TECHNIQUES FOR THE STUDY 
OF ANT LARVAE 
By George C. Wheeler and Jeanette Wheeler 
University of North Dakota, Grand Forks 
Our studies on ant larvae have been published in 30 separate articles 
scattered in eight periodicals, appearing over a period of 33 years. 
Several entomologists have expressed regret that the studies have not 
been combined into a monograph. We regret this too, but no founda- 
tion has been willing to publish so long a treatise with so many illus- 
trations and without economic or popular appeal, and no journal has 
been willing to accept it on the installment plan. The exigency of 
finance, then, has forced us to publish the body of the “monograph” 
piecemeal. This present article can be regarded as a part of the intro- 
duction. We are prompted to publish it at this time by requests for 
information concerning our techniques. 
Living Material 
When living larvae are available, we observe and record as much 
as possible of their external anatomy. If the larvae are active the 
changeability of form is noted. 
Preservation 
Any preservative may be used for ant larvae if only the external 
anatomy is to be studied. We prefer 85% ethyl alcohol. No special 
preparation is necessary; the larvae are simply dropped into the pre- 
servative. If the alcohol is too dilute or if the container has been 
overcrowded internal structures may be inadequately preserved, but 
the integument will still be usable for external anatomy. If large 
larvae are jostled the hairs may get broken. 
Naturally if one plans to investigate also internal anatomy or 
histology, appropriate killing and fixing reagents are necessary. 
If we have only one larva (or very few) of a species we make notes 
and drawings before subjecting it to any additional techniques. This 
is simply good insurance. 
Relaxation 
Even dried larvae may be used for the study of external anatomy. 
Either of two methods of relaxing is recommended : 
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