He is skinny, yes. I will have to look for a temp underground to pin him on. Never done it before. I don't know if it will work. But I will wait till he is totally gone.
With the larger species, especially females, I make an incision on the abdomen and remove as much of the innards as possible. Then, I carefully stuff the cavity with cotton (one small bit at a time using tweezers) until the abdomen looks normal. If you don't, chances are the abdomen will collapse or rot. The specimen will usually be dry enough to mount in 2-3 weeks depending on size. If you get impatient and try to mount before it is completely dry, the wings may droop after it is pinned and exposed to humidity.
Where do you make an incision? At the side of the abdomen? and what do you use when you to close it again?
Right down the center as pictured. If you stuff with just enough cotton to restore to the original size, the edges of the cut will meet and no adhesive should be necessary. If the cut remains open, it has been overstuffed and some cotton will need to be removed. Don't try to use one large piece of cotton or you'll make a mess of things. Small fluffy pieces inserted one at a time is the way to go and will give the most natural look. You don't want to pack it in.
I think I have an empty shoebox somewhere.
