Testing the Wings

by Clark Thompson

Spreading Butterflies: Step 1. Test the flexibility of the butterfly before spreading. Hold the butterfly's ventral thorax and abdomen between your thumb and index finger. Insert forceps between the folded wings. Use forceps to loosen and flex the wings, carefully. If you can't open the wings easily the butterfly may not be ready for spreading. If the butterfly seems too stiff don't proceed with spreading - you will probably break or damage the wings. Put it back in the relaxer for a few more days until it is totally supple. I often test wing suppleness by blowing downward on wings. If they spread, the specimen is ready.

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