A step-by-step guide for manufacturing a reliable and low-cost entomological dissection microvial for pinned specimens

By

Fernandes, André Silva
Guedes, Joab Cardoso
Krolow, Tiago Kütter

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2025-9-10

Original Publication

Beiträge zur Entomologie

Volume

75

Series / Issue

Issue: 2

Pages

263--268

Subjects

Alternative methods , entomological collections , genitalia vials , microtubes , preserving , Storage

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Berlin Akademie-Verlag 1951-1997

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/contrib.entomol.75.e159632

 

Abstract

Entomological collections face significant challenges in storing and preserving dissected structures of insects (especially the most delicate and tiny ones). For pinned specimens, few alternatives are available to keep dissected parts along with their source specimens, with pinnable microvials commonly used. However, world suppliers for these special microvials are scarce and their cost may reasonably impact the budget of less wealthy institutions. To provide a low-cost alternative, we designed a reliable entomological dissection microvial, based on materials easily found in most local office and laboratory equipment suppliers. Our microvials are based on two main items, Polypropylene (PP) microcentrifuge tubes and Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) hot-melt glue. Their manufacturing process is very simple and is described and illustrated in detail. The proposed microvials tend to have good ability for archiving, since the materials used for their main parts (PP and EVA) show good chemical adhesion and PP microcentrifuge tubes can safely contain most common preserving solutions for an indefinite time. Their endurance was tested under normal use conditions in our collection for the past five years and materials showed no degradation. Moreover, all components are classified as non-toxic and are safe for manipulation, storage and disposal by any educational or research facility. Finally, they fit into the category of sustainable solutions once they are long-lasting, reusable and can be manufactured from used microvials that would be discharged.