Chapter 17 METHODS IN ENTOMOLOGY: COLLECTING, PRESERVATION, CURATION, AND IDENTIfiCATION For many entomologists, questions of how and what to collect and preserve are determined by the research project (see also section ). Choice of methods may depend upon the target taxa, life-history stage, geographical scope, kind of host plant or animal, disease vector status. | TIC17 5 20 04 4 39 PM Page 427 Chapter 17 METHODS IN ENTOMOLOGY COLLECTING PRESERVATION CURATION AND IDENTIFICATION Alfred Russel Wallace collecting butterflies. After various sources especially van Oosterzee 1997 Gardiner 1998. TIC17 5 20 04 4 39 PM Page 428 428 Methods in entomology For many entomologists questions of how and what to collect and preserve are determined by the research project see also section . Choice of methods may depend upon the target taxa life-history stage geographical scope kind of host plant or animal disease vector status and most importantly sampling design and cost-effectiveness. One factor common to all such studies is the need to communicate the information unambiguously to others not least concerning the identity of the study organism s . Undoubtedly this will involve identification of specimens to provide names section which are necessary not only to tell others about the work but also to provide access to previously published studies on the same or related insects. Identification requires material to be appropriately preserved so as to allow recognition of morphological features which vary among taxa and life-history stages. After identifications have been made the specimens remain important and even have added value and it is important to preserve some material vouchers for future reference. As information grows it may be necessary to revisit the specimens to confirm identity or to compare with later-collected material. In this chapter we review a range of collecting methods mounting and preservation techniques and specimen curation and discuss methods and principles of identification. COLLECTION Those who study many aspects of vertebrate and plant biology can observe and manipulate their study organisms in the field identify them and for larger animals also capture mark and release them with few or no harmful effects. Amongst the insects these techniques are available perhaps only for butterflies and dragonflies .
