Freeze-drying Adult Mosquitoes for Taxonomic Study

摘要

The freeze-drying of adult mosquitoes for taxonomic study was investigated. A procedure was developed that combines the freeze-drying method of preservation with the traditional method of killing and mounting specimens. Specimens prepared by this method are taxonomically more valuable as they show little or no structural distortion, loss of color or loss of scales and setae. Freeze-dried specimens can he used for scanning electron microscopy, and they would make excellent type-material. Other advantages and disadvantages are discussed.