Specimen Preparation BIO 498698 Outline Proper handling procedures

Specimen Preparation BIO 498/698

Outline �Proper handling procedures Drawers Removing Labels �Different Stands/Shots (Dry Mounted Specimens) Dorsal Ventral Lateral Head �Cleaning Coleoptera

Proper Handling Procedures: Drawers Drawer When taking the lid off of a drawer, always slide it underneath

Proper Handling Procedures: Drawers Remove the specimen(s) you are working with

Proper Handling Procedures: Drawers When you are not using the drawer, always put the lid back on. (This will keep specimens clean) Make sure that lid is on all the way

Proper Handling Procedures: Removing Labels • Specimen • Pinning block • Forceps Place specimen on pinning block

Proper Handling Procedures: Removing Labels Squeeze forceps above the label(s) Pull down to remove labels

Proper Handling Procedures: Removing Labels Always place labels back into unit tray Always keep specimen and labels together

Different Stands/Shots: Dry Mounted Specimens Lateral & Head Dorsal Ventral

Dorsal �Dorsal Stands One 18% grey paper Glass slide Wax

Ventral �Ventral stands Glass slide Wax �Stick the top of the pin through the wax �Ventral mostly used for Lepidoptera

Lateral �Lateral Stands Stick the pin into the stand Try to reuse previous holes to prolong stand use

Head �Head stands Same as Lateral stands Stick pin through stand with specimen head facing up

Cleaning Coleoptera: Equipment ØSpecimen ØPliers Ø 70% Et. OH

Cleaning Coleoptera: How to hold the pin Correct ØPliers clamped around the pin at an angle Wrong ØPliers clamped around the pin perpendicular

Cleaning Coleoptera Hold the specimen under the Et. OH and swish it around Note: when not using the Et. OH, cover the container to make it last longer – it will evaporate quickly.

Cleaning Coleoptera �After cleaning, let specimen dry before imaging. Et. OH doesn’t take too long to evaporate; give it a few minutes.