Identifier:68
Publication date:1997
Author(s):
Wendy Marussich
Keywords:
Protocol in Use:
2000-01-01 - 2009-12-31
Contact:
Data Manager, Global Institute of Sustainability, Arizona State University,
POB 875402,TEMPE
caplter.data@asu.edu
Procedure:
1. Remove a single arthropod sample from the freezer in LSA 227.
2. Carry the sample upstairs to Maggie’s laboratory (LSA 302)
3. Obtain a small glass vial (2 or 4 dram) with a screw-top cap from the drawer.
4. Transfer printed-paper label from ziplock sample bag to vial.
5. Fill vial with 70% ethanol from bottle on the counter.
6. Using forceps, transfer a small portion of the sample to the stage of a dissecting microscope.
7. Using forceps and/or a probe while looking through the microscope, carefully pick through the sample and separate any arthropods (or arthropod-like material) from the plant matter (leaves, twigs, flowers, seeds, etc.) and other debris.
8. Place arthropods in sample vial.
9. Place the plant matter and other debris in a pile on the counter.
10. Once you have systematically sorted through the entire sample, discard the plant parts and debris in the trashcan.
11. Place the cap on the vial and place in the labeled box on the counter with the other sorted samples.
12. Repeat steps 1-11 as time permits.
Abridged Version:
1. Using a dissecting microscope, separate the arthropods from the plant matter (leaves, twigs, flowers, seeds, etc.).
2. Place arthropods and plant label into a small glass vial (2 or 4 dram) containing 70% ethanol. Discard plant matter.
3. Identify arthropods to family (or genus if possible).