13 replies to this topic

[Gregory2455]

Can anyone make a tutorial on how to preserve ants and what materials are needed? Also some tips on what to use to photograph them like this:

Kinda sad I don't have a clue on how yet, but still need to learn.

[dspdrew]

I am no expert, but I have recently learned some things about this. I'll make a tutorial, and if anybody else has some tips or techniques that help them, they should post them too.

[Gregory2455]

What do I preserve them in to keep them from falling apart?

[dspdrew]

Store them in 90 percent ethanol alcohol, and then pin them up.

[Gregory2455]

How long do I store them?

[dspdrew]

However long you want. I don't know what exactly does what, and for how long. I know that I usually put mine in the alcohol when they're alive and flexible, then later I take them out--could be hours, could be days--and pin them up and let them dry. I find that for some reason, they don't shrivel up as much if they are put in alcohol first... I'm not sure why, but it seems that way.

[Gregory2455]

I'll make a tutorial, and if anybody else has some tips or techniques that help them, they should post them too.

 

When will that happen?

[dspdrew]

Haha, geez, I'm not sure. I have so much going on it's crazy.

[Gregory2455]

Its fine

[Gregory2455]

Will this ever end up happening?

[dspdrew]

Yes, I just don't know when. I have quite a few threads I've been wanting to make, but just have too many other projects going on at the moment.

[AntsMAN]

This PDF had alot of good information, I too am trying to start a collection of specimens.

 

http://extension.oregonstate.edu/umatilla/sites/default/files/PRESERVING__INSECTS.pdf

[cpman]

I've got a quick question about pining. My hands shake a lot, so I have issues pointing them. Do you guys have any suggestions?

[Subverted]

Can you try bracing your hand/wrist against a table and using that to add stability? Sometimes that helps me out when I need to do extra fine work.