memo
Junior Member
Posts: 36
|
Post by memo on Mar 7, 2018 0:33:06 GMT -8
Dear all. Is there any problems to expect in rehydrating and resetting phasmids, that only sold as setted specimens like Tagesoidea nigro.? Thanks in advance..
|
|
|
|
Post by trehopr1 on Mar 7, 2018 22:14:07 GMT -8
I'm not aware of any undo concerns rehydrating phasmidae (generally speaking). If all the specimen needs is a little "tweaking" of it's wings, legs, or antennae to make it more symmetrical; than 2-3 hours at best in a relaxer is all anything should need. Always make sure that your relaxer is not "too wet" or "too humid" regardless of what insect you put in it and always have a couple naphthalene moth balls or PDB crystals in there to prevent mold.
Phasmidae have really come a long way (packaging-wise) from the 1960's-1970's when (what few species were offered); were usually wrapped up (bundled) like a web spider wraps up prey for later consumption. They literally had to be un-wrapped and (looked like some kind of cigar) placed in a relaxer to have the whole creature later be un-folded (hopefully) without breaking. Yes, the legs, antennae, and even the wings all had to be un-folded !
If you were lucky with the larger species (and their thicker bodies); maybe somebody was kind enough to "gut" the contents of the abdomen before packaging up. That way the abdomen would not wind up dis-colored because of body fats leaching out before, during, or after the spreading process. Otherwise, all the bigger species usually wound up with a "darkened" tail end (abdomen).
Of coarse, nowadays there is a plethora of species available out there for those Phasmidae enthusiasts among us ! Most of them arrive to us fully spread; legs spread out symmetrically, antennae straight and forward (un-broken), and wings (if they have them) fully spread (usually nicely). Furthermore, the bigger ones nearly always have been "gutted" so the specimens retain good life-like colors. Amazing work....
I only own about 10 species so my personal holdings of them are small. But, with all this new modern packaging going on; and so many new and affordable species to be had I may just try to pick up a few more species for the collection ! So much variety.
|
|
memo
Junior Member
Posts: 36
|
Post by memo on Mar 9, 2018 14:32:27 GMT -8
Thank you trehopr1. My concern is, that parts maybe glued and get disconnected while relaxing and being unable to spread them in prefered position afterwards....
|
|
|
|
Post by trehopr1 on Mar 12, 2018 11:11:46 GMT -8
Mr. Memo, there is always some risk involved when re-hydrating insects. In the case of Phasmids (especially old specimens); legs can de-tach while in the relaxer because they have been glued or otherwise affixed prior (by someone) or the integument between the segments is weak and gives way. Sometimes, an entire leg may break off at the 1st segment (coxa) closest the body.
A possible solution I have seen work is the use of a "minuten" pin. I'm sure you are familiar with "minutens" but, if you are not than they are basically very fine little "bristles" that are only 5-6 mm in length. A single minuten pin can basically be jabbed into the broken end of a leg segment. Push it in about 1/2 way for good support and then connect this de-tached leg segment back where it separated by pushing the opposing (pointed end of the minuten) in. The two segments should come togather nicely and the leg can then be adjusted. I have seen this used also on Coleoptera. A tiny spot of elmers glue may also be used at the leg (break) point if the two segments (parts) still seem weak despite the minuten re-connecting them.
I have seen this work (generally) pretty well 70-80% of the time. On those specimens where it does not work than your probably better off getting another example later on down the road. Insects are a re-newable resource and the vast percentage of them can be found in the hobby (soon) or within a year or two. Best of luck....
|
|
