I noticed some amazing use of bugs and nymphs in the photogallery. I tried last winter to capture and use black stonefly (size 14-16) but couldnt figure out what chemical to put them in or if i shoud just put them in a jar. They are usually on the snow and are very delicate. Should they be completely dried before i put them under epoxy.
Sincerely,
Dan Colville

Are you talking about the schuck or the live bug? Either way, just plain ol alcohol will work just fine. But the shucks can be sprayed with a bit of shellac or something similar and just kept in a box.

-- Cheers
-- James

Dan, Check this site [www.ento.csiro.au] I think it will give you everything you need.

"Insects and their allies" I think I've seen everthing now.

Good preservation of insect requires the use of formalin. The formalin with tuffen up the flesh of the insect, alcohol turns the flesh into muss after a while but works also. Often the addition of glycerin is helpful, because if the insect is left out or the bottle leaks the glycerin will help to keep the insect from drying out.
Glycerin can be found at most craft stores in the candy and cake making section
A good mix is ethyl alcohol (70%) and add 5% by volume glycerin




Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/02/2006 09:04PM by Adam S. Hoelper.