The precise point of insertion varies among the different orders, the most common being shown in fig. 7. Beetles are pinned through the right wing cover, well forward and far enough from the inner edge to prevent splitting of the elytron. Similarly, grasshoppers, cockroaches, and some other leathery- winged forms should be pinned through the right forewing, as the insect will then balance upon the pin tropical beetles are so thick that a pin will scarcely reach through them. Extra long pins are available for these, if needed; but since these insects are very durable they can usually be pushed up almost to the top of a standard pin, which will then protrude far enough at the bottom to fasten the creature into its box. All the data for such a giant should be written on one large label, pinned upside down and close against the under- Fig. 7. Hard-bodied insects of several orders, showing where the pin should be inserted. A. Beetle B. True Bug C. True Fly D. Dragon-fly E. Tree-hopper F. Bee G. Grasshopper much better than it would had the traditional pro- thoracic position been used. In true bugs the pin is passed through the right corner of the scutellum, the triangular sclerite between the bases of the wings. Two-winged flies, tree-hoppers and cicadas, bees, and most wasps require a pin between the front wings, a little to the right. Butterflies and moths, the wings of which are commonly spread at the time of mounting, are pinned through the middle of the thorax, between the wing bases. Dragon and Damsel-flies, Stone flies, and similar forms which are frequently spread, should be pinned between the fore or hind wings as space and balance indicate. The wing-spreading operation is discussed at length in leaflet 5. If, however, through lack of time or storage space, such insects are to be mounted without spreading, they may be side-pinned. That is, the pin may be passed through the body from right to left, just below the wings. Butterflies, Damsel- flies, long-legged and large-winged wasps, and other insects having wings which project above the back sufficiently to interfere with handling, are often dealt with in this fashion. Side-pinned specimens can later be relaxed, re-pinned and spread should it prove desirable. A side-pinned butterfly is shown in fig. 8. It is important to the appearance of a collection that all the specimens stand at the same height on their pins, whenever practical. For this reason the use of a gage is recommended. The few insects which have wings or other projections rising so far above the back as to interfere with handling, if not side-pinned, may be placed low upon the pin, the top of the pro- jection coming half an inch below the head. Some 5