Hi Marko, Great question! No need to worry, the butterfly wings will not be that wet (just damp) they WILL dry under the glass... We have been using the glass strips for years will sucess. I think the spreading board being made of balsa wood or another light wood may absorb the moisure from the wings and dry naturally. I'm really not sure HOW the wings dry- but they do! leave the specimen on the board to dry for a few days for best results :-) Thanks for your question.
Fantastic video, very good technique. My problem is drying my specimens after pinning on my board, my specimens go mouldy. Would a drying lamp work to dry my specimens fully do you think? I live in the UK and my indoor temperature is quite cool for drying. Many thanks 🙂
you can use a variety of things, you can cut strips from any heavy stock paper like... business cards file folders plain greeting cards Now, if you don't have glass strips to weight down the outer edges of wings (prevents edges from curling up) you could simply cut strips of wax paper and pin the waxpaper edges down (being careful not to pin the wings because that would put a small whole in the wing where it was pierced) Thanks for viewing, and happy mounting!
Thank you Tracy for answer. Yes I use wood board. Not from balsa wood but I use linden wood its light and sure that wood absorb liquid. Thank you. This tehnique with glass is perfect I try it. I leave you perfect feedback. Kind regards
Hello Tracy. Tell me please. I will use tehnique for spreading wings with glasses like you. But tell me, after re hydrating proces. Butterfly and his wings are relaxed and little bit wet. So when you open wings and at last put glass on it. Can wings efficiently dry below those glasses, there is no air drying below glass. Please I need decent answer.
Sometimes removing the pin is very difficult, you can try to twist the pin slowly to remove. Next time you mount, try dipping the tip of the pin in vasoline jelly it helps when it is time to remove (only need a tiny bit) also, try using stainless steel pins.
Hello Tracy! Tell me please how to remove pin from thorax when butterfly is dried? If I don`t remove it, I can`t put butterfly into frame because pin is too long. I have tried to cut the pin and broke the butterfly antennas because of clipper click vibration. Thanks
I simply use manilla file folders and cut the with a paper cutter into strips and then cut length to size with scissors as needed. you could also use business cards or any other heavy card stock paper. Please see comment below. Thanks for your interest and happy mounting!
Nice tips! Thank you. I have a few questions: 1) Where did you get the Blue Swallowtail? Is that a butterfly normally found in the U.S.? 2) Where did you get the large slides? The largest I found were only 3" long. Those you have are clearly bigger. 3) What is a good source for spreading blocks? Sources on Amazon charge outrageous prices for a even a foam based block. I prefer a wooden one and possibly could make one, but I don't know the right wood to use. I know it would have to be something soft to take the pins. 4) Do you have a video or tips on relaxing specimens for mounting?
Hello, thanks for your interest. That swallowtail is called a Ulysses. (there is another one that's just as amazing called Blumie) they are from Indonesia. You can buy them from ButterfliesandThings that is a .com address (I can't post as a link or this will get removed) **** use PROMO CODE: TRACY5 for a discount. you can also buy them from IanniButterflyEnt (.net) as for the slides... they were custom made from a place that cuts glass for cabinets and auto, just tell them you want heavy glass> the sizes you would like (we have 4 different sizes) and tell them to round off all the edges including the straight parts so the sharp glass does not scrape the scales on the wings.
Very pretty butterflies, I do like the Blumei too! Thank you for the information and also the discount code. I will check that site out. As for the slides, I guess that explains why I couldn't find any that large!
some of my favorites are those two swallowtails, birdwing family, morpho family, then there is one moth that mimics the butterfly called riphius (sunset moth) just tell my mom- you want to start a collection of "eye candy" she'll hook you up!
Actually I am mostly a moth guy and I do want to get some exotics (outside US) moths such as the Atlas, the Comet, and the Lyssa Zampa. The morphos are very nice and so are the birdwings, but the birdwings are really rare and cost a bunch. I am just starting out. So the key words are 'want to start a collection of eye candy'? I might try that to expand a collection since I do already know which species to look for. I know of the Blue Morpho, but not the Ulysses and that was why I asked about that one. I know of the Monarch (of course) and also the various Swallowtails in the USA, such as the Giant, Pipevine, Tiger and Black Swallowtails. I know some of the smaller ones too such as the Painted Lady and Buck Eye. Usually I prefer the larger ones. So far out of them all the Comet, or Magascan Moon Moth is my favorite. I want to get cocoons for those, but need a permit to raise them in the U.S. They are absolutely beautiful and HUGE! Of course I will always love the Luna Moth as that is what I started with. I hatched some last year, but still have to mount them.
then you will LOVE the Riphius! it is jet black with metallic sunset colors and the hind wings have like 5 tails... it's a beauty. My mom has those for sure, and of course the Atlas moths. Did you know the Atlas is also called the serpent head moth because when you look at the tips of the forewings, it looks like the profile of a serpent> cool stuff!
