Home

Beetle Gallery

About

Ordering

Making Beetles

Links

Show and Events

FunkerMarket


Bark Beetles

Blister Beetles

Borers

Click Beetles

Firefly Beetles

Ground Beetles

Lady Beetles

Leaf Beetles

Longhorn Beetles

Pine and Spruce Beetles

Pleasing Fungus Beetles

Scarab Beetles

Soldier Beetles

Weevils and Snout Beetles

The process begins with mixing colors. Using a pasta machine two or more colors are repeatedly rolled together until well blended. Though I match color with whatever source I am using be it a photo or a drawing those sources themselves may not be accurate. If the beetle I am attempting to match has no color pattern on the elytra then I proceed to shape the various body parts.

If there is a pattern then rather than making one of that particular species I will do a series. The pattern in the elytra is produced by a method whereby rods of various colors are stacked one on the other such that when viewed from the end the desired pattern is visible. The shape of the elytra is also built up in this way. Two slices are taken from the cane and folded apart yielding two identical elytra.

These are laid upon the abdomen and smoothed with a finger tip. Rows of punctures, striae or any other textures are then pressed into the two halves with an old dissection tool. Next comes the scutellum, thorax and protenum, then the head with eyes and jaws. Legs are then rolled out, cut to length and mounted on pin. The body is then placed the legs and legs folded to a natural position. Lastly the wire antennae are inserted and any metallic coating applied.

Baking for a half hour cures the polymer into a solid. The antennae are then trimmed to length and a coating of plastic applied to the ends. Several coats on the ends can build up a clubbed antennae. Finally a coating of wax applied and the insect buffed.

The frame sides are cut to order and assembled at a local frame shop. Back at the studio the glass is bonded into the frame with a clear silicon caulking. The backs are then cut to fit the frame. Handmade paper is then mounted to the backing board. To place the beetles and labels I lay out a grid of threads to aid in placement. The labels and beetles are then glued to the backing board which is then screwed to the frame. A framed grouping might be anything; species within a family, beetles related by locale, crop pests or just visual interest. Interested parties may chose their own grouping from any of the beetles on the gallery page.

George Heath


 George Heath

4326 SE Ogden

Portland, OR 97206

503.777.2769

E-mail