Collecting and Preserving

5.6 - Placing the Labels.......................................................................................................... 475.7 - Bar Coding ............................................................................................................ 485.8 - Labeling Vials ............................................................................................................485.9 - Labeling Microscope Slides .......................................................................................... 485.10 - Identification Labels ....................................................................................................48Part 6 - Care of the Collection ........................................................................................................... 486.1 - Housing the Collection .................................................................................................. 486.2 - Protecting Specimens From Pests and Mold ................................................................. 49Part 7 - Packing and Shipping Specimens .......................................................................................... 507.1 - Packing Materials. ......................................................................................................... 507.2 - Pinned Specimens..........................................................................................................507.3 - Specimens in Vials......................................................................................................... 517.4 - Loading Cartons. ........................................................................................................... 517.5 - Shipping Microscope Slides .......................................................................................... 527.6 - Shipping Live Specimens. ............................................................................................. 52IntroductionThe Class Arthropoda, which includes insects, spiders, mites, and their relatives, is without question the mostsuccessful group of organisms on the planet. Insects alone account for nearly 55% of all species known to science(Barrowclough 1992). Spiders, mites and insects inhabit every terrestrial habitat on the planet and play a major role inthe evolution and maintenance of biotic communities. They are the primary pollinators of flowering plants; they areimportant consumers and recyclers of decaying organic matter; and they are integral components in the foodwebs ofvertebrates and other invertebrates. For these reasons, and many others, the study of insects and their relatives is ofincreasing importance as society faces increased challenges to preserve and enhance environmental quality, reducepesticide usage, increase crop productivity, control food costs, and increase trade in the global community. Pest speciesare responsible for enormous economic losses annually, attacking crops and ornamental plants, causing damage to ourfood and clothing, and vectoring diseases that effect cultivated plants, our pets and livestock, and ourselves. The damagecause by pests species is far outweighed by the positive effects of beneficial species. Pollinators ensure the production offruit, parasitoids and predators help control pest species, some species contain chemicals of pharmaceutical value, and alarge number of species contribute to the decomposition and recycling of dead and decaying matter.Because of the damage inflicted by pest species, increased knowledge of these organisms has the potential to savelives and money. Correct identification of a newly detected pest or disease vector is of utmost importance because thescientific name of an organism is the key to all known information about its morphology, its behavior and life history,and its potential threat to human welfare.The behavior of insects and mites can be observed most easily in their natural environments. However, manyspecies, especially the smaller ones, must be collected and properly preserved before they can be identified. Becausecorrect identification seldom is easy, it is important that specimens be preserved in the best condition possible. Theidentification of a particular insect or mite usually requires examination of minute details of its anatomy with the aid of ahand lens or microscope. Some specimens may require dissection or even study with the electron microscope. If thesedetails on a specimen are concealed, missing, or destroyed because of improper handling or preservation, identification ismade difficult or impossible, and information about the species to which it belongs cannot be made available. Therefore,adequate preservation and proper labeling of specimens are essential to their identification.The methods used to collect insects and mites are dictated by the ultimate goal of the samples collected. Insectsmay be collected as a hobby for personal enjoyment of their diversity and beauty. They may be collected in conjunctionwith school courses on biology or entomology. Specific insects groups may be sampled to assess or measure biodiversity* This manual is an updated and modified version of the USDA Misc. Publication no. 1443 published by the AgriculturalResearch service in 1986 and Edited by George C. Steyskal, William L. Murphy, and Edna M. Hoover.