HOW TO KILL BUTTERFLIES AND OTHER INSECTS

Pinching (Butterflies only)

Pinching means squeezing the thorax of a butterfly with just enough force to break the exoskeleton and press some vital parts in the thorax; it will also paralyze some muscles that articulate the wings. The butterfly should die from this action. If it moves just a little bit after the squeeze, it's normal. If it moves too much, you'll have to squeeze again. Then put the butterfly in a papered envelope.

This method is very good for a net catch because it can be done when the butterfly is still in the pouch of the net. Immobilize the butterfly in some wrinkles of the net; do it fast because the net can scratch its wings. The wings should be closed giving access to both sides of the thorax. Feel the thorax through the net. Use your thumb and finger and squeeze. The butterfly should then fall motionless on the bottom of the net. With practice, you will learn the right pressure to use.

If you see blood or other parts coming out of the specimen after you squeeze, it was too much. This method is not recommended for moths that have a big thorax and smaller butterflies that are too fragile.

Injection (Moths, butterflies and most insects)

The injection of a solution (Ethyl Acetate) in the body of an insect with a syringe is the fastest way to kill instantly any insects. The best place to insert the needle is on the underside in the thorax. It can be done through the net as well as when you hold a specimen in your hand. For some good sized beetles or grasshoppers, you can inject directly deep in the mouth.

Humected with Ethyl Acetate (Any insect)

Use a small container, like an eye dropper, and pour some drops of ethyl acetate in the mouth or in the respiration holes on the abdomen of any kind of insect; they will die instantly.

Killing Jar (Small butterflies and moths + Any insect)

The killing jar is a plastic or glass container in which we will add few drops of Ethyl Acetate to asphyxiate the insect. At the bottom of the container is a tight-fit piece of upholstery foam that will absorb the poison drops and will protect the specimen from shock. A few drops can kill a dozen specimens. After the insects die, wait 10 minutes and transfer them in papered envelopes or other containers to preserve them in the best condition possible.

Freezing (All insects)

Use the freezer of your refrigerator to freeze the insects to death. Use a big container for butterflies so they won't break their wings trying to escape, or slide them (wings closed) in papered envelope. Beetles and other insects can be put in smaller containers. You can keep them in the freezer for as long as you want. It is also a good way to preserve them moist until you are ready to mount them. If you wait too long, they can be dehydrated and they will have to be humidified in a humidifying chamber (see: humidifying chamber).