Freeze-drying Adult Mosquitoes for Taxonomic Study

Abstract

The freeze-drying of adult mosquitoes for taxonomic study was investigated. A procedure was developed that combines the freeze-drying method of preservation with the traditional method of killing and mounting specimens. Specimens prepared by this method are taxonomically more valuable as they show little or no structural distortion, loss of color or loss of scales and setae. Freeze-dried specimens can he used for scanning electron microscopy, and they would make excellent type-material. Other advantages and disadvantages are discussed.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1983
Accession Number
ADA512236

Entities

People

  • Bruce A. Harrison
  • Ralph E. Harbach

Organizations

  • Walter Reed Biosystematics Unit

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Biospecimens
  • Drying
  • Drying Apparatus
  • Electron Microscopes
  • Electron Microscopy
  • Freeze Drying
  • Heavy Metals
  • Information Operations
  • Insects
  • Materials
  • Microscopes
  • Microscopy
  • Natural History
  • Scanning Electron Microscopes
  • Scanning Electron Microscopy
  • Structural Integrity
  • Vacuum

Readers

  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Systems Analysis and Design
  • Vector-Borne Disease and Entomology

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics