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Post by butterflyphoto on Jun 8, 2011 8:10:29 GMT -8
Hi everyone,
Is it possible to keep the abdomen "plump" not shriveled, after its mounted? I bought some birdwings and the seller says its not possible to have a life like abdomen - flat or curled abdomens are the norm.
Thanks for your comments,
Steve
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Post by starlightcriminal on Jun 8, 2011 8:25:04 GMT -8
Flat is normal. Someone I know injects silicone to plump bodies of particularly heavy bodied moths that would become especially deformed. I don't do anything personally, just live with the flattened look, so I can't comment on the safety of this method in terms of specimen longevity. Has anyone else heard of this method?
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Post by saturniidave on Jun 8, 2011 15:03:15 GMT -8
In the 'olden days' abdomen of large-bodies insects were evicerated and stuffed with cotton wool. I have an O. urvilianus with a stuffed abdomen and it looks great, just as in real life. The abdomen was split underneath, cleaned out and a sliver of cotton wool inserted, then I presume it was left to dry as per normal.
I know they are supposed to be flat-ish but when you buy papered specimens sometimes they look like they have been under a steamroller!
Dave
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Post by Khalid Fadil on Jun 9, 2011 7:09:10 GMT -8
In the 'olden days' abdomen of large-bodies insects were evicerated and stuffed with cotton wool. I have an O. urvilianus with a stuffed abdomen and it looks great, just as in real life. The abdomen was split underneath, cleaned out and a sliver of cotton wool inserted, then I presume it was left to dry as per normal. I know they are supposed to be flat-ish but when you buy papered specimens sometimes they look like they have been under a steamroller! Dave I get those a lot, Dave... A LOT. There are plenty of ''steam-rolled'' specimens in my collection... |
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Post by saturniidave on Jun 9, 2011 7:57:59 GMT -8
We all do Khalid!  |
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Post by robertdodd on Jun 16, 2011 5:57:04 GMT -8
hi all
what about using formalin?? its used here when injecting atlas etc for framing, injected into the abdomen via the head so all is preserved and the abdomen stays full looking!!!
just a thought!!
yes its not nice to work with,but it does the job!!!
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Post by nomihoudai on Jun 16, 2011 7:26:18 GMT -8
It does the job if you want to throw the specimen for sure! Formalin locks the muscles and respreading is impossible.
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Post by butterflyphoto on Jun 16, 2011 8:05:21 GMT -8
Thanks so much for all the great replies everyone! I contacted Tropical Butterflies. Miguel said he could provide birdwings with plump realistic looking abdomens, no problems.
I learned a good lesson. When ordering butterflies, make sure you discuss the body parts. I initially placed an order with Butterfly and Things, saying the insects were for a photo shoot and they needed to be realistic looking. Their definition of AI was different than I had imagined. False advertising? Oh well, live and learn.
Thanks again!
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Post by downundermoths on Jun 16, 2011 14:54:17 GMT -8
...I manage to keep my abdomen plump |
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Post by bobw on Jun 16, 2011 22:18:34 GMT -8
Don't we all!
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Post by wingedwishes on Jun 18, 2011 2:10:40 GMT -8
Ok - So I'm spoiled. I've always purchased Ornithoptera/Troides/Trognoptera from Tropical Butterflies and I never experienced/witnessed flattening with them. Miguel may not have the quantity of species of some others but he is honest and reliable. I have seen it in charaxes and larger moths though.
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