6 Best Mounting Pins For Insect Collection Preservation

Tracking insect populations on a small farm is more than a hobby; it is a vital diagnostic tool for monitoring biodiversity and pest migration. Proper preservation allows for accurate identification, helping land managers distinguish beneficial predators from crop-threatening invaders. Investing in high-quality pins ensures that these specimens remain intact for years of reference and study.

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BioQuip Stainless Steel Pins: The Gold Standard

BioQuip pins set the industry benchmark for long-term durability, largely because they are constructed from high-grade, rust-resistant stainless steel. These pins offer a perfect balance of rigidity and flexibility, meaning they won’t easily bend when piercing through tough, chitinous exoskeletons. For the farmer who views specimen collection as a long-term investment, these represent the only logical choice.

The smooth finish on these pins allows them to slide through dried specimens without causing unnecessary crumbling or damage. While they carry a premium price tag compared to basic steel options, the prevention of “verdigris”—that green, crusty corrosion caused by chemical reactions with insect body fluids—is well worth the cost.

These are the definitive choice for serious collections. If the goal is a reference cabinet that remains pristine for a decade or more, do not settle for cheaper, lesser-coated materials.

Austerlitz Black Enameled Pins: Best for Contrast

Austerlitz black enameled pins are favored for their ability to disappear against the dark backgrounds of certain insect specimens. The black finish provides excellent visual contrast, ensuring the pin itself doesn’t distract from the intricate markings of beetles or dark-colored wasps. This is an aesthetic advantage that helps maintain the professional appearance of any reference box.

These pins are manufactured with high precision, featuring sharp points that minimize specimen trauma. The enamel coating is generally durable, though it can chip if handled roughly or forced through extremely hard substrates. They serve well for those who prioritize the visual presentation of their collection alongside technical accuracy.

Opt for these if the collection contains dark-colored species or if the primary objective is exhibition-quality display. They strike a balance between performance and visual discretion that few others match.

Ento-Pins Nylon Heads: Easiest for Handling

Ento-Pins are specifically engineered with nylon heads to provide a comfortable, non-slip surface for the fingers during the pinning process. Anyone who has spent hours hunched over a collection box knows that standard metal-headed pins can quickly become painful to grip. The slightly larger, ergonomic head design allows for better leverage when pushing a pin into dense pinning foam.

Beyond comfort, these pins are remarkably sturdy and resistant to the corrosive fluids often found in insect bodies. The nylon head is securely bonded to the shaft, preventing the common “wobble” found in poorly manufactured low-cost alternatives. This stability ensures that the specimen remains exactly where it was placed, even if the storage box is bumped or transported across the farm.

These are highly recommended for those with limited dexterity or anyone planning to process large batches of insects at once. The focus on ergonomics makes them the superior choice for high-volume work.

Ward’s Science #2 Pins: Ideal for Most Insects

Ward’s Science #2 pins are the “workhorse” size that every small-scale agriculturalist should have on hand. A #2 pin is versatile enough to support a wide range of common farm insects, from medium-sized beetles to larger moths and butterflies. Having a reliable supply of this specific gauge ensures that the majority of field finds can be processed immediately without searching for specialized equipment.

These pins are crafted for consistency, ensuring that the diameter remains uniform from batch to batch. Reliability is critical when field conditions change rapidly; knowing exactly how a #2 pin will behave prevents accidental damage to fragile specimens. The steel is strong enough to hold its shape during the pinning process while providing enough give to avoid shattering delicate limbs.

Stock up on these as the foundational size for the collection. If the insect collection is a general survey of the farm’s biodiversity, this is the only size that truly matters for 80% of tasks.

Ento-Source Minuten Pins: For Tiny Specimens

Minuten pins are essentially tiny, headless steel needles used for the “double-mounting” of very small insects. Because these insects are too small for a standard pin to pierce without destroying them, they are mounted on a small strip of material, which is then pierced by a larger primary pin. These are essential for documenting the tiny pollinators and predatory wasps that often go unnoticed in the garden.

