A wide range of techniques are used to aid the study and observation of Lepidoptera. Here is a list, by no means exhaustive, of some of the protocols used for examining and preparing Lepidoptera.

• Pinning and Spreading
• Specimen Imaging
• Genitalia Dissection
• Whole Body Preparations
• Wing Venation
• Larval Preparation
• Scanning Electron Microscopy
• Histological Preparations

An excellent resource that describes many of these techniques is the Basic Techniques for Observing and Studying Moths and Butterflies book by William D Winter, published by the Lepidopterists’ Society. Please refer to the Publications section of the Society’s website for ordering information.