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Collecting
There is much controversy over collecting of odonates. Even
though I do not collect myself and cannot justify the killing of these insects merely
to have a collection to show, I do recognize that there is a need to further our
knowledge in the field, and can very well accept the idea of collecting when it
is for research or education. Without collecting we would know nothing about
the insect world. Due to high reproductive rates characteristic of insect
populations, the collection of a few individuals is unlikely to impact a population.
BEFORE PROCEEDING - Read the Worldwide
Dragonfly Association's "Code
for Collecting", for a discussion of collecting ethics.
CATCHING IT
After having made the decision to collect, there are a few observations
that need to be made. You should gather up as much information pertaining
to your species as possible. That means recording the exact location (lat/long
coordinates if obtainable), date, time, habitat, behavior. Without this information,
your specimen is useless.
There are a few things that you need to keep in mind when collecting.
The color of some species fade soon after capture. This fading can be reversed
by exposing the specimen to sunlight. Secondly, your specimen should be kept
alive in a cool spot as soon as possible. Premature death will cause deterioration
of the color.
ENVELOPE IT
Once captured your specimen should be placed in a glassine envelope.
These are available in a variety of sizes to accommodate both very large and small
insects. Make sure that the insects wings are together above its back.
Only one specimen should be placed in each envelope. If you are collecting
pairs, place both in the same envelope, making sure that they are placed facing
away from each other. Once you have enveloped your specimen let it sit for
a bit before placing into the acetone bath. This gives the insect time to
empty out its digestive tract. Color usually preserves better in a specimen
with an empty stomach.
 USING
ACETONE:
Acetone is flammable
Avoid breathing the fumes and absorbing the liquid through your skin.
Commercial airlines forbid transporting acetone. |
ACETONE BATH
Your dragonfly must now be killed and its body arranged in the proper
configuration before placing it in acetone, otherwise it just might come out looking
like something other than an insect. Acetone dehydrates the specimen and dissolves
any fat, reducing the decomposition of colors. As soon as you know the insect
is dead, which happens almost instantly, remove the envelope from the acetone and
once again start straightening out its body parts, making sure the abdomen and wings
are correctly placed. Legs should be brought forward as to not obscure the
abdomen. Place back into the acetone bath for approximately 16-24 hours.
Remove the envelope from acetone and place it in a well ventilated area. Leaving
the envelope open for a few days enables the specimen to dry better.
CAUTION: show extra care when first handling
your specimen, it is stiff and brittle. It is not unusual for a head or limb
to break off -- believe me it's happened to us all at least once.
 ENVELOPE
LABELING
Once the above procedure is completed, it is now time to label your
envelope. This is probably the most important step you can take. Using
either a pencil, India ink or other ink that is insoluble in acetone. You must record
the following information: species name, (scientific & common), locality (county,
park name, landmark, lake/pond or river/stream, elevation and latitude/longitude
if available), date and collector. If you have decided to use a specimen number,
this should be included on the envelope. If you are collecting pairs in tandem
or in copula, it should always be indicated on your envelope.
STORAGE
Not that I'm promoting Tupperware®
here, but I find that their containers work well when storing specimens.
They is airtight and therefore resistant to possible pests and humidity and are
sturdier then cardboard boxes. Specimens should be placed in a vertical position
much like a card file, making sure that the envelopes are not too tightly packed
together crushing the specimens.
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