Plastic Embedding of Insects—A Simplified Technique

Abstract

Methods for preserving biological material in transparent plastics were first published some 15 years ago (Hibben, 1937), and have now come into quite wide use. Accounts have heen published of several suitable techniques, mostly rather similar, in both the scientific (Knight, 1937; Puckett, 1940, 1941; Raizenne, 1949) and the commercial literature (Sheehan & Stewart, 1947; General Biological Supply House. 1950; Ward's, 1947). Although these materials are peculiarly suitable for the preservation of insect material, only one short mimeographed publication (Silver, 1948), has appeared describing a method specifically designed for use with an insect group. This method is essentially similar to the procedures described for soft tissues, all of which are much more elaborate than is necessary for insect material. Sheehan and Stewart (1947) mention that dried insect material may be immersed directly in the plastic monomer in the process which they describe.