Solid form killing agent - alternative to liquid killing agents. ![]() Cyanide may change the colour of some bees and wasps. Insects killed with cyanide usually can be relaxed very easily and successfully. But can also be obtained cheaply using the method used by Victorian entomologists by crushing common laurel leaves ( Prunus laurocerasus) - bruise the leaves by putting them in a sock and thock them with hammer. Used in fumigation chamber to kill insects. Some of these chemicals harden muscles to such an extent that the specimens are brittle and seemingly impervious to the subsequent humidity of the relaxing chamber.Ĭyanides are dangerous to use and should be used only by trained workers. Use glass container (solvent, eats some plastics). ![]() Some glycols are hygroscopic (absorbs moisture) and therefore may 'dry out' specimens (ie Propylene glycol). Used to rinse after water bath for faster drying.Įthylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol (Car Antifreeze)Įasily sourced, low cost killing agent and preservative. Can also be used in ultrasonic bath to clean specimen. Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) is a common alternative to Ethanol but fades some pigment-based colours, especially reds and greens high evaporation rate, so not well suited for traps that are unattended for long periods. Isopropyl Alcohol (Rubbing Alcohol, Isopropanol) Use glass container (solvent, eats plastic). Beware, specimens may revive if removed from the killing jar too soon. High concentrations of ethanol has been claimed to keep the wings from twisting/folding, hairs from matting, soft organs from shrivelling and to speed up relaxing. For example, some larvae will discolour (darken) if killed in alcohol plant bugs (Miridae) often lose their legs and Lepidoptera lose their scales. Some insect taxa and stages, however, don't do well in alcohols. Often abbreviated to EtOH, Ethanol is used as preservative at 70-90% for soft-bodied specimens, used in a killing jar for hard bodied specimens. Versatile chemical that is also used to relax, preserve and declump but will still leave hairs matted. But can also cause a killing jar to 'sweat' inside sometimes destroying specimens. Your help with this would be appreciated as it drives me round the bend! Insect Preservation Chemicals and Solutions Ethyl Acetate, Acetone (Nail Polish Remover)Įasily sourced killing agent with good anti-rotting preservative properties and low toxicity to humans. It is thought that hair matting occurs because of various greases etc that come out a body after death but degreasing agents don't appear to help much, if at all. ![]() Hair matting is a common problem when preserving and cleaning specimens having tried a variety of solutions I can confirm that there really is no known solution other than doing it the old-fashioned way, combing out the hair. Hair matting on greasy hair, a common problem. Toxic chemicals require special care in use and all killing and storage jars should be marked clearly POISON, airtight and breakage resistant.īeware, in the context of entomological preservation there is no 'one-size-fits-all' method for treating specimens - smaller specimens require different concentrations and/or preservatives to larger specimens, whilst soft-bodied or scaled specimens present unique challenges of their own. Toxic chemicals require special care in use and all killing and storage jars should be marked clearly POISON, airtight and breakage resistant. ![]() Entomologists and insect stacking photographers use various chemicals in their work and many can be bought easily through eBay if you're in a country where they're not available to individuals.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |