Figure 4-3. Correct mounting position for kissing bug, order Meniptera.
4-4.
MINUTEN PIN MOUNTS
In the case of hard-bodied arthropods smaller than a housefly, the minuten pin
mount may be used. Equipment includes number 3 insect pins, small blocks of soft
wood or cork known as fixation blocks, and small pins known as minuten pins or
minuten nadel (German for small needle).
a. The insect pin is pushed through the transfixion block untiI the transfixion
block is one-fourth inch from the head of the pin. The pin is not placed through the
center of the transfixion block but slightly off center.
b. Using a pair of forceps, the blunt end of the minuten pin is pushed into the
end of the transfixion block.
c. The specimen is placed on a hard surface, with its ventral side up.
d. The sharp end of the minuten pin should pierce the specimen half way
through the central, ventral thorax. The legs of the mosquito should be toward the pin,
the right lateral surface visible from above. The specimen should be to the left of the
No.3 pin.
e. The specimen should be handled as much as possible with forceps, needles,
or pins so important characteristics (body appendages, etc.) that are necessary for
specimen identification are not lost. An example of a minuten pin mount is shown in
figure 4-4.
MD0170
4-4