Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Fungus in colection

Posted by rbl on 02-03-2010 19:10
#1

Hi

I am so unfortunate as to have my small collection of Syrphidae infected with som small white fugus. It makes a web of hyphae around the flies and I would very much like to get rid of them.

I remember I have read an article in a norwegian journal, Insekt-Nytt, about a solution within the last few years. It involved dipping them in alchohol but I cannot remember the details. Maybe one of you would be able to help or know another methode.

Yours Rasmus

Posted by Steve Pelikan on 24-04-2010 03:26
#2

Sorry to hear about your problem!

A desiccant like silica gel or maybe calcium chloride will probably make the specimens dry enough that the fungus will not grow any more.

I don't know what can be done for damaged specimens although I think I would (at least) remove obvious external fungus with forceps and/or a brush (perhaps dipped in alcohol).

Good luck!

Posted by JariF on 24-04-2010 07:06
#3

Drop Your flies into acetone for maybe six hours. After acetone bath You will not have fungus any more and the colours will stay bright. I give an overnight acetone bath to all my flies after pinning. No grease, no fungus, no pests and bright colours.

Jari