Sorry if this has been suggested already while I've been waiting for the
digest...

I would not label the diorama directly, and either:

1)  Make separate label panels with photos of each of the items, like what
aquariums do.  (Number codes tend to be confusing and add an extra step to
identification.)  Or...

2)  Make "field guides"  (books or binders) with photos and descriptions,
which visitors could hold and refer to as they look at the diorama.  This
allows visitors to bring the label text right up to the object while freeing
your exhibit from clutter.  It also is fun and good "practice" for nature
observation in the outside world.

Jeff Kupperman
Atelier Aza, Tokyo
[log in to unmask]

>Our Natural History Curator is developing an exhibit about
>life in a fallen log on the forest floor.  He's designing a
>series of window cut-outs, with various ants, beetles, termites,
>and whatever in situ [preserved specimens, not live] in
>lifelike moving/eating/whatever poses.  Classical entomological
>labeling practices for specimens in cabinets are to affix the
>label somewhat flag-like at the top of a pin through the insect
>and down into the foam base.

>In these log views, with lots of small specimens, labels on
>each one would obscure the view of the insects.  Are there any
>brilliant alternatives to a sketch-type illustration alongside
>the log with number codes showing which insects are where?  This
>would put the interpretive text in blocks, so visitors could
>look back & forth between the text & the log view.