There are around 17,500 different species of butterfly in the world, varying in shape, size and colour. A butterfly lives between 20 and 40 days. Anyone who collects butterflies for display, despite their already short lifespan, needs to know how to dry the fragile wings so that they are as supple and soft as a living butterfly.
Preparing the butterflies for a display case
Lay a wet paper towel in the bottom of a plastic container and place the butterfly on the wet paper. The butterfly should remain in the container for 12 to 24 hours so that the body absorbs the water and becomes supple.
Hold the butterfly's thorax and pinch it slightly so that the wings open. Stick a pin in the centre of the thorax and place the butterfly on a piece of polystyrene.
Carefully pull the wings and antennae into shape using tweezers. Leave the butterfly to dry for one to two days.
Once dry, pin the butterfly into the display case. Alternatively, you can place the butterfly in a photo album on coloured paper and flatten it there.
Butterflies in a photo album can be very educational and interesting for children. Don't forget to add the names of the butterflies. If possible, you should only use butterflies that have recently died a natural death and not kill them for showcases, as they are very useful.
Exotic butterflies for a showcase
