People often ask me what gear I use and where to get it. This page lists the supplies I recommend for collecting, mounting, and storing insects. For dried insect specimens of North America north of Mexico, I point you to Insects4Sale. For supplies, I like Ecology Supplies, which sells entomology equipment for collectors, students, and researchers.
As an affiliate, I may earn commissions on qualifying purchases to help maintain this website.
Dried Insect Specimens at Insects4Sale
For dried insect specimens of North America north of Mexico, shop Insects4Sale. All of our insects are dead, unmounted specimens, ready for you to relax, pin, and add to your collection.
Recommended from Ecology Supplies
Insect Pins
Good pins make a big difference, and I point people to Ecology Supplies for them. They carry stainless steel pins in sizes 0, 1, 2, and 3, along with the smaller and larger sizes, so you can get what your specimens need. A pin bundle with one pack of each size is an easy way to start.
Shop insect pins | See the Insect Pins Bundle
Riker Display Cases
Riker mounts are a simple way to show off a few specimens in a flat case with a glass front. Ecology Supplies sells them in three sizes.
Spreading Boards
A spreading board holds the wings in place while a moth or butterfly dries so it looks natural on the pin. They have both foam and wooden boards.
Pinning Blocks
A pinning block sets every specimen and label at the same height on the pin, which keeps a collection neat and easy to handle. They have a wood block and a metal block.
See the Wood Pinning Block | See the Metal Pinning Block
Insect Nets
A good net is the most important tool you will own. Ecology Supplies has aerial nets with wooden or telescopic handles in 12 and 15 inch hoops, plus replacement bags and D-frame nets for aquatic insects.
Museum Drawers
Once your collection outgrows Riker cases, glass-top drawers keep pinned specimens safe and easy to view. They sell the standard Cornell, USNM, and California Academy sizes, so you can add more later and they will match.
Unit Trays
Unit trays sit inside a drawer and let you sort specimens by family or genus, then move a group without handling each pin. Pick the trays that match your drawer style.
Cabinets
A cabinet holds a stack of drawers and keeps out light and dust. This is a bigger purchase, but it is worth it once you have several drawers.
Forceps
Lightweight or fine-tip forceps let you handle specimens and place pins without crushing legs or antennae. A pair of pinning forceps and a pair of fine-tip forceps will cover most jobs.
Aspirators
An aspirator, or pooter, lets you suck up small insects that are too tiny to grab by hand or with a net. It is a cheap tool that adds a lot of small species to a collection.
Blacklights and Traps
A UV light at night brings in moths, beetles, and other insects you will rarely see by day. They also carry a light trap collecting tent, butterfly traps, and Malaise traps.
See the LED Blacklight | Shop all traps
Points, Glue, and Vials
Insects too small to pin go on paper points with a dab of glue. Vials are the way to keep soft-bodied insects and spiders in alcohol.
Shop points and glue | Shop vials
Questions about which gear is right for you? Use the contact form and I will be glad to help.