HOW TO KNOW THE INSECTS 



cm on an inverted electric iron r.akes an excellent oven. When 

 the larva is thoroirhly dry it is carei'ully removed from the 

 glass rod and mounted as shovm in the illustration. A bit of 

 glue is used to hold the caterpillar in place on the v/ire. The 

 advantage of this m.ethod of preservation is that the larva can be 

 pinned In the collection in association \7lth the specim.ens of the 

 adult of the same species. When the Inflation has been ca.refully 

 done, the caterpillars present a lifelike appearance, retaining 

 most of their spines, markings, and colors. 



Larvae too sm.all to be handled in this fashion may som.etlm.es 

 be successfully inflated and dried by burying in dry sand ^Yhich 

 is then heated. If the right temperature can be maintained the 

 gases generated by drying the inner contents ivill distend the 

 body Yjall until it is dried in an expanded condltlo-n. Consider- 

 able skill and experience is required to do this successfully. 

 Insect galls on leaves or soft fruit can be dried In sand in this 

 same v.^ay. 



After an insect specimen is 

 pinned it should never be touched 

 with anything unless it has been 

 previously relaxed. Speclm.ens are 

 handled by the top of the pin and 

 great care must be taken not to let 

 the fingers come in contact ^::ithany 

 part of the specimen. After the 

 specim.en has dried the antennae and 

 legs are especially fragile. Tiie 

 elbow block (Fig. 28-2-) makes an ex- 

 cellent device for holding specimens 

 as they are studied under the macro- 

 scope. It is m.ade of tv/o- pieces of 

 thin v^ood. A bit of modelling clay 

 receives the pin. The block may be 

 set on any one of its sides or the 

 head of the pin m.ay be stuck into 

 the clay. 



Figure 28^. T'le Elbov.- Blocl- 



32 



