3 replies to this topic

[Mettcollsuss]

I have recently been looking into preserving ants. I don't have a lot of proper materials (still researching where to buy them), so I've been experimenting with other methods. I have plenty of bodies from a die-off in a Tetramorium immigrans colony to work with. One method that I tried is just adhering the dead bodies to a microscope slide with a little bit of Elmer's Glue.

 

Today an infertile Tetramorium immigrans queen died, and I want to be able to preserve her. With the workers, I can experiment around a little as I have plenty. With the queen, however, I only have one chance to preserve her correctly.

 

Is there a way to preserve ants using household materials? Keep in mind I want to be able to see these ants under a microscope.

[gcsnelling]

Clear nail polish or similar on a point is the standard method. Hide glue is used commonly as well. However being water soluble I do not like it. DO NOT use elmers or other white glue, EVER.

 

http://www.acad.carl...nt/PINNING.html

 

http://www.antwiki.o..._Ants_for_Study

 

http://www.antwiki.o..._Ants_for_Study

Edited by gcsnelling, January 21 2018 - 6:31 AM.

[dspdrew]

Is there anything wrong with CA glue, that's what I have been using? It dries very quickly.

[gcsnelling]

Not that I am aware of. You need a glue that does not obscure features, will not allow the specimen to fall off in high humidity but is easily removable with a quick acetone soak.