How to Dry Butterfly Wings

There are approximately 17,500 species of butterflies in the world, and they vary in size, shape and color. They are found on every continent except Antarctica. Their colors help protect them from predators as their wings can act as camouflage. On average, an adult butterfly lives from 20 to 40 days. Read on to learn about how to dry butterfly wings.

Things You'll Need

  • Photograph album
  • Display case
  • Styrofoam
  • Colored paper
  • Pen or marker
  • Paper towels
  • Pins
  • Index cards
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Place a wet paper towel into the bottom of a plastic container. Then place the butterfly on the wet towel. This creates a relaxing chamber so that the butterfly's body absorbs the water and becomes pliable. Let the butterfly sit for 12 to 24 hours. After this time period, it should feel as soft as if it was alive again.

    • 2

      Hold onto the thorax of the butterfly and pinch it so its wings open up. Place a pin halfway up the thorax. Pin the butterfly onto a piece of Styrofoam.

    • 3

      Adjust its wings and antennae using a spade tip forceps. Cut thin strips of an index card and set them on top of the wings so they stay in place. Let the butterfly dry for a day or two.

    • 4

      After the butterfly has dried, pin it onto a display case. Or you can place the butterfly in a photograph album. However, this will press the butterfly and make it flat. If you put it in a photograph album, cut up colored paper for the background of the photograph slots and notate t he category to which the butterfly belongs.