Papered specimen storage?

[livingplanet3]

Lepidoptera specimens in envelopes - is it best to store them horizontally, or vertically? Or, does it make little difference? In the coming months, I plan to reorganize my papered specimens, and in the process, try to minimize the amount of space they require. It seems that arranging the envelopes vertically may possibly be more space-efficient.

[wollastoni]

I don't think it makes any difference.
Just seal them in a hermetic tupperware to avoid pest infestation. And freese the tupperwares from time to time.

[kevinkk]

I store them vertically, but that gives me the most space in the container I use. Sealed "tupperware" in the freezer.
Seems easier to sort them or pick envelopes out.
I try to thin out deadstock once a year or so, the frozen ones sell every time.

[adamcotton]

is it best to store them horizontally, or vertically?

I suppose it depends on the size and shape of the envelopes (dreadful rectangles vs openable triangles) and the size of the box you plan to store them in. The less excess space there is in the box the more efficient is the use of space.

Adam.

[adamcotton]

By the way, as well as being easy to open to examine the dry specimen without damaging it there is another advantage to triangles ... two of them take up about the same amount of space as an equivalent sized rectangle.

Adam.

[wollastoni]

The main advantage of triangles is not breaking antennae !

The only advantage of rectangles is you can easily put inside a living lepidoptera. For storage, it is very bad as specimens move more inside and will easily break antennae and legs. Rectangles seem popular in the US while triangles are by far majoritary in Europe and Japan.

[adamcotton]

The Japanese even sell triangular belt boxes to store empty paper triangles and put specimens in when out collecting:
https://roppon-ashi.jp/en/products/fiel ... ags/#20701

Adam.

[bobw]

I've got one of the leather ones that a Japanese guy kindly gave me when I admired it on one of my collecting trips to Kyrgyzstan many years ago.

I must admit that I mainly use rectanglar papers now, even though there is a risk of antenna damage. I certainly prefer triangular ones, but they always come supplied flat and I really can't be arsed to fold them all.

[livingplanet3]

Thanks to all, for your input.