Riker mount

Definition

A shallow, flat display container used to preserve and exhibit natural history specimens, consisting of a rigid base (typically wood, cardboard, or plastic), soft backing material such as cotton wool or felt, and a transparent glass or plastic cover secured with clips or latches. Designed for specimens that are too bulky, fragile, or three-dimensional for standard pinned insect drawers, allowing visibility from above while protecting against handling damage and dust.

Etymology

Named for Clarence B. Riker, American naturalist and patent medicine manufacturer, who patented the design in 1902.

Example

A large sphinx moth with spread wings and intact body is often stored in a Riker mount rather than pinned, to prevent wing scale loss and body grease staining adjacent specimens.

Synonyms

• Riker box

Related Terms

• specimen drawer
• pinned collection
• point mounting
• spread specimen
• collection curation
• entomological cabinet

Usage Notes

Preferred for bulky, hairy, or delicate insects (moths, butterflies, beetles, spiders) that resist standard pinning or where full visibility of dorsal and ventral surfaces is desired. Shallower than standard insect drawers and not stackable in the same modular systems; occupies more storage volume per specimen. The cotton backing can yellow with age and may stain pale specimens; archival polyester batting is sometimes substituted. Distinguished from 'shadow box' by shallower depth and from 'Schmitt box' by construction and historical origin.