How to Build an Insect Model
There are hundreds of thousands of different kinds of insects, but it only takes a few basic techniques to make a model of a bug. The Smithsonian Institution reports there are approximately 900,000 different kinds of known insects on the planet. Insect colors and forms vary widely, but some things are true for all insects. All insects have a head, a thorax with six legs, and an abdomen, which is typically the largest part of the body. Some may also have wings. Basic modeling techniques can be modified to accommodate individual characteristics.
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Things You'll Need
- Reference photographs
- Armature wire
- Wire mesh for modeling
- Wire cutters
- Needle-nosed pliers
- Window screen
- Scissors
- Cyanoacrylate glue
- Floral wire
- Modeling clay or putty
- Rolling pin or rolling cylinder
- Acrylic paint
- Paintbrushes
Instructions
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1
Select the size of the model you want to make. The larger the model, the more wire is needed for support.
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2
Cut sections of armature wire, or similar malleable but sturdy wire.
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3
Roll and shape the wire with pliers into a basic figure of your insect's head, thorax and abdomen, using reference photographs. Modeling mesh can also be used to form the outer surfaces.
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4
Cut three sections of wire to serve as the legs and thread them through the thorax.
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5
Bend the leg wires down on each side with needle-nosed pliers.
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6
Cut a length of sturdy wire a little more than twice the length of the model. This will support the whole body.
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Clamp the needle-nosed pliers in the center of the wire, and bend back both sides, so that it makes the shape of a very elongated "U."
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Push this U-shaped wire through the head, thorax and abdomen to connect all three, and twist the open end of the wire closed. Cut another wire, and repeat the process if necessary.
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9
Cut wires and shape into the outline of wings if your insect has them.
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10
Cut pieces of wire mesh or window screen for the wings, and adhere them to the wing frame with cyanoacrylate glue or floral wire.
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11
Attach the loose ends of the wings to the thorax by inserting the wires and bending them into position with pliers.
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12
Cut wires for antennae and attach them to the head with pliers. You can add mandibles if your insect has them in the same way.
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13
Roll out thin sheets of modeling clay or putty with a roller, and apply them to the wire model to mold the outer shell of the insect. Add and shape as necessary to create the details.
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Allow 12 to 24 hours for the the clay or putty to fully cure, and then paint as desired.
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Tips & Warnings
If your model is only a few inches long, and you are using study modeling clay or putty, you will probably not need much wire. The legs and central support wire may still be necessary.
If you use colored clay, there is no need to paint the model.
Household items such as toothpicks and pencils are useful tools for shaping clay.
Be careful working with wire. After it is clipped, the ends can be sharp.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