Hi Kelley, Can you please tell me why my butterflies got mould though I keep them dried. What kinds of chemicals should stop the mould? Thanks so much.
A family member of mine bought me a professionally pinned butterfly and it looked like the people had put some glue under the wings, is this a normal practice when you go to frame them? Maybe it was to make sure the wings dont droop over time...
Hi, no it is not normal practice to put any glue on a specimen... spreading should be 100% natural unless there was damage or wings were not strong enough to stay spread possibly due to mold during the relaxation process.
+Camille Schneider that would be the normal place to glue to strenghten the wings. the body is what supports the wings. I have done a lot of repairs through the years and trust me- they knew what they were doing! as long as you are happy that is all that matters :-) If it were going into a collection, that would be a different story! Enjoy your beautiful treasure, it came from the heart.
Hi Tracy, I found that my first time spreading couple of butterflies the first fore wing was fine, but when I went to move the second fore wing up it kind of bent right near the thorax. So the wing has a sort of kink in it. How can I prevent this, or what did I do wrong?
+Camille Schneider Hi, great question... very common problem! easy solution :-) most likely the butterfly is too low on the mounting board (pin)the body of the specimen needs to be level with the board (not nose diving or nose up) sometimes the pin not being straight down the thorax and off at an angle creates an issue as well. Always check the position of the pin and the body then the body and the board before you start--- that should do it! good luck
Hi, I am very interested in taking this up as a hobby, totally newbie! But so fascinated by it all! How would you recommend I start? Best learning tutorials? Items I will need? Ect.. 😊 I'm in the UK 😊 Amazing video by the way! Such a beautiful creature!
I don't know about in the UK, but in Australia there are entomology websites that provide starter kits that pretty much have everything you need. I managed to find some on Ebay as well.
So sorry for the late response, I just gave birth to twins so I haven't been doing videos for a while. You can buy a vast variety of dried specimens from ButterfliesandThings (.com)
butterfliesandthings. com (no spaces, had to type it that way because youtube won't allow website posts) use promo code: Tracy when you place your order to get a discount!
+:I Meh Until you know ALL the details about an item or post you want to "bash" get the facts first!!! The butterflies are "farmed" and not only help natives to save thier land instead of selling it for quick profit... but also help the butterflies thrive- how you wonder> the natives are trained to grow butterfly food on their land- the more food they see, the more eggs they lay. Some species have actually grown in population since farming has began. And there is no running in the rainforest disrupting natural wildlife!
+:I Meh I understand your concern... I assure you, these butterflies have been dead long before we put a pin through thier precious little bodies! We cherish their beauty and are preserving them for others to enjoy. Butterflies have a life span of only about 2 weeks (depending on the specimen) and every moment they are alive they are prone to be atttacked by preditors. Once dead- they deteriorate as natural elements destroy the wings in a matter of days or less>>> now we can help the natives- the butterflies and help others to respect their beauty all at the same time.
I know these are old videos, but thank you for these. These are the most informative and helpful videos for beginners that I've found so far.
Awesome video!
Nobody ever brings up straightening of the head. Glad you brought it up!
Hi Marko, Great question!
No need to worry, the butterfly wings will not be that wet (just damp) they WILL dry under the glass... We have been using the glass strips for years will sucess.
I think the spreading board being made of balsa wood or another light wood may absorb the moisure from the wings and dry naturally. I'm really not sure HOW the wings dry- but they do!
leave the specimen on the board to dry for a few days for best results :-)
Thanks for your question.
