The most common comments and suggestions for improving insect collections as cited by entomology judges include the following:

• Arrange specimens neatly and in an orderly way in the box. Top-to-bottom and left-to-right across the widest side of the box is best.
• The box should be a standard size, clean, and well kept. Staining or waxing the box can improve the general appearance of the collection.
• Group specimens under their correct order and family names. Rectangular groupings are most attractive. Line up specimens where possible. If multiples of a single species are included, always place them together.
• Use a background color that shows off the collection nicely. White is usually the color of choice, however, light pastel shades of blue or green are also acceptable.
• Order and family labels should be clear, neat, uniform, and attractively displayed.

• Wings on butterflies and moths must be properly spread. The first moths and butterflies spread usually are considered practice specimens and seldom improve the collection. With practice spreading will improve dramatically. Only display perfectly spread specimens.
• Properly position antennae, legs, and other body parts when drying. Support the head and abdomen of large and less rigid specimens to prevent sagging. Create realistic or life-like positions of all specimens.
• Do not display damaged or poorly mounted specimens. In most cases, it is better to display a well-mounted, ordinary specimen rather than a poorly mounted specimen, even if it is unusual.
• Think carefully about displaying duplicate specimens. Judges look for as many varied insects as rules allow. Choose specimens from different orders, families, and species rather than multiples of the same insect.

• Pin specimens so that insects are level, not tilted, on pins.
• Place specimens at a uniform height on the pins.
• Be sure to pin insects according to the pin placement guides for the various orders.

• Make sure labels are uniform and neatly written, and contain all required data.
• Position labels on the pins so they are level, straight, and oriented in the same direction.
• Neatly cut all labels to a uniform size.
• Use order labels (and family labels if required) to organize the placement of specimens within the box. These should be held by insect pins so that they lie flat against the bottom of the display box.

• Be as accurate as possible in identifying insects. Order level is mandatory, common name and family name are required at some levels but always encouraged.
• Do not re-label and use specimens from someone else’s collection. Do not display insects purchased from supply houses. (Judges can usually detect such specimens and may disqualify the entire collection as a result.)
• You may exhibit insects from another state only if you collect them yourself and label them correctly as to state, county, collector, and date.
• Place insects in proper order groups.
• Be sure that the mounting technique is appropriate for the specimen. Never pin immature insects. (Many insect collection rules stipulate adult insects only.) Use points, vials, and slides when necessary.
• When using common names, be sure that they are “accepted common names.”
• Closely related insects (within an order) should be grouped together.
• More precise identification (family and common names) is needed in advanced divisions.
• Collect a variety of insects from as many different orders as possible. Do not allow one group of insects to dominate the collection and throw the variety of the specimens out of balance.
• Specimen selection is more important in advanced collections. Selecting perfectly mounted unusual specimens is the goal.

Educational displays are designed to teach others something about insects. These displays use the same insect boxes as do the collections. Attractiveness, order, and accuracy are still key to making a winning display. However, much more creativity can be demonstrated in educational displays than in insect collections. Educational displays may teach nearly any subject dealing with insects and always feature real specimens as part of the box. Subjects often selected include comparisons of insect mouthparts, growth and development, camouflage, behavior, food resources, habitat, or any of a variety of other topics. Look for education box rules to determine what, if any, subject is required. Insects displayed are not held to the pinning, placement, labeling, or other rules common to collection displays. Tips for top-quality educational displays include:

• Remember that the purpose of the educational box is to teach others.
• Keep the message simple; do not try to teach multiple concepts with a single box.
• Be sure the information presented is scientifically accurate.
• Place a heading in the box that tells the viewer exactly and concisely what the display is.
• Be sure that a “take-home message” is clear, concise, and accurate.
• The display should tell its own story. The fewer the words the better, in most cases.
• Appearance of, or “eye appeal” of the box is very important.
• Displaying something you have personally seen or experiments you have conducted is usually best.
• Try to be original within the confines of the rules.