Posted by Kahis on 12-06-2006 11:21
#2
crex wrote:
I don't collect flies, I only take photos, but I could consider sending a few to other collectors.
A few questions:
- Would anyone be interested in getting samples of (unidentified) flies or other insects?
- Are there species that shouldn't be sent without special preparation, like perhaps Heteroptera?
- How do I kill them? Preferably without using strong poison!
- How do I wrap them up to send in the mail not to damage them? Avoid cotton?
- What information should be attached to each deliverance (location, date ..?)
- Can insects/spiders be sent in the mail without any special (customs) declaration?
- This was a useless newbie idea? ;)
Last question first: No:)
Samples: It depends. Most many species/specimens are we talking about 1/10/100/1000/...?
Preparation: is not necessary, i's better to do nothing if you dont know what you are doing;)
Killing: throw them into a freezer for a day. Then dry for a few days - a week. Another possibility of storage in alcohol (>50% ethanol, "T-sprit" diluted with water to 70% will do). For storage in alcohol you'll need good-quality test tubes with tight stoppers.
Wrapping: Use small boxes with only a few specimens per container (for example plastic 35mm film canisters). Fill the canisters loosely with tissue paper or some other soft material. Then put these canisters into a larger box surrounded by plenty of shock absorbing fillling.
Information: location (preferentially with coordinates down to 100x100 meters or so), date and name of collector. Habitat description is often very useful.
Customs: Dried insects should cause no problem. Write "Samples For Scientific Study - No Commercial Value" on the parcel. I don't know if sending samples in alcohol is strictly legal but it is regularly done nonetheless.