Fantastic video, very good technique. My problem is drying my specimens after pinning on my board, my specimens go mouldy. Would a drying lamp work to dry my specimens fully do you think? I live in the UK and my indoor temperature is quite cool for drying. Many thanks 🙂
you can use a variety of things, you can cut strips from any heavy stock paper like...
business cards
file folders
plain greeting cards
Now, if you don't have glass strips to weight down the outer edges of wings (prevents edges from curling up)
you could simply cut strips of wax paper and pin the waxpaper edges down (being careful not to pin the wings because that would put a small whole in the wing where it was pierced)
Thanks for viewing, and happy mounting!
Thank you Tracy for answer.
Yes I use wood board. Not from balsa wood but I use linden wood its light and sure that wood absorb liquid. Thank you.
This tehnique with glass is perfect I try it. I leave you perfect feedback.
Kind regards
how long should the butterflies stay on the spreading board before they are dry enough to frame/mount?
Hello Tracy.
Tell me please. I will use tehnique for spreading wings with glasses like you. But tell me, after re hydrating proces. Butterfly and his wings are relaxed and little bit wet. So when you open wings and at last put glass on it. Can wings efficiently dry below those glasses, there is no air drying below glass. Please I need decent answer.
You're a butterfly physiotherapist!!
Are the media from the moss
From animals
What the metod for the calor
Thanks so much
Sometimes removing the pin is very difficult, you can try to twist the pin slowly to remove.
Next time you mount, try dipping the tip of the pin in vasoline jelly it helps when it is time to remove (only need a tiny bit)
also, try using stainless steel pins.
Thank you very much helped me!
Hello Tracy!
Tell me please how to remove pin from thorax when butterfly is dried? If I don`t remove it, I can`t put butterfly into frame because pin is too long.
I have tried to cut the pin and broke the butterfly antennas because of clipper click vibration.
Thanks
I simply use manilla file folders and cut the with a paper cutter into strips and then cut length to size with scissors as needed.
you could also use business cards or any other heavy card stock paper.
Please see comment below.
Thanks for your interest and happy mounting!
Nice tips! Thank you. I have a few questions:
1) Where did you get the Blue Swallowtail? Is that a butterfly normally found in the U.S.?
2) Where did you get the large slides? The largest I found were only 3" long. Those you have are clearly bigger.
3) What is a good source for spreading blocks? Sources on Amazon charge outrageous prices for a even a foam based block. I prefer a wooden one and possibly could make one, but I don't know the right wood to use. I know it would have to be something soft to take the pins.
4) Do you have a video or tips on relaxing specimens for mounting?
Hello, thanks for your interest. That swallowtail is called a Ulysses. (there is another one that's just as amazing called Blumie) they are from Indonesia. You can buy them from ButterfliesandThings that is a .com address (I can't post as a link or this will get removed) **** use PROMO CODE: TRACY5 for a discount. you can also buy them from IanniButterflyEnt (.net)
as for the slides... they were custom made from a place that cuts glass for cabinets and auto, just tell them you want heavy glass> the sizes you would like (we have 4 different sizes) and tell them to round off all the edges including the straight parts so the sharp glass does not scrape the scales on the wings.
Very pretty butterflies, I do like the Blumei too! Thank you for the information and also the discount code. I will check that site out. As for the slides, I guess that explains why I couldn't find any that large!
some of my favorites are those two swallowtails, birdwing family, morpho family, then there is one moth that mimics the butterfly called riphius (sunset moth) just tell my mom- you want to start a collection of "eye candy" she'll hook you up!
Actually I am mostly a moth guy and I do want to get some exotics (outside US) moths such as the Atlas, the Comet, and the Lyssa Zampa. The morphos are very nice and so are the birdwings, but the birdwings are really rare and cost a bunch. I am just starting out. So the key words are 'want to start a collection of eye candy'? I might try that to expand a collection since I do already know which species to look for. I know of the Blue Morpho, but not the Ulysses and that was why I asked about that one. I know of the Monarch (of course) and also the various Swallowtails in the USA, such as the Giant, Pipevine, Tiger and Black Swallowtails. I know some of the smaller ones too such as the Painted Lady and Buck Eye. Usually I prefer the larger ones. So far out of them all the Comet, or Magascan Moon Moth is my favorite. I want to get cocoons for those, but need a permit to raise them in the U.S. They are absolutely beautiful and HUGE! Of course I will always love the Luna Moth as that is what I started with. I hatched some last year, but still have to mount them.
then you will LOVE the Riphius! it is jet black with metallic sunset colors and the hind wings have like 5 tails... it's a beauty. My mom has those for sure, and of course the Atlas moths. Did you know the Atlas is also called the serpent head moth because when you look at the tips of the forewings, it looks like the profile of a serpent> cool stuff!
