wing repair

[shaohung]

Is it possible to fix a torn butterfly wing? If possible, how?

[lordpandarus]

I use a bit of white glue or liquid bandage stuff, depending on the case

[johnnyboy]

I use PVA glue, it has the advantage that it sets clear and will pull the torn sides together as it dries. It is also water-soluble which can be both an advantage and disadvantage depending on circumstances.


Johnny

[bluemoth]

To repair a wing I use diluted wood glue. Works well. On an aditional note add a little acrilic paint to the glue to repare scraches or other areas of missing scales.

[entoman]

I will generally place two small drops of white glue on a small strip cut from a note-card and use it (or a few of them, depending on the size of the repair) to splint the wing. Just make sure you place it on whatever side of the wing will not be on display. I have had some very good successes with this method on various butterflies and moths. The smallest specimen I have used it on was Utetheisa ornatrix (bella moth). From above the repair is unnoticeable. Hope this helps.

[papilio28570]

I use Elmer's. I dip the round end of an insect pin in the glue and apply it along the tear on the underside of the wing.

Great video here on repairing a living specimen:

[shaohung]

Thanks for the tips everyone!

[Deleted]

I realize you've most likely already repaired your wing tear. Just had to share my thoughts on this. I have found that mixing 50% Elmer's glue with 50% Isopropyl alcohol works great. The glue is more liquid/easy to spread and not globby, and the alcohol evaporates leaving a very thin film of glue when dried.

I am a big fan of minimal glue when gluing a specimen. Globs of glue do not appeal to me. Lastly, should you ever desire to re-work the wing, softening it will loosen up/unglue the repair glue on the wing. Some of the permanent glues do not ever get undone and one is stuck with whatever that moment created repair-wise.

Try it.

I have yet to know a fellow bug man who tried it and didn't like it

[prillbug2]

I use the clear insect adhesive repair glue that can be bought at BioQuip Products. You don't need to dilute it, at all, and it dries clear, and maybe even seemlessly, if you do it right.
Jeff Prill

[downundermoths]

I presume that Elmers Glue to us non-US people is the same as Resin W (UK) and Aquadhere (Australia)

i.e. a PVA glue...

Barry

[Rev. Redmond Farrier]

Dec 11, 2011 15:30:34 GMT -8 downundermoths said:

I presume that Elmers Glue to us non-US people is the same as Resin W (UK) and Aquadhere (Australia)

i.e. a PVA glue...

Barry

I am not sure what those glues are, but Elmer's glue is the basic white (actually a bit more off white) glue used by school children and crafters everywhere.

[takahe]

I always use Elmer's glue, but have always had it in the back of my mind that diluting it would be good.

What strength of isopropyl alcohol is best? 70% or 90%?

I bought some of the adhesive from BioQuip, but found that it was pretty thick and forms big globs.

[lordpandarus]

The problem with some of these glues is that sometimes they dry with a milky tinge.

Crayola 3D Project Glue (also white glue) dries completely clear and seems to stick better to insect parts than some of the other ones I tried. I use it for the antennaes where I don't want a film of glue showing in between the butterfly eyes

with Crayola the antennae stays stuck for good, with Elmers it can fall off again

[ally]

Hi there,

Could someone help me? I am London based and have found a red underwing moth with a badly damaged outer wing. Can anyone repair it or tell me how to go about it?

[lordpandarus]

I was experimenting with my favorite glue+ alcohol. Made a small vial where I mix the 2. Seems to make the glue spread better with a better bond to the wing. I use the insect pin head to apply it