Conservation of ant material for natural history collections (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Abstract

Correct sampling and preparation of living material build up the heart of all natural history collections. Ideally, the samples outlive their collectors and preparators for centuries. This article gives advice on correct and durable storage of either mounted or ethanol stored material as well as on correct sampling during field work. Furthermore, the advantages and disadvantages of a number of the most common ant preparation techniques for inner and outer body characters are presented, compared, and illustrated. This can either mean a decision between a basket shape arrangement, a preparation according to Wilson, or a preparation in standing position if the whole individual and its morphology is of interest. Dissection methods to obtain information on inner organs involved in pheromonal communication or indicating reproductive status and age are described.

Keywords

• ants
• preparation techniques
• chthonolasius
• ethanol storage