Hints For Making A Winning Collection


  • Refer to the scorecard which will show you the point value of items the judges consider when looking at your collection
  • Use only undamaged specimens.
  • The "Insect Collecting 101" page will show you how to make your collection look like a professional collection! Other pinning tips may be found in various entomology books such as Peterson's Field Guide. 
  • For Division II and above collect a variety of insects that show variations within an order. For example, grasshoppers, crickets and katydids. Keep the collection in balance; do not have it top-heavy with one order such as Lepidoptera. Get as many orders as you can.
  • Spread the wings of Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths) and Odonata (drangflies and damselflies) correctly and uniformly.
  • Arrange the legs of larger insects so that they are in a natural position.
  • Be sure all insects are pinned correctly, are the same height on the pins and are not crooked.
  • Be as accurate as you can in identifying insects to common name and to family name where suggested.
  • Use uniform labels placed the same height on the pins and not crooked. Place bottom labels low enough on the insect pins so that they are flat against the bottom of the display box.
  • Remember that arrangement in the box is very important. If possible, group each order in a rectangular area below a single order label, arranging the specimens in neat straight rows. Click here for Order Labels.
  • Make home-made display cases more attractive by finishing them with varnish or wax.
  • Use a background color that shows your collection to its best advantage. White and light pastel shades of blue and green are all good.
  • Arrange insects so that you can display the boxes on their sides.
  • Do not re-label and use insects that have been in another person's collection. Do not purchase insects from supply houses. Judges can easily detect such specimens and WILL DISQUALIFY  the entire collection.
  • You can exhibit insects from another state if you collect them yourself and if you label them correctly as to state, county and date.

Hints For MAKING A Winning Educational Box (Division IV)

  • Remember that the purpose of the educational box is to teach people something about insects that they probably do not already know.
  • Refer to the score card which will show you the point value of things the judges consider when looking at your box.
  • Do not try to teach more than one lesson with each box.
  • Place a heading in the box and arrange materials so that anyone looking at the box can get the general idea of what it is all about at first glance. Prepare the display so that it will tell its story without too much reading. Don't expect anyone looking at the box to try to "figure out" what it means.
  • Be sure your information is scientifically accurate.
  • Try to be original.
  • Be neat and careful and try to make your workmanship of high quality. Dress up your display so that it has "eye appeal."