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We deliver worldwide

Get your package anywhere!

Free shipping

On orders over $100 USD / €85 EURO / £75 GBP

Happiness guaranteed

30 day money back guarantee

100% Secure payments

Visa, Mastercard, Amex, PayPal, Google Pay, Apple Pay, Shop Pay, Discover, Maestro & more

Welcome to BugsDirect Ltd. Leading Suppliers of Worldwide Entomology Specimens (Retail/Wholesale)

How to Preserve a Butterfly for Framing

Preserving butterflies for framing is a delicate art that combines scientific technique with aesthetic presentation. Whether you're creating a Victorian-inspired cabinet of curiosities or a modern natural history display, proper preservation ensures your butterfly specimens remain beautiful for generations.

Essential Materials for Butterfly Preservation

  • Spreading board or foam board
  • Insect pins (size 2 or 3)
  • Glassine paper or grease proof paper stips
  • Relaxing chamber or humidity box
  • Tweezers and forceps
  • Display frame

Step-by-Step Preservation Process

1. Relaxing the Specimen

If your butterfly is dried, place it in a relaxing chamber with damp paper towels for 24-48 hours. This softens the wings and body, making them pliable for spreading without damage.

2. Spreading the Wings

Position the butterfly on a spreading board with the body in the central groove. Gently spread the wings to their natural position using insect pins and strips of paper to hold them in place. The forewings should be positioned at a 90-degree angle to the body.

3. Drying and Setting

Allow the specimen to dry completely in a warm, dry location for 7-14 days. Proper drying prevents mold and ensures the wings maintain their position.

4. Mounting for Display

Once fully dried, carefully pin the butterfly to a backing board or mount it using archival adhesive. Position it in your frame with UV-protective glass to prevent fading.

Professional vs. DIY Preservation

While DIY preservation is rewarding, professionally prepared specimens offer museum-quality results with expert spreading, mounting, and species identification. Pre-mounted butterflies are ideal for collectors seeking ready-to-frame displays.

Ethical Sourcing Considerations

Always source butterfly specimens ethically from conservation farms, specialist breeders, or reputable natural history suppliers. Avoid collecting wild specimens from protected species or sensitive habitats.

Ready-to-Frame Butterfly Specimens

Browse our collection of ethically sourced, professionally preserved butterflies perfect for framing. Each specimen is expertly spread and mounted, ready to create stunning natural history displays.

Explore Our Collection