Mounting of larval and pupal exuviae (Image).
1) Microscope slides must
be cleaned with 75% alcohol in order to eliminate dirt and lubricant
grease. Collecting and/or rearing codes are written on the upper
side of an adhesive label, and the abbreviations of the name of
the person doing the mounting is written in the lower side. This
label is stuck on the left side of the microscope slide, and the
same codes are written on the right side with a diamond point
pencil.
2) Exuviae are placed in isopropyl
alcohol for 5 minutes.
3) Following, exuviae are
put on the microscope slides, and mounted with a small drop of
Euparal. The larval exuviae, thoracic and abdominal setae must
be extended as much as possible in order to avoid that they are
under the body; the respiratory siphon must be slightly separated
from the anal segment. It is important that the manipulation of
exuviae is done carefully to avoid the detachment of setae and
other structures.
4) The glass cover is put
in place, and the mounted slide is kept in a 45 °C-55 °C
oven for 2 to 3 weeks. During the first two weeks of drying, slides
must be checked every 2 or 3 days. Euparal must be added in case
it has not covered all the area under the glass cover. The mounted
slide is dry when no Euparal will move by slightly pressing the
borders of the glass cover.
5) When there is excess of
Euparal over the cover glass, it can be cleaned with 75% alcohol
using cotton.
