Ethical Moth Specimen Preservation: Killing Jar to Display
Kill moths humanely with ethyl acetate jar (seconds to anesthetize). Mount with entomological pins through thorax, spread wings on a spreading board for 1-2 weeks to dry.
The standard entomological method for humanely killing moths for display uses an ethyl acetate killing jar: 1. Place cotton balls soaked with ethyl acetate (nail polish remover works as a substitute) in a wide-mouth jar with a tight lid 2. Add a cardboard barrier with holes so the moth doesn't touch the chemical directly 3. The moth is anesthetized within seconds and dies within minutes — considered the most humane method Mounting process: - Use entomological pins (size 2 or 3) — longer and thinner than regular pins - Insert the pin vertically through the center of the thorax (thick middle section) - Push until about 1/4 inch shows above the moth, with the specimen sitting 1/3 down the pin - Use a spreading board (a grooved board with pinnable sides) to position wings - Gently move wings into spread position using strips of paper or glassine, pin the paper strips to hold wings flat - Leave on the spreading board for 1-2 weeks to dry in position - Transfer to a display case with a foam base for pinning