes you’ll learn a **proven, no‑mess workflow** that turns heavyweight specimens into clean, museum‑quality displays every single time. Follow this step‑by‑step guide and say goodbye to broken pins, mangled abdomens, and endless frustration.

## Why the usual tricks fail for pinning large insects  

The techniques you read about for “small‑insect” pinning simply don’t scale up. Large exoskeletons are **thicker**, bodies are **heavier**, and delicate wings can splinter under a flimsy pin. Without a sturdier pin and proper support, you’ll end up with bent pins, crushed thoraxes, and wasted time.  

## The 7‑step workflow that finally works  

### 1. Gather the right gear  
- **Pin**: Use a thick, stainless‑steel insect pin (≈2 mm diameter). This is the [best pin for large insect specimens](/entomodisplay/how-to-pin-and-preserve-beetles-for-museum-collections) and resists bending.  
- **Cushion**: Keep a small foam piece or a commercial pin cushion for large bugs; cork squares work well and protect the pin tip.  
- **Backing board**: A thin cardboard or foam board provides a stable surface while the thorax is still soft.  

### 2. Relax the specimen  
Place the insect in a jar with a few drops of ethyl acetate for 1–2 hours. The muscles soften, reducing the risk of cracks. For moths, a short dip in a humid chamber helps the wings spread naturally.  

### 3. Position on the board  
Lay the bug dorsal side up on the backing board. Use tweezers to gently spread legs and wings. For big moths, slide a piece of tissue paper under the wings to keep them flat – the same trick I recommend when [mounting big moth specimens](/entomodisplay/pinning-large-insects-7step-museumready-guide).  

### 4. Insert the thick pin  
Hold the pin at a slight angle and drive it through the center of the thorax toward the lower abdomen. The cushion under the tip lets the pin bite securely without slipping. If the thorax feels too soft, press the board gently against it for extra support.  

### 5. Secure wings (optional)  
- **Beetles**: Leave hard elytra closed.  
- **Moths**: Add a second, thinner pin across each wing to hold them open while drying. This prevents wing curl and yields a tidy final display.  

### 6. Dry and set  
Hang the pinned specimen in a well‑ventilated drying box for 24–48 hours. The thick pin keeps everything in place, and the cushion prevents the tip from bending. Once dry, move the mount to a pinning block for long‑term storage.  

### 7. Troubleshoot common issues  
- **Pin bends**: The insect is still too soft – give it more time in the relaxing jar.  
- **Pin tip snaps**: Replace with a fresh pin; a cracked tip will shear the exoskeleton.  
- **Bulky beetles**: Attach a short wooden dowel to the opposite end of the pin for extra leverage and finger protection.  

## Quick‑reference checklist  

- ✅ Thick 2 mm stainless‑steel pin  
- ✅ Foam or cork cushion  
- ✅ Backing board (cardboard/foam)  
- ✅ Relaxing jar with ethyl acetate  
- ✅ Tweezers and tissue paper for wing support  
- ✅ Drying box (24–48 h)  

## Wrap‑up  

With this [step‑by‑step guide to pinning large insects](/entomodisplay/how-to-pin-and-preserve-beetles-for-museum-collections), you can mount beetles, moths, and any heavyweight critter without drama or broken tools. Apply the workflow, adjust the relaxation time as needed, and your collections will look museum‑ready in no time.  

Enjoy the results, and feel free to share this guide with fellow collectors or sign up for more EntomoDisplay tips.