Freeze-drying techniques for preserving aphids (Homoptera, Aphidodea)

Abstract

Techniques for collection, preparation and storage of freeze-dried aphid samples, including galls, are described. Freeze-drying can be done with the aid of a home freezer, a drying agent, and suitable containers alone, but drying time can be reduced considerably with cheap and simple vacuum drying equipment. Freeze-drying methods have several advantages compared with traditional mounting techniques. Body shape, colours, wax coating and microsculpture are excellently preserved. The labour required per sample, for preparation as well as for identification, is reduced to a minimum, and complete colony samples can be stored as entities. Aspects of practical handling and study of freeze-dried aphid samples are discussed.