It is also a good idea to wrap the bottom of the jar with duct tape to prevent the glass from shattering if it is accidentally dropped. A relaxing chamber is a necessity that allows the collector to work insects at a more leisurely pace. Moths and butterflies can even be relaxed and their wings spread with no adverse effects. Add a small amount of rubbing alcohol or moth crystals to the moistened sand to help retard mud growth. Cover the sand with cardboard to allow placement of the specimen in the chamber without the specimen coming into contact with the sand.
Place specimens to be relaxed on the cardboard, and seal the chamber.
Specimens usually become pliable in 24 to 48 hours. Do not leave specimens in the relaxing chamber for an extended period of time, because they become too soft and begin to deteriorate. Insect Spreading Board Use spreading boards to spread the wings of butterflies and moths for display. This enhances the insect specimens and makes the collection look neater and more beautiful. This gives a pinning surface to use when spreading the wings of butterflies and moths.