 | Refer to the scorecard which will show you the
point value of items the judges consider when looking at your collection.
|
| Use only undamaged specimens.
|
| The proper
pinning and labeling page will show you how to make your
collection look like a professional collection! Other pinning
tips may be found in various
entomology books such as Peterson's Field
Guide. |
| For Division II and above collect a variety of
insects that show variations within an order. For example, grasshoppers, crickets and
katydids. Keep the collection in balance; do not have it top-heavy with one order such as
Lepidoptera. Get as many orders as you can.
|
| Spread the wings of Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths) and Odonata
(drangflies and damselflies) correctly and uniformly.
|
| Arrange the legs of larger insects so that they
are in a natural position.
|
| Be sure all insects are pinned correctly, are
the same height on the pins and are not crooked.
|
| Be as accurate as you can in identifying
insects to common name and to family name where suggested.
|
| Use uniform labels placed the same height on
the pins and not crooked. Place bottom labels low enough on the insect pins so that they
are flat against the bottom of the display box.
|
| Remember that arrangement in the box is very
important. If possible, group each order in a rectangular area below a single order label,
arranging the specimens in neat straight rows.
|
| Make home-made display cases more attractive by finishing
them with varnish or wax.
|
| Use a background color that shows your
collection to its best advantage. White and light pastel shades of blue and green are all
good.
|
| Arrange insects so that you can display the
boxes on their sides.
|
| Do not re-label and use insects that have been
in another person's collection. Do not purchase insects from supply houses. Judges can
easily detect such specimens and WILL DISQUALIFY the entire collection.
|
| You can exhibit insects from another state if
you collect them yourself and if you label them correctly as to state, county and date.
|
