Pinning and card pointing of specimens Flashcards
Why would you want to make a dried reference collection?
- Monitor populations over time e.g. melanisation of peppered moths
- Have a voucher collection of definitive field specimens so someone can check and confirm the identification of specimens.
What is ethyl acetate used for?
To anesthetise specimens in a fume cupboard. Avoid putting mosquitos in the liquid as it may rub off scales.
Is good as opposed to freezing as it keeps the specimen supple.
What are alternative ways to kill specimens? e.g. in the field
- Crushed laurel leaves- produces a natural cyanide
- Freezing (- leaves them brittle, + distended for card pointing).
- Chloroform (does not relax them, so they are not supple like when ethylacetate is used).
What are the benefits of freezing specimens to kill them?
Makes them nicely distended for card pointing, although leaves them brittle
Which leg do you usually look at for taxonomic features?
Hind leg- make sure this is visible when pinned/pointed
WHich technique (pinning or card pointing) is used for anophelines and why?
Pinning
-Features for identification are on dorsal side (palp banding, scales on dorsal surface).
what are pinning pins called?
2 minuten pin for pinning specimen
3 large pin for label
How do you pin large specimens?
Impale dorsally through one side of the midline.
Which features are used to identify anopheline species?
- Fringe spots
- The pattern on costa of light vs dark bands
- White banding pattern on palps
- Scales on the dorsal thorax
- Abdominal tufts
What is card mounting good for?
For specimens with delicate legs that easily break off
Which features are used to identify culicine species
- Mesothoracic spiracles
- Pre and post spiracular setae
- Scales on mesokatepisternum
How can you protect specimens in storage?
- Napthaline (carcinogenic, deters but doesnt kill pests).
- Freeze (kills pests)
- Ethylacetate (volatile, limited application)
