How to Preserve a Dragonfly for Pinning

Preserving dragonflies for pinning presents unique challenges due to their delicate wing membranes, long fragile abdomens, and colors that fade rapidly after death. However, with proper technique and quick action, you can create stunning specimens that showcase these aerial predators' elegant form and intricate wing venation. Success requires understanding dragonfly anatomy, working quickly to preserve colors, and using specialized support techniques during drying.

Why Dragonflies Are Challenging to Preserve

Unique Difficulties

• Rapid color loss: Brilliant blues and greens fade within hours of death
• Fragile wings: Transparent membranes tear easily and require careful handling
• Long abdomen: Prone to drooping, breaking, or curling during drying
• Delicate legs: Thin and easily broken, difficult to position
• Large eyes: Can shrink or collapse if not dried quickly
• Body structure: Hollow abdomen can collapse or distort

Rewards of Success

• Spectacular wing venation visible in detail
• Elegant, streamlined form perfect for display
• Impressive size (some species reach 5+ inches wingspan)
• Educational value showing predatory adaptations
• Unique addition to natural history collections

Essential Materials

Collection and Killing

• Aerial net with fine mesh
• Killing jar with ethyl acetate
• Glassine envelopes (large size)
• Field notebook for data

Preservation and Pinning

• Insect pins (size 2 or 3)
• Fine forceps (multiple pairs)
• Support pins (many needed)
• Foam board or cork board
• Acetone or alcohol (for color preservation - optional)
• Cotton or tissue for abdomen support
• Fine wire (for internal abdomen support if needed)
• Tracing paper or glassine strips

Workspace

• Well-lit, dust-free area
• Stable work surface
• Dark drying location (to minimize color fading)
• Magnifying glass or lamp

Step-by-Step Preservation Process

Step 1: Collection and Immediate Handling

Catching Dragonflies

• Use a fine-mesh aerial net
• Approach slowly—dragonflies have excellent vision
• Early morning when cool and less active is easiest
• Catch near water where they hunt and breed
• Handle gently to avoid wing damage

Humane Killing

• Place immediately in killing jar with ethyl acetate
• Leave for 15-20 minutes to ensure death
• OR place in freezer for 2-4 hours (slower but chemical-free)
• Never squeeze the thorax—this damages internal structure

Critical Timing

• Pin within 2-4 hours of death if possible
• Colors begin fading immediately upon death
• The faster you work, the better color retention
• If you can't pin immediately, store in envelope in cool, dark place

Step 2: Color Preservation (Optional but Recommended)

Dragonfly colors fade rapidly because they're often structural or due to fluids in the body.

Acetone Injection Method

• Using a fine syringe, inject pure acetone into the abdomen
• Insert needle between abdominal segments
• Inject slowly until abdomen is filled
• This helps fix colors and prevents shrinkage
• Work quickly—acetone evaporates fast

Alcohol Preservation Alternative

• Some collectors briefly dip specimen in 70% alcohol
• Helps preserve colors temporarily
• Must pin immediately after—don't let dry in alcohol

Reality Check

• Some color loss is inevitable, especially blues and greens
• Reds, blacks, and yellows are more stable
• Wing patterns and venation remain perfect
• Even faded specimens are beautiful and valuable

Step 3: Pinning the Specimen

Pin Placement

• Insert pin through the thorax at a slight angle
• Pin enters from upper right, exits lower left
• OR pin horizontally through the thorax (alternative method)
• Pin should be slightly off-center to avoid major organs
• Use size 2 or 3 pin depending on dragonfly size

Pin Angle Importance

• Angled pin helps support the long abdomen
• Prevents abdomen from sagging during drying
• Creates more stable mount than vertical pinning
• Some preparators prefer horizontal pinning for very large species

Positioning on Pin

• Specimen should be 1/3 down from pin head (standard height)
• Use pinning block for consistency
• Ensure dragonfly is level when pin is vertical

Step 4: Wing Positioning

Dragonflies can be displayed with wings in different positions.

Option 1: Wings Spread Laterally (Most Common)

• All four wings extended to the sides
• Shows wing venation and patterns completely
• Most dramatic and popular display style
• Requires careful support during drying

Technique:

• Pin specimen into foam or cork board
• Gently spread wings to sides using fine forceps
• Position wings flat against the board surface
• Use strips of tracing paper over wings
• Pin paper strips to board (not through wings!)
• Ensure wings are symmetrical on both sides
• Front and hind wings can overlap slightly or be separated

Option 2: Wings in Natural Position

• Wings held together over the back (at rest position)
• More compact, easier to store
• Less dramatic but more natural
• Easier for beginners

Option 3: Wings Partially Spread

• Wings at 45-degree angle
• Compromise between spread and natural
• Shows some wing detail while remaining compact

Step 5: Abdomen Support (Critical)

The long abdomen is the most challenging aspect of dragonfly preservation.

