Proper Pin Spacing

When pinning insects, in addition to the insect itself, you'll typically have several labels that serve to provide a complete docket of information on the insect. Proper spacing of these labels is critical to make it possible to read the text without needing to manipulate the pinned specimen as this can risk additional damage.

Usage of an insect pinning block allows the one mounting insects to safely as well as reliably position specimens and information labels. I will go into more detail later about making the pinning block.

This image demonstrates how a properly spaced specimen might look once being successfully mounted. You can see the insect is on top followed by the locality, date and collector information. Next is the host label or what the insect was found on. Finally is the family label that identifies the species to family.

In some instances, all of this information might be condensed onto one label, especially on a computer generated label.

To use the pinning block, put the head of the pin bearing a freshly pinned insect into the shallowest hole of the pinning block. Push on the pin until its head is at the bottom of the hole. This will force the insect into a position 1/4-inch down on the pin. If the back of the insect is not resting on the block, that means the insect is too low. (Remember, the insect pin is upside down in the hole.) Push the insect downward on the pin until the insect's back is in contact with the block.

To position labels on the pin, put the label on the pin. Then put the point of the pin in either of the other two holes. Use the same hole for all the insects in your display collection. You can later change your mind about positioning labels, but not about positioning insects after they have dried on the pin. Once an insect has dried, moving it on the pin risks damage to the specimen.

After following these steps, you'll have a perfectly spaced out insect pin!