Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Flies in the freezer.
Posted by skrylten on 20-07-2012 20:44
#1
For how long is it possible to keep the specimens in the freezer, and still have them as "new" when it is time to pin them ?
Can I keep some fun for the long wintermonths up in the north :D
Posted by Tony Irwin on 20-07-2012 22:16
#2
Frozen material does tend to dry out over time - it helps to place the specimens in a small tube, to maintain the moisture levels, and they do need to be treated quickly after thawing. If the specimens are small and partially dried, it may be better to card point them, rather than pin them.
Posted by mossnisse on 21-07-2012 01:30
#3
I have pinned flies that have been in the freezer 1.5 year with no problem. They are in quite moist tubes.
Posted by pjoris on 21-07-2012 08:52
#4
I tried once to use the freezer as killing method (as seems quite common among lepidopterists), but many flies lost their third antennal segment. It seems it was frozen of ! Maybe that depends on the exact temperature in your freezer, but I have heard of others having this problem. Joris
Posted by mossnisse on 21-07-2012 11:38
#5
Ah is it there the antenna break off. I haven’t been able to figure it out before.