›› 2006, Vol. 24 ›› Issue (增刊): 16-s75.

• 讲座 • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Collecting and Preserving Mosquitoes: Tools and Techniques

ZHU Huai-min   

  • Received:1900-01-01 Revised:1900-01-01 Online:2006-12-30 Published:2006-12-30

Abstract: This lecture provides a summary of the methods and techniques used by professionals to collect and preserve mosquito specimens for study and teaching. Many species of mosquitoes can be collected most easily in their natural environments. However, some species must be collected and properly preserved before they can be identified. Because correct identification seldom is easy, it is important that specimens be preserved in the best condition possible. The identification of a particular insect usually requires examination of minute details of its anatomy with the aid of a hand lens or microscope. If these details on a specimen are concealed, missing, or destroyed because of improper handling or preservation, identification is made difficult or impossible, and information about the species to which it belongs cannot be made available. Specific groups or species may be collected to acquire material for biological, physiological, ecological, molecular, and systematic studies. While many of the methods covered here, such as samples collecting, pinning, slide?鄄mounting, and other techniques have become available everywhere; but for molecular studies, only in the recent years or decades the advancing technologies developed.

Key words: Mosquito, Collection, Preservation, Specimen