(3) Professional entomologists involved in taxonomy may require special
techniques for the orientation and presentation of specific morphological structures on
slide mounts. For example, some genitalia of male mosquitoes need to be removed
from the pinned specimens, dissected, and mounted to make identifications of some
species.
c. Labels. As with all mounted arthropods, slide mounts must be properly
labeled. Gummed labels that fit the slides are available. The locality and habitat label
are placed to the left of the specimen and the determination label to the right. As with
alcohol mounts, the medium used should be specified on the label. Shown in figure 4-9
is an example of a correctly labeled slide mount.
Figure 4-9. Correctly labeled slide mount.
Section V. SPECIFIC MOUNTING PROCEDURES
4-12. MOUNTING MITES IN METHYCELLULOSE
a. KiII the specimen in 70 percent alcohol. Immerse the specimen in a solution
of 10 percent lactic acid from 10 to 30 minutes depending upon the size of the
specimen. As many as ten specimens can be handled at one time conveniently.
b. Remove the specimen to the methylcellulose medium and heat, being careful
not to boiI. The heating procedure may be repeated a number of times untiI the desired
clearing, relaxing, and straightening of the legs have been obtained.
c. Transfer the specimen to a slide containing methylcellulose. Arrange the
specimen ventral side up, head down, and apply the cover slip. It is desirable that only
one specimen be mounted per slide.
4-13. MOUNTING FLEAS AND SUCKING LICE IN BALSAM
a. KiII the specimen in 70 percent alcohol and transfer it to a shallow dish
containing water.
b. Place the specimen under water and puncture it between the second and
third abdominal segments. Great care should be taken to avoid tearing of the
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