Softening a dried butterfly specimen is a necessary step if you need to reposition its wings and body for proper display or storage. This process, often called rehydrating or relaxing, makes the dried tissues pliable again without damaging them.
The Rehydrating Process
When butterflies or other insects dry out, their body parts become stiff and brittle, making them easy to break if handled. To prepare them for pinning and mounting, you need to introduce moisture back into their tissues. This is typically done by placing the specimen in a humid environment for a period.
Step-by-Step Guide
The standard method involves using a sealed container to create a humid chamber. Follow these simple steps:
- Prepare a Container: Choose an airtight container large enough to hold your specimen without crowding it. Plastic food containers or rehydration boxes work well.
- Add Moisture Source: Place a piece of lightly damp (not soaking wet) paper towel at the bottom of the container. Some people add a few drops of disinfectant (like diluted carbolic acid) to the water to prevent mold growth, though a lightly damp towel usually suffices for shorter periods.
- Insert the Specimen: Put your insect into your container. Ensure it doesn't directly touch the wet paper towel at the bottom. You can place it on a piece of dry paper or cardboard above the damp towel.
- Cover the Specimen: Add another lightly, damp paper towel to cover them. This helps maintain humidity around the specimen.
- Seal the Container: Close the container tightly to trap the moisture inside.
- Storage Location: You can keep this container in a room-temperature room. Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources, which could encourage mold or dry out the container.
- Allow Time: Leave the specimen in the sealed container for the recommended duration to allow the tissues to soften.
Recommended Softening Times
The amount of time needed depends largely on the size of the butterfly or insect.
| Butterfly Size | Recommended Softening Time (Based on Reference) |
|---|---|
| Regular-sized | 24 hours |
| Larger specimens | Add 12-24 hours (Total: 36-48 hours) |
- Regular-sized butterflies: I suggest 24 hours for regular-sized butterflies.
- Larger specimens: Add 12-24 hours for larger specimens.
Check the specimen periodically by gently probing a leg or wing joint with forceps to see if it has become pliable. Do not force it. If it is still stiff, seal the container and allow more time. Over-softening can make the specimen very delicate, so aim for just enough flexibility to allow for posing.
Once softened, the butterfly can be carefully removed and pinned onto a mounting board in the desired position.