The thinness of the steel requires a steady hand and, frequently, a pair of high-quality forceps for manipulation. Using a minuten pin requires patience, as it involves a two-step mounting process that is significantly more time-consuming than standard pinning. However, for the serious researcher, documenting the micro-fauna is essential for understanding the full scope of an ecosystem.

Only purchase these if there is a specific need to categorize very small specimens. They are specialized tools that will sit unused unless the collection focuses on minute parasitoid wasps or tiny flies.

Carolina Biological Steel Pins: Budget Bulk Buy

Carolina Biological pins are the practical choice for educational settings or hobbyists who need to process large numbers of specimens without breaking the budget. While they lack the premium corrosion resistance of high-end stainless steel, they provide consistent, reliable performance for general use. For the farmer just beginning a baseline study of their property’s insects, these offer the best path to volume.

It is important to note that these pins should be kept in a dry environment to avoid oxidation. While they might not be the choice for a lifelong, climate-controlled museum display, they are perfectly adequate for practical farm reference. They are functional, sharp, and cost-effective.

Choose these when budget is the primary constraint or when teaching others how to pin. They represent the best value-per-pin for those who are just learning the craft and don’t want to risk expensive gear while developing their technique.

Choosing the Right Insect Pin Size and Material

Selecting the correct pin size is as much about protecting the specimen as it is about pinning efficiency. A pin that is too thick will destroy a small specimen, while a pin that is too thin will lack the structural integrity to hold a large, heavy beetle in place. Standard sizing ranges from #000 (extremely fine) to #7 (very thick).

Material choice is similarly critical. Stainless steel should be the default choice for anyone living in humid or coastal environments, as these regions are notorious for rusting pins. Black enameled pins are a stylistic choice, but they also offer a baseline level of protection against the acids found in insect decomposition.

Always keep a variety of sizes on hand. Trying to force a large specimen onto a thin pin will result in a spinning, unstable bug, while forcing a small specimen onto a thick pin will shatter the thorax.

How to Properly Pin an Insect for Preservation

The pinning position varies by order, but the general rule is to place the pin through the thorax, slightly to the right of the midline. This ensures that the left side of the insect remains undisturbed for future anatomical study. Always pin the insect high enough on the shaft to allow the fingers to handle the pin without touching the specimen itself.

Before pinning, ensure the insect is properly relaxed if it has already dried. Placing an insect in a relaxing chamber—a sealed container with a damp paper towel—will restore flexibility to the wings and legs. Once the insect is pinned into a foam block, use paper strips or small pins to hold the legs and wings in the desired position while the specimen dries.

Avoid rushing the drying process. Removing the support pins too early will cause the insect’s wings or legs to collapse or droop into unnatural positions. Patience at this stage is the difference between a high-quality scientific record and a ruined specimen.

Avoiding Rust and Corrosion on Your Pinned Bugs

Corrosion, or “verdigris,” occurs when the fatty acids inside a decaying insect react with the metal of the pin. This results in a green, powdery build-up that slowly eats through the specimen and can eventually destroy the entire insect. To prevent this, ensure that specimens are thoroughly cleaned of excess internal fats before mounting, especially for larger beetles.

Storage environment is the most important factor in preventing rust. Keep collections in a cool, dry place and use desiccant packs within the storage boxes to absorb ambient moisture. If the farm is located in a high-humidity area, consider using airtight display cases with integrated moisture control.

Check the collection periodically for signs of damage or loose pins. Catching corrosion early can save the integrity of the reference set. Simple, consistent maintenance is far more effective than trying to repair a corroded collection later.

Pinning Etiquette: Creating a Scientific Label

An insect without a data label is essentially useless for scientific purposes. A proper label should be small, printed on high-quality archival paper, and placed on the same pin as the insect. The label must include the exact location (GPS coordinates are ideal), the date of collection, and the name of the collector.

Additional information, such as the host plant or the specific farm habitat where it was found, adds significant value to the data. Use a fine-point, waterproof archival ink pen to ensure the information does not fade or smudge over time. Consistency in labeling format makes the collection far more professional and easier to organize.

Treat the label as a permanent part of the specimen. By recording the details immediately upon collection, the data remains accurate and reliable for future reference.

