Handling of Insects

Handling of collected insects depends on several factors, including the type of insect, the purpose of collection, and the intended use of the specimens. Here are some general guidelines:

The  method of handling varies from group to group

                           

1. Killing the insects:

Insects should be killed humanely and quickly. The most common methods are freezing, using an insect-killing jar, or using ethyl acetate. Some insects, such as those with hard exoskeletons, may require boiling or soaking in hot water before preservation.

2. Relaxing Insect

Relaxing insects is the process of making them pliable and easier to work with before pinning and preservation. This is typically done after the insects have been collected and killed in a killing jar. Here are the steps to relax insects:

• Remove the insects from the killing jar and place them in a sealed container with a piece of damp paper towel or cotton ball. The container should be large enough to accommodate the insects without crowding.
• Allow the insects to sit in the container for several hours to overnight. The length of time needed for relaxing the insects varies depending on the species, size, and the extent of the insect's stiffness.
• Check the insects periodically, and when they are pliable enough, gently manipulate their limbs and antennae to get them into the desired position.
• Once the insects are pliable, they can be pinned and dried using an insect pinning block, a foam-lined entomological box, or another suitable drying method.

It's essential to use caution when relaxing insects to avoid breaking or damaging their fragile limbs and antennae. Be gentle and patient, and don't rush the process. Properly relaxed and preserved insects will maintain their shape and color for many years, making them valuable resources for scientific research, educational displays, and personal collections.

3. Labeling:

Labeling the collected insects with information such as the location, date, and collector's name is crucial for future reference and research.

4. Preservation:

The preservation method depends on the intended use of the specimens. Insects can be preserved dry, in alcohol, or in a pinned state. Pinned insects should be placed in a labeled pinning box to prevent damage.

5. Storage:

Insects should be stored in a cool, dry, and dark place to prevent deterioration. If using alcohol as a preservation method, the specimens should be checked regularly for any discoloration or fungal growth.

                         

6. Safety:

Handling insects can be potentially hazardous due to the risk of allergic reactions, venomous insects, and insect-borne diseases. Always wear protective equipment such as gloves and eye protection and handle the specimens with care.

It is important to follow the best practices and ethical guidelines for collecting and handling insects to ensure that the specimens are preserved and used appropriately.

Methods of Insect Preservations

Insect preservation refers to the methods used to protect, store and display insects for scientific research, education, or personal collection. Here are some of the most common methods of insect preservation:

1. Dry preservation:

This method involves drying insects and preserving them in a dry environment. It is the most common and affordable method of insect preservation. Insects can be air-dried, placed in silica gel, or frozen before being placed in storage boxes.

2. Wet preservation:

This method involves preserving insects in a liquid solution. The most common wet preservation method is called "formalin-ethanol" and involves immersing the insects in a mixture of formaldehyde and ethanol. This method is best for preserving delicate insects or those with soft bodies.

3. Pinned preservation:

This method involves mounting insects on insect pins and preserving them in a dry environment. This method is best for displaying insects and preserving their physical features.

                               

4. Slide mounting:

This method involves mounting very small insects on glass slides using a special adhesive, which is then covered with a cover slip. This method is best for observing and identifying microscopic details.

5. Freeze-drying:

This method involves rapidly freezing the insect, followed by drying it in a vacuum. This method is best for preserving insects with soft bodies, such as butterflies and moths.

It's essential to choose the appropriate preservation method based on the insect species, size, and condition, as well as the purpose of preservation. Properly preserved insects will maintain their shape and color for many years, making them valuable resources for scientific research, educational displays, and personal collections.