How To Pin A Wasp (With Tools)
In entomology, you have learned about bugs and a lot of things.
That’s why you should know how to pin a wasp in order to learn about them. Or some people love to collect bugs and insects and display them for art. You will see bugs pinned in encyclopedia books.
All pinning bugs and insects need special hands and practice. If you don’t know how to pin a wasp then this article will help you.
Things You Need To Pin a Wasp
Some important tools you have to keep near your hands in order to pin a wasp. These are some necessary tools and you can not pin the wasp without them.
- Insect catcher net to catch the insect
- A jar or container
- Some insect pins to pin the wasps
- Spreadboard
- Wax paper
At first catch some wasps with the insect catcher net. Make sure to catch them and detach them from the net gently so that any wings or legs don’t break. Make sure to catch a wasp that is big enough to pin.
Because small wasps are not worth pinning and you might detach their wings or legs by accident.
Then put the wasp in a container or jar and leave it for 8-9 hours in the freezer. By doing this it will kill the wasp so that you can pin them. The wasps tend to curl their abdomen up when they die.
To straighten the abdomen of the wasp, take it back from the freezer, and let it thaw for some hours. Then take any foam or spread board and start pinning the wasp while they’re malleable.
Keep the wasp in the spreading board and then take some pins to pin them. You can use foam as well to pin the wasp. Then keep two pieces of parchment paper on each side and nail the wings with pins using cut-out pieces of parchment paper.
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The pin needs to be nailed through the thorax between the roots of the fore wings and slightly to the right of the middle line.
Then you can display your wasp in the envelope or you can use it for your exam.
How I Pin A Wasp
Cautions
You have to be cautious while catching a wasp because they are delicate. And make sure to wear gloves otherwise the wasp’s sting can harm you.
Don’t forget to catch big wasps not small ones because small wasps are hard to pin. Also if you try to kill the small wasps, their abdomen will curl up and you can’t strengthen them.
Make sure to pin the wasp gently so that you don’t lose any wings or legs or any body parts of the wasp. Be careful when you pull the wasps from the foam when they’re dry because their tarsal claws tend to get stuck in the foam.
It’s better to use a butterfly board or spread board to pin a wasp.
FAQ
Can wasps smell fear?
Wasps have amazing senses that can recognize fearful behavior. That’s why if you are about to catch a wasp or if a wasp is on you then keep calm and move the wasp slowly away. If the wasp recognizes any fearful behavior then it will use its survival tactic and will sing your hand.
Why do wasps chase you?
Chasing is another survival technique for wasps. If you see a wasp or wasps chasing you then there is a possibility that they feel their nest is in danger. So you have to be cautious and maintain your distance from the wasp’s nest.
Conclusion
If you know how to pin a wasp, it will be easier for you to pin any bugs. Because wasps are easy to pin and you don’t need any hassle to pin the wasp. Make sure you’re killing the insect for the education, not for your advantage.