Creating a high-quality insect collection is a rewarding way to deepen the connection between a farm’s management and its local ecology. By investing in the right pins and following careful preservation standards, you ensure that the records remain valuable for years to come. Choose the tools that fit the specific requirements of the collection, stay diligent with maintenance, and enjoy the process of cataloging the biodiversity on the land.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the best mounting pins for insect collection preservation made of?

Insect mounting pins are primarily made of either stainless steel or black enameled spring steel with solid nylon or brass heads. Stainless steel pins resist rust indefinitely, making them ideal for humid climates or specimens stored in alcohol. Black enameled pins offer higher tensile strength to prevent bending in tough-bodied beetles, but their coating can chip over time. High-quality pins never use plain carbon steel because body fats corrode untreated metal.

What do the different insect mounting pin sizes mean?

Standard insect pin sizes range on a numbered scale from 000 (the thinnest) up to size 7 (the thickest). Sizes 000 through 1 measure 0.25 to 0.38 millimeters in diameter and work best for small flies and delicate moths. Sizes 2 and 3 measure roughly 0.45 to 0.53 millimeters, representing the universal sizes for most insects like bees and wasps. Larger sizes, such as 5 through 7, support giant rhinoceros beetles or heavy cicadas.

How do you position insect mounting pins correctly in a specimen?

Proper insect pinning requires pushing the pin perpendicular through the right side of the thorax, leaving 8 to 10 millimeters above the body. Insert the pin through the right forewing base in beetles or through the center-right of the scutum in bees and flies. Use a three-step pinning block to position the insect, the collection data label, and the determination label at uniform heights. Always support the insect underside on pinning foam so legs remain intact during insertion.

How do you pin small insects that are too delicate for standard mounting pins?

Tiny specimens under 3 millimeters require micro-pins called minuten pins or should be glued to card points. Pointing involves cutting a triangular card stock point, bending the tip downward, and using a drop of water-soluble shellac or archival glue to attach the insect right side. Alternatively, double-mount micro-pins by pressing a fine headless pin into the specimen and inserting the other end into a strip of polyporus pith on a standard size 3 pin.

Stainless steel vs black enamel insect pins: which is better for specimen preservation?

Stainless steel insect pins are better for long-term museum preservation because they completely resist chemical reactions with specimen lipids. Black enamel pins provide greater rigidity, which helps penetrate hard elytra on dry specimens without bending. However, acidic fats inside large insect abdomens can degrade the black varnish over several decades, leading to verdigris build-up. For general collections and humid environments, stainless steel offers permanent archival durability.

How much do insect mounting pins cost for a beginner collection?

High-grade insect mounting pins generally cost between $6 and $12 per pack of 100 pins. European brands like Elephant and Sphinx sell 100-count packs of sizes 2 or 3 in stainless steel for roughly $8 to $10. Beginners starting a 50-specimen collection can budget about $15 to purchase one pack of size 2 pins and a basic wooden pinning block. Bulk packs of 500 or 1,000 pins reduce unit costs for universities and serious hobbyists.

Why do insect pins corrode or turn green inside preserved specimens?

Verdigris corrosion occurs when copper in brass-alloy pins or unsealed steel reacts chemically with fatty acids inside the drying insect. This reaction creates a green, crusty copper salt that swells, fractures specimen bodies, and destroys delicate joints over time. Prevent corrosion by choosing genuine stainless steel pins or high-grade enameled pins for greasy insects like moths and beetles. If corrosion appears in an existing collection, degrease specimens in an acetone bath before remounting.

Can you use regular sewing pins for insect collection preservation?

Sewing pins should never be used for insect collection preservation because their shafts are too short, thick, and prone to rapid rusting. Common craft pins measure roughly 25 to 30 millimeters in length, leaving insufficient clearance for labels and handling forceps, while standard entomological pins measure exactly 38 millimeters. Sewing pins also feature blunt tips that crush brittle exoskeletons rather than piercing cleanly. Investing in professional mounting pins protects specimens from breaking and ensures the collection lasts for decades.