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Issue:ISSN 2095-1353
           CN 11-6020/Q
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Your Position :Home->Past Journals Catalog->2022年59 No.6

Relative advantages of slide-mounted vs pinned, chalcid specimens
Author of the article:ZHANG Chen, ZU Guo-Hao, LI Er-Feng, XUE Hao
Author's Workplace:College of Horticulture and Landscape, Tianjin Agricultural University, Tianjin 300384, China
Key Words:College of Horticulture and Landscape, Tianjin Agricultural University, Tianjin 300384, China
Abstract:[Objectives]  Parasitic chalcid wasps are widely used biological control agents in agriculture and forestry and consequently have significant economic value. Because of their small size, most of their morphological characteristics can only be observed on slide-mounted specimens. Preparing such specimens is, however, relatively difficult, and the quality of preparation directly affects the value of specimens for species identification and research. This article summarizes different methods of preparing chalcid specimens in order to provide clear diagnostic features for identifying the species of this taxon. [Methods]  Chalcid specimens were prepared using an updated Arabic balsam sealing method, neutral balsam (Canada balsam) sealing method and the pinning (needle-insertion) method. All three methods are described in detail, including how to optimize the steps of cleaning, dissection, transparency and tableting, in the production process. [Results]  The preparation of Arabic balsam was relatively simple, complex dehydration steps could be avoided and slides could be adjusted at a later stage. However, slides cracked easily during long-term storage. Neutral balsam (Canada balsam) glass slides were more permanent, but specimens were prone to shrinkage and deformation during the dehydration process. Furthermore, neutral balsam dries slowly, has a pungent odor, and slides are extremely difficult to readjust. Pinned specimens retain accurate body color, grooves and other gross morphological features, but many morphological details are hard to observe. Furthermore, specimens are easily damaged by insects during storage. [Conclusion]  Different preparation methods should be chosen based on the size of specimen, its intended use and the degree of ossification of the integument. (1) Specimens with body length < 2 mm should be made into glass slides for observation and identification. The Arabic balsam method is relatively convenient and has a high error tolerance rate, which makes it suitable for practice and the preparation of ordinary specimens. The neutral (Canada) balsam sealing method allows specimens to be more permanently preserved, prevents corrosion and is highly transparent, and is therefore more suitable for preserving type specimens of new species. (2) Specimens with a body length > 2 mm are suitable for pinning, which allows body color and other gross morphological characteristics to be readily observed.
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