Which Leps get set verso up?

Are the "supplementary collections" also being merged with the main collection specimens?

Adam.

Basically, I do two types of verso mountings. If space is a factor, I’ll mount the specimen as a verso profile like at upper right. If I get a specimen I need to keep, but it has a flawed recto surface, I’ll mount it up-side-down like the large female cecropia at lower right. Most all of my drawers have one, or both of these verso mountings as I agree…..moving specimens to check the verso is indeed risky. It also is interesting to see what the underside looks like when just viewing the drawer each time it’s pulled out. Btw…..I also often mount/keep specimens that eclose from rearing that remain crippled (wings not expanded) just for the heck of it. With one of my Automeris moths that remained cripplied, I actually stuck it partly back into the cocoon and mounted it as though it was coming out during eclosure. Many of my moth drawers have extras like ova, pupal skins, larval skins, cocoons, alcoholed pupae/larvae, small larval pics, or the cripples mentioned earlier.

Now…..the moth enclosing from cocoon close up.

Personally, I somewhat dislike the idea of pinning them upside down. If I have but one of a species, it is always pinned recto. If it's a species or group which presents better visuals pinned verso (either for species determination or simply aesthetically), I will pin my second or third specimen in that manner. Very rarely will I pin more than one of a type verso. I typically like to include one specimen verso if I have a series. Obviously, this is just my preference.

Agraulis vanillae is the only species in my collection that I mount upside down more often than not. Those silvery spots look spectacular, even though it's a common butterfly. Occasionally I'll do verso mounts on P. crephontes, P. palamedes, and a few others.

Agatasa calydonia (subfamily Charaxinae, tribe Prothoini) -

I feel in the case of Lycaenidae that at least 70% have the upperside (recto) the boldest and prettiest for color. As such, one can differentiate the species fairly readily without a flipping over.

That other 30% is really meant for people who specialize in the family and look at the details frequently for their determinations.

Also, perhaps spreading butterflies upside down is a task which (most of us) are unaccustomed to in practice as that style (manner) has niche uses/needs.