Hi Kelley,
Can you please tell me why my butterflies got mould though I keep them dried. What kinds of chemicals should stop the mould?
Thanks so much.
And what paper do you use to hold the wings? Cardboard stack strips? When I can get them?
Thanks
A family member of mine bought me a professionally pinned butterfly and it looked like the people had put some glue under the wings, is this a normal practice when you go to frame them? Maybe it was to make sure the wings dont droop over time...
Hi, no it is not normal practice to put any glue on a specimen... spreading should be 100% natural unless there was damage or wings were not strong enough to stay spread possibly due to mold during the relaxation process.
it seems to only be where the wing meets the body. Its strange. Oh well, the specimen is perfectly preserved. THanks
+Camille Schneider that would be the normal place to glue to strenghten the wings. the body is what supports the wings. I have done a lot of repairs through the years and trust me- they knew what they were doing! as long as you are happy that is all that matters :-) If it were going into a collection, that would be a different story! Enjoy your beautiful treasure, it came from the heart.
Hi Tracy, I found that my first time spreading couple of butterflies the first fore wing was fine, but when I went to move the second fore wing up it kind of bent right near the thorax. So the wing has a sort of kink in it. How can I prevent this, or what did I do wrong?
+Camille Schneider Hi, great question... very common problem! easy solution :-) most likely the butterfly is too low on the mounting board (pin)the body of the specimen needs to be level with the board (not nose diving or nose up) sometimes the pin not being straight down the thorax and off at an angle creates an issue as well. Always check the position of the pin and the body then the body and the board before you start--- that should do it! good luck
+Tracy Kelley thanks Tracy :D
Hi,
I am very interested in taking this up as a hobby, totally newbie! But so fascinated by it all! How would you recommend I start? Best learning tutorials? Items I will need? Ect.. 😊
I'm in the UK 😊
Amazing video by the way! Such a beautiful creature!
I don't know about in the UK, but in Australia there are entomology websites that provide starter kits that pretty much have everything you need. I managed to find some on Ebay as well.
So sorry for the late response, I just gave birth to twins so I haven't been doing videos for a while.
You can buy a vast variety of dried specimens from ButterfliesandThings (.com)
Have you used butterflies brought from the jungle of Peru or the Andes of Peru?
yes... as a matter of fact, I went to Peru twice!
yes... as a matter of fact, I went to Peru twice!
Did you visit the Inca city of Machu Picchu?
where do you buy your butterflys from
I wonder where you buy these insects the site?
butterfliesandthings. com
(no spaces, had to type it that way because youtube won't allow website posts) use promo code: Tracy when you place your order to get a discount!
I am brazileiro will be that they send pro Brazil ???🇧🇷
Wait did the butterfly die or is fake
it is dead
how could you do this to a butterfly
+:I Meh What did she do that was so wrong?
+:I Meh Until you know ALL the details about an item or post you want to "bash" get the facts first!!!
The butterflies are "farmed" and not only help natives to save thier land instead of selling it for quick profit... but also help the butterflies thrive- how you wonder> the natives are trained to grow butterfly food on their land- the more food they see, the more eggs they lay. Some species have actually grown in population since farming has began. And there is no running in the rainforest disrupting natural wildlife!
I meant how could you stick pins and stuff through butterflies.😒
+:I Meh
I understand your concern... I assure you, these butterflies have been dead long before we put a pin through thier precious little bodies!
We cherish their beauty and are preserving them for others to enjoy. Butterflies have a life span of only about 2 weeks (depending on the specimen) and every moment they are alive they are prone to be atttacked by preditors. Once dead- they deteriorate as natural elements destroy the wings in a matter of days or less>>> now we can help the natives- the butterflies and help others to respect their beauty all at the same time.
Tracy Kelley ok :)
is it a real one ?
yes, it is a Ulysses from Indonesia
thank you... this is a good video...
OMG ITS SO PRETTY!!
hi,spring201 cant have,mi frend to te?
😢😠