2 replies to this topic

[DinoH]

So, basically I want to start a pinned ant collection but I have a few questions that I have:
What glue can I use?
Can I pin without a microscope?
Does putting ants on a mixture of water and dish washing soap really a good idea?

[ReignofRage]

Various adhesives can work. In the collection I work at, they have used shellac, white glue (like Elmer's school glue, etc.), and hide glue in the past. Currently, white glue is used for basically everything of size. Unless the ant is extremely small <1.5mm, it should be relatively easy to point-mount without a microscope. I haven't heard of putting specimens in soapy water before, so I cannot say anything on that. Usually, the specimens are killed in ethanol and allowed to dry or be positioned before drying.

[DinoH]

Various adhesives can work. In the collection I work at, they have used shellac, white glue (like Elmer's school glue, etc.), and hide glue in the past. Currently, white glue is used for basically everything of size. Unless the ant is extremely small <1.5mm, it should be relatively easy to point-mount without a microscope. I haven't heard of putting specimens in soapy water before, so I cannot say anything on that. Usually, the specimens are killed in ethanol and allowed to dry or be positioned before drying.

Thanks for the info!