External Support Method

• Place support pins under the abdomen at intervals
• Pins should touch but not pierce the abdomen
• Use 3-5 support pins depending on abdomen length
• Keeps abdomen straight and level during drying
• Remove support pins after specimen is completely dry

Cotton Cradle Method

• Create a small cradle of cotton or tissue under abdomen
• Supports abdomen gently without pressure
• Prevents sagging and maintains natural curve
• Remove carefully after drying

Internal Wire Support (Advanced)

• For very large dragonflies or long-term display
• Insert fine wire through abdomen from tip to thorax
• Requires skill to avoid visible damage
• Provides permanent internal support
• Not necessary for most specimens

Step 6: Leg and Antenna Positioning

Legs

• Dragonfly legs are spiny and delicate
• Position naturally along the body or slightly extended
• Use fine pins to hold in place during drying
• Don't worry about perfect positioning—some breakage is common

Antennae

• Very short in dragonflies (unlike damselflies)
• Position forward if visible
• Often too small to manipulate

Step 7: Drying

Drying Environment

• Critical: Dry in complete darkness or very low light
• Light accelerates color fading dramatically
• Warm, dry location (20-25°C)
• Good air circulation but not direct drafts
• Protected from dust and pests

Drying Time

• Small dragonflies: 7-10 days
• Medium dragonflies: 10-14 days
• Large dragonflies: 14-21 days
• Test by gently touching abdomen—should be completely rigid
• Wings should not flex when paper is removed

During Drying

• Check daily for sagging or shifting
• Adjust support pins if needed in first 2-3 days
• Watch for mold (rare but possible in humid conditions)
• Don't rush—incomplete drying causes collapse

Step 8: Final Touches

Removing Supports

• Once completely dry, carefully remove paper strips from wings
• Remove support pins from under abdomen
• Remove cotton or tissue supports
• Work slowly to avoid breaking dried parts

Labeling

• Add collection data label: location, date, collector
• Add identification label: species name
• Pin labels on same pin below specimen
• Use archival paper and permanent ink

Special Considerations for Damselflies

Damselflies (close relatives of dragonflies) require similar techniques with some differences:

• More delicate: Even thinner bodies and more fragile
• Wings at rest: Naturally held together over back
• Smaller size: May use size 1 or 2 pins
• Color retention: Often better than dragonflies
• Longer antennae: Need careful positioning

Common Problems and Solutions

Problem: Abdomen Droops or Curves

Cause: Insufficient support during drying

Prevention: Use more support pins, check positioning daily

Fix: If caught early, re-relax and re-pin with better support

Problem: Wings Tear or Crumple

Cause: Rough handling or specimen too dry

Prevention: Work gently, pin while fresh, use forceps not fingers

Fix: Minor tears can be repaired with tiny amounts of clear adhesive

Problem: Severe Color Fading

Cause: Light exposure during drying, delayed pinning

Prevention: Dry in darkness, pin immediately after death, try acetone injection

Fix: Cannot be reversed; accept natural fading as part of preservation

Problem: Abdomen Breaks

Cause: Rough handling, insufficient support, specimen too dry

Prevention: Gentle handling, adequate support, work while fresh

Fix: Can be reattached with fine wire and archival glue

Problem: Eyes Shrink or Collapse

Cause: Slow drying, high humidity

Prevention: Quick drying in warm, dry environment

Fix: Cannot be reversed once dried

Display and Storage

Display Options

• Shadow boxes: Deep frames to accommodate spread wings
• Riker mounts: Cotton-filled display cases
• Glass-topped boxes: Allow viewing from above
• Museum drawers: For scientific collections

Long-Term Care

• Keep away from direct sunlight (fading continues even after drying)
• Store in sealed cases to prevent pest damage
• Maintain low humidity (40-50%)
• Handle minimally—dragonflies remain fragile
• Check periodically for dermestid beetles or other pests

Ethical Collection

• Collect only common, abundant species
• Never collect endangered or protected species
• Obtain necessary permits for collecting
• Collect only what you need for study or display
• Avoid collecting during peak breeding season
• Consider purchasing from ethical suppliers instead

Tips for Success

• Speed is critical: Work quickly after collection
• Practice first: Start with common species before attempting rare ones
• Accept imperfection: Some color loss and minor damage is normal
• Use adequate support: Better too much than too little
• Dry in darkness: Cannot be emphasized enough for color retention
• Be patient: Allow full drying time before handling
• Keep records: Document collection data immediately

Professional Alternative

Dragonfly preservation is one of the most technically demanding forms of insect preparation. The combination of rapid color fading, fragile structure, and complex support requirements makes it challenging even for experienced collectors. Many enthusiasts prefer professionally prepared dragonfly specimens that offer:

• Expert color preservation techniques
• Perfect wing positioning and symmetry
• Proper abdomen support preventing sagging
• Minimal damage to delicate structures
• Ready-to-display quality
• Ethical sourcing documentation

Museum-Quality Dragonfly Specimens

Our collection features professionally preserved dragonflies prepared by expert entomologists who specialize in Odonata. Each specimen is carefully collected, rapidly processed to preserve colors, and expertly mounted to showcase the elegant form and intricate wing venation of these aerial predators—all ethically sourced and ready for display.

Explore Our Dragonfly Collection