We introduced a few new classes to the Garden this month. One of which is our new Insect Pinning Class happening this Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. We’ve received a few questions regarding this class and thought we’d take the time to provide some more information regarding insect pinning and this class specifically. Take a look below and then be sure to sign up for the class here.
What is this class about?
This class teaches how to pin and preserve butterflies based on museum preservation techniques.
What do I get?
In the class, you will get two display-grade butterflies and a shadow box to hold them, valuing up to $80+! You will also get an additional practice butterfly, as well as the education and knowledge on how to do your own pinning.
Where do you get your butterflies?
We are getting our butterflies from two different places, one of them being our very own SOAR exhibit. After the butterflies passed away naturally, we collected and preserved them to use as our “teaching” specimens. The two museum-grade species came from various insect farms. Sourcing our butterflies through these farms helps to preserve rainforest habitats because insect farming is a renewable resource that allows native people to earn income without relying on the slash-and-burn method of agriculture and raising cattle, which destroys the surrounding environment for years to come.
Why is this important?
Amateur butterfly and moth collectors in the United States have procured more Lepidoptera specimens than professional scientists. This is important because the general decline of scientific interest in Lepidoptera creates a ripple effect that may compromise critically important preservation and large-scale research regarding future ecological and conservation issues, as well as the evolutionary understanding of rainforest and climate change.
