Pin size for mantids

[Morbo]

I plan on pinning my mantids after they kick the bucket, and displaying them in shadow boxes. I've searched online, and I see that there are different sizes for the insect pins. I've never had them preserved before, so what would you guys say is the best size for large adult mantids such as budwings and Sphodromantis lineola? I want to try my best to get it right, especially knowing that most people tend to mess up the first time.

 

[Rick]

I don't recall what size I have. Not too big and not too small. Going smaller is better than too big.

 

[yen_saw]

For large size mantis, use size 2 or even 3 insect pin. You will get better with more practise. Some of the preserving method in my blog posted back in 2009. notice the pin size 0 and 1 I used, but it was for slender mantis.

http://www.usamantis.com/11-4-09preserving_mantis.html

http://www.usamantis.com/11-4-09preserving_mantis2.html

 

[Morbo]

Thanks for the replies. Seeing that the mantids I want to preserve are Tenodera, Parasphendale, and Sphodromantis, I guess size 2 pins would work just fine.