Black glue on birdwings

[mothman55]

A few years ago I purchased a few birdwings via eBay, and oddly enough, I just recently realized a couple of the larger ones have what appears to be black glue on the sides of the thorax where the wings attach (dorsal side). As I said, I just recently noticed this, so it is not very noticeable, you would almost have to be looking for it to see it. But when you compare these to ones without the glue, you will see the difference.

I suspect this bit of black glue (a flat grey/black, not shiny and blends with the wing) is applied to prevent the wings from drooping over time, particularly on these large species (Goliath female). It is not attaching detached wings as I relaxed this specimen to remount the wings and the wings moved as one would expect.

Anyway, I am wondering if others have seen this. These two specimens came from Russia about 10 years ago.

[Annarobertson1947]

A common thing particularly for Japanese specimens

[adamcotton]

A Japanese once told me that they put glue on the wing base UNDERSIDE, not on top, to prevent specimens from springing in the high humidity there.

Adam.

[mothman55]

Appreciate the feedback. A relief to know it's a fairly common practice and not something that should devalue the specimens. And I checked the underside, it is there as well. They actually did a very good job, it blends in so well I didn't notice it for 10 years.