Insect pinning: The method of preserving dead insects on specialized stainless steel pins for display or scientific study.
Several UC Davis entomology undergraduates and graduate students did just that when they tabled at the Bohart Museum of Entomology open house, themed "The ABC's of Museum."
Visitors learned the basics of how to pin insects, and asked multiple questions.
Third-year entomology doctoral student Gary Ge showed how to pin a butterfly, while fourth-year entomology major Hannah Petok and third-year entomology major Andrew Chung sat at a specimen table with a sign that read "Ask Us About Pinning Insects."
The traditional family arts-and-crafts activity? Pinning a paper butterflies. A colorful sign directed the visitors to: "Create a Pinned Paper Butterfly."
- Cut out your butterfly from the provided pages
- Stick a pin through the thorax of the paper butterfly (If you don't want to use a pin, you can use a toothpick)
- Add a data label below the butterfly on the pin
- Put your paper butterfly in a unit tray to take home!
"Visitors learned the many steps it takes to build a collection, from collecting insects to curating them," said Tabatha Yang, education and outreach coordinator. The attendees talked to entomologists, including special guest, Dr. Beetlelady, Stephanie Dole, a UC Davis alumna, scientist and author of the children's book, "Bug Power." (Bug Squad blog pening)
A High-Five!
The open house drew attendees from as far as the Bay Area and as close as incoming students. When Petok was tabling at the open house, she struck up a conversation with two incoming freshmen. She asked their major. "Entomology!" they both said in unison. "We love bugs!" A high-five resulted.
- Current entomology majors in the UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology: 93
- Entering students this fall: 40
Eight Million Insect Specimens
The Bohart Museum is the home of a global collection of eight million insect specimens, plus a live petting zoo (incluing Madagascar hissing cockroaches, stick insects and tarantulas), and an insect-themed gift shop.
Director of the Bohart Museum is Professor Jason Bond, the Evert and Marion Schlinger Endowed Chair in the Department of Entomology and Nematology, and the executive associate dean of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.
Resources:
- How to Make an Insect Collection, YouTube series headed by UC Davis Distinguished Professor James R. Carey, now emerita
- Pinning and Spreading Lepidoptera with Jeff Smith, Aggie Video. If there is enough interest in a fee-based class, Smith has offered to teach it. Contact bmuseum@ucdavis.edu to sign up.
Cover image: UC Davis third-year entomology graduate student Gary Ge shows how to pin a butterfly. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)