Enter your entomological era! Learn about the scientific study of insects, the entomology collection here at the Science Museum, and the basics of how to pin and prepare your own specimens for display. In this specialty workshop, you will be pinning a monarch mimic, the Queen Butterfly.
In the Entomology Pinning Workshop, you will learn how to:
- Rehydrate specimens in a relaxing chamber
- Pin Lepidoptera specimens scientifically: Queen Butterfly (Danaus gilippus)
- Display and store unmounted specimens once dried
Following the workshop, take home your pinned specimen to complete the drying process, and use the skills you learned in the workshop to complete your display.
This hour-long workshop includes our Entomology STEM Pinning Kit, hands-on instruction on how to properly pin a specimen, and museum admission.
Please come prepared to learn the art and science of Entomology Pinning. This workshop handles deceased insects and is a hands-on experience. This workshop includes detailed work on a small specimen. Participants will be handling deceased insects, using insect forceps to manipulate the specimen, as well as sharp entomology pins. Due to the nature of these tools and materials, participants will be asked to sign a waiver before participating in the workshop and should be 18 years of age or older. Check out our Workshop & Kit FAQ page to answer any initial questions you have before registering.
Workshop location: Science Museum of Minnesota, 120. W. Kellogg Blvd, Saint Paul, MN 55102, check-in at the Explore Store.
Workshop Registration
This workshop is an in-person experience. For those looking for other options, check out our Entomolgy STEM Pinning Kit which allows you to purchase the kit used in the workshop to do it yourself from the comforts of your own home.
Sustainability, responsible husbandry, and conservation are core considerations as we develop our entomology products and workshop experiences. We source insects from carefully vetted vendors with those priorities in mind and in alignment with the Science Museum of Minnesota's ethics policy. Learn more here.
