Preserving and Mounting Insects: A Laboratory Guide, Study notes of Entomology

Download Preserving and Mounting Insects: A Laboratory Guide and more Study notes Entomology in PDF only on Docsity! Ent 100L Fall 2002 1 Preserving, Mounting and Labeling Insects I. Pinning A. Use #2 sized pins only (provided); insect pins come in a variety of sizes for other purposes B. Pin insects only through the thorax and only when the thorax is substantially broader than the head of the pin (see point mounting below) C. Push pen in though the dorsal surface and out through the ventral surface on right side of midline 1. Orthoptera - pin through posterior right of thorax 2. Hemiptera - pin through middle of scutellum 3. Coleoptera - pin through base of right elytron 4. Odonata & Lepidoptera - pin through middle of thorax between wing bases II. Point mounting small insects A. Insects too small to pin are glued to paper points positioned 1/2 inch below the head of the pin 1. Points are cut from heavy 100% cotton rag paper with a point punch 2. Use clear nail polish or white glue B. Glue insect by the right side to tip of point 1. Long-legged flies, like mosquitoes, may be laid on top of the point with the legs point toward the pin and the head facing right 2. Coleoptera, Hemiptera etc a. First turn down tip of point with fine forceps b. Glue by right side to vertical surface of tip with legs pointed down III. Relaxing (rehydrating) dried insects A. Place on damp paper towel in sealed glass or plastic container (Petri dishs work well) 1. Leave overnight or longer if necessary for large-bodied insects 2. Check periodically by flexing a leg B. Microwave on high for 10-15 sec 1. Do not microwave green or yellow-colored insects 2. Allow frozen insects an hour or so to thaw IV. Spreading Lepidoptera wings