Collecting & preserving
Collecting methods (most frequently used):
- sweeping net (+/- aspirator)
- Malaise trap
- yellow pan trap (YPT)
- rearing
Preserving methods:
- dry
- in alcohol 80-90% (preferably in the freezer)
Dry:
- card mounted (pointed or rectangular)
- slide mounted - parts only (Hoyer/Faure medium, but preferably Canada balm)
- (in layers) in flat plastic boxes
- in gelatine capsules or glass/plastic tubes
- DO NOT directly pin the insects!
Drying methods:
- air drying (for species having strongly sclerotized cuticles)
- Critical Point drying (CPD)
- Hexamethyldisilazene (HMDS) drying
Details can be found here.