Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Storing flies in alcohol

Posted by Kahis on 11-10-2007 16:54
#14

As a summary (or my opinion that is):

Pros:
* Pinnging: Ease of use - good for reference collections, if you live in a climate where a dry collection is easy to keep.
* Alcohol: good for mass storage of large samples, and for soft insects (most nematocera).

Cons:
* Pinning is slow. Soft insects will not keep their shape. Pinned specimens are easily damaged by careless handling or pests - also mold in some climates.
* Wet specimens are difficult to compare with dry flies. Some details can be difficult to see. Colour will change with time. Collection needs regular maintainance.