6 Best Insect Mounting Strips For Display Organization

When you spend your mornings checking the perimeter of your garden or monitoring the health of your local ecosystem, noticing the local insect population becomes second nature. Properly documenting these findings transforms a simple hobby into a valuable record of seasonal biodiversity. Selecting the right mounting material is the bridge between a cluttered workbench and a curated, scientific reference collection.

BioQuip Ethafoam Strip: The Professional Standard

The BioQuip Ethafoam strip remains the industry benchmark for those who require absolute reliability. Its closed-cell polyethylene foam construction offers the perfect density, allowing for a firm grip on insect pins while preventing them from wobbling over time. Unlike cheaper foams that crumble or lose their structural integrity, this material maintains a consistent tension through years of seasonal humidity changes.

For the hobby farmer maintaining a rigorous archive of pest species or beneficial pollinators, this is the gold standard. It withstands frequent handling without shedding debris, which protects specimens from the microscopic dust that often ruins delicate wings or antennae. If the goal is a permanent reference set that stays crisp for decades, invest in BioQuip.

Ward’s Plastazote Foam: Best for Education Use

If the primary goal involves teaching others or frequently adjusting a display, Plastazote is the ideal choice. This high-purity, cross-linked polyethylene foam is incredibly resilient, essentially “healing” itself after a pin is removed. This makes it a superior option for classroom settings or collections that are frequently reorganized as new species are identified.

The ease of pinning into Plastazote reduces the physical strain on the hands during long sorting sessions. Because it is chemically inert, it will not react with the metallic pins or the oils within the insect specimens. For those who prioritize a forgiving material that accommodates constant adjustments, Ward’s Plastazote is the most practical selection.

Carolina Polyethylene Strip: Top Budget-Friendly Pick

Not every collection requires high-end museum materials, especially when starting out or working on large-scale educational projects. Carolina’s polyethylene strips provide a cost-effective solution that performs adequately for general pinning needs. While they lack the premium, high-density feel of professional archival foam, they are perfectly functional for basic entomological work.

These strips are excellent for those who need to fill many display cases on a limited budget. However, be aware that they may not hold pins as securely as denser alternatives over many years of heavy use. For the hobbyist who wants to focus their budget on quality pins or display cases, these strips provide reliable, no-nonsense utility.

Ento-Sest Archival Foam: For Museum-Quality Displays

When preservation is the highest priority, turn to Ento-Sest. This archival-grade foam is specifically engineered to be acid-free and inert, ensuring that no chemical degradation occurs within the collection. Over time, cheap foams can release gases that discolor pins or brittle the insect’s chitin, but this material is explicitly designed to remain stable for generations.

Museum-quality work is not just about the display; it is about the long-term safety of the specimens. If the collection includes rare specimens or long-term biological records that must survive for future study, do not cut corners with the mounting surface. Ento-Sest is the clear choice for the dedicated steward who values longevity above all else.

K-KEN High-Density Foam: A Durable, Reusable Option

K-KEN foam stands out for its exceptional density, which provides a satisfying “bite” for even the thinnest insect pins. This density ensures that once a pin is placed, it remains perfectly perpendicular to the base, preventing the annoying leaning that can ruin the visual uniformity of a display. It is remarkably durable and holds its shape through extensive travel or accidental bumps.

For those who frequently move their collections for exhibits or agricultural fairs, the rigidity of K-KEN is a massive advantage. It secures specimens with a tight, reassuring hold that prevents pins from vibrating loose during transit. If durability and structural precision are the primary requirements, K-KEN is a top-tier performer.

Acorn Natural Cork Strip: The Classic, Eco-Friendly Choice

Natural cork remains a favorite for traditionalists who prefer materials sourced from renewable bark rather than synthetic plastics. It offers a distinct aesthetic warmth that pairs beautifully with wooden display cases and vintage labeling. Cork has a natural, fibrous texture that grips pins well, though it can become “tired” in spots after being pinned and unpinned repeatedly.

The trade-off with cork is its organic nature; it requires a dry environment to prevent mold and must be checked occasionally for signs of degradation. However, for the hobby farmer who favors sustainable materials and a classic, rustic look, cork is the only logical choice. It brings a grounded, natural feel to the display that synthetic foams simply cannot replicate.

Choosing Your Mounting Strip Material: Foam vs. Cork

Deciding between foam and cork usually boils down to the intended environment and the frequency of use. Foam is generally the more stable, predictable option for long-term storage, especially in areas with fluctuating humidity. Cork provides a superior aesthetic for traditional displays but demands a more stable climate to ensure the cork does not break down or attract moisture.

• Choose Foam if: You need chemical inertness, high durability, and a “self-healing” surface for frequent reorganizing.
• Choose Cork if: You prioritize natural, sustainable materials and want a classic, traditional aesthetic for a static display.

Consider the ambient humidity in the storage room. Damp areas will favor the synthetic nature of polyethylene foam, while a climate-controlled study or office is perfectly suitable for natural cork. Match the material to the longevity of the collection; archival foam is for the legacy project, while cork is for the carefully curated aesthetic display.

Proper Pinning Technique for Perfect Specimens

Success with mounting strips begins with the pin itself, specifically using stainless steel entomological pins. Never use standard sewing pins, as they will rust and destroy the specimens over time. When mounting, ensure the insect is pinned at the correct height, usually with about 10mm of the pin protruding above the specimen to allow for easy handling without touching the wings.

Always insert the pin vertically into the mounting strip, ensuring it doesn’t tilt forward or backward. A quick, firm push into the strip is better than a slow, wiggling insertion, which can tear the foam or cork and loosen the grip. Consistent pinning height across all specimens significantly improves the visual appeal and professionalism of the final display.

Protecting Collections From Pests and UV Damage

Once the display is mounted, the battle for preservation shifts to the environment. The primary enemies of any entomological collection are dermestid beetles, booklice, and ultraviolet light. Always use a tight-sealing display case with a glass or UV-filtering acrylic top to keep pests out and prevent colors from fading in the sunlight.

Store collections in a cool, dark location away from windows or direct heat sources. If possible, include a small amount of silica gel within the display case to regulate humidity, especially if the collection is housed in an older wooden cabinet. Regular visual inspections are vital; a quick scan once a month will catch any pest activity before it spreads through the entire collection.

Arranging Specimens for Scientific or Artful Display

The arrangement of a collection can lean toward either strict scientific order or artistic presentation, depending on the purpose. Scientific displays follow taxonomic order, grouped by family, genus, and species, with labels clearly denoting the date, location, and collector for each specimen. This layout prioritizes information and ease of reference for future biological study.

Artful displays, meanwhile, focus on color palettes, wing patterns, and symmetrical layouts. While these look stunning on a wall, always ensure that the scientific data is kept on a secondary label pinned directly beneath the specimen. A beautiful collection remains a valuable one only if the data associated with each insect is preserved alongside it.

The investment of time into a well-organized insect collection pays off every time a quick identification is needed in the field. By choosing the right mounting material and following sound preservation practices, you ensure your work remains both a personal triumph and a reliable reference for years to come.