"Inflated" larvae: an art largely forgotten...
Mar 31, 2021 0:02:19 GMT -8
Adam Cotton and wollastoni like this
Post by trehopr1 on Mar 31, 2021 0:02:19 GMT -8
There once was a time when a few intrepid lepidopterists practiced the "art"
of "inflating" lepidopteran larvae as interesting footnotes to a given species
representation within a drawer.
Looking back to the 1930's, 40's, 50's, and even the 60's; a few lepidopterists
attempted (with great effort) to preserve the larval stages of various species.
Of coarse, during this time frame (and maybe earlier) cameras, film, and photo-
graphic equipment in general really was not up to snuff in reproducing clear, color
close-ups of larvae. More often than not larvae were reproduced in print by way of
drawings or "scientific illustration" -- in some of the better write ups of the time.
However, "dyed in the wool" collectors desired something much more tangible for their
collections. Something they could easily hold, admire, and even use to "enhance" certain
species holdings.
The techniques employed by those here in the U.S. had already been long practiced by
various Europeans countries and were passed along in time. Some of those here would
take up the craft and become quite good at it in their own right.
Below, I offer the only extant example I own of a lepidopteran larvae preserved in the
"classic" old manner or style. No freeze-dried specimen here...
As you can see the specimen has retained its overall structure, dimensions, patterns, and
general color -- amazingly well. I presume it pre-dates the early 1960's as all of the specimens
from the collection it came from had data no later than 1965 !
As to the methodology/techniques used; well, I'm sure those who practiced it likely had their own
take on it or "recipe" for achieving the best results.
What I can say after consulting the few written passages on the subject that I have found
is the following:
A. A cut would be made at the posterior end of the larvae.
B. After which a pencil would be "gingerly" used to squeeze the internal contents
out of the larvae; starting at the head and working slowly rearward.
* The importance of NOT breaking the skin (exoskeleton) of the larvae involved
was of utmost concern !
C. A sipping straw or fine pipette would then be inserted into the rear opening
(carefully) so that in some manner warm or (perhaps)(?) hot air could then
be "slowly" introduced so as to inflate the skin to its proper dimensions.
* If the skin was inflated too quickly it would rupture -- failure.
If the air was too hot it would dry too quickly or suffer contortions -- failure.
D. At the same time an oven (on hand) and set to a "specific" drying temperature
would be employed to help dry the exterior of the skin as the collector slowly
"turned" his prize -- much like a fellow carefully roasting a hot dog over an open fire.
The right touch -- along with gained experience would result in the most perfectly
preserved tangible examples one could ever hope to ever see -- short of the actual LIVING
creature.
Below, is a close-up of that opening.
The fine metal wire (in this example) supports the skin and runs
just about 60% thru it. Some passages mention the use of sipping
straws for support (with larger larvae). With the process completed
the straw could be cut and a pin inserted at the cut end.
Now, this is what I have been able to formulate from my few sources.
I have never attempted the craft myself; and surely it is not for everyone.
However, for those who practiced this long forgotten art of long ago; it was
the "cat's meow" in insect specimen preservation of the times !
of "inflating" lepidopteran larvae as interesting footnotes to a given species
representation within a drawer.
Looking back to the 1930's, 40's, 50's, and even the 60's; a few lepidopterists
attempted (with great effort) to preserve the larval stages of various species.
Of coarse, during this time frame (and maybe earlier) cameras, film, and photo-
graphic equipment in general really was not up to snuff in reproducing clear, color
close-ups of larvae. More often than not larvae were reproduced in print by way of
drawings or "scientific illustration" -- in some of the better write ups of the time.
However, "dyed in the wool" collectors desired something much more tangible for their
collections. Something they could easily hold, admire, and even use to "enhance" certain
species holdings.
The techniques employed by those here in the U.S. had already been long practiced by
various Europeans countries and were passed along in time. Some of those here would
take up the craft and become quite good at it in their own right.
Below, I offer the only extant example I own of a lepidopteran larvae preserved in the
"classic" old manner or style. No freeze-dried specimen here...
As you can see the specimen has retained its overall structure, dimensions, patterns, and
general color -- amazingly well. I presume it pre-dates the early 1960's as all of the specimens
from the collection it came from had data no later than 1965 !
As to the methodology/techniques used; well, I'm sure those who practiced it likely had their own
take on it or "recipe" for achieving the best results.
What I can say after consulting the few written passages on the subject that I have found
is the following:
A. A cut would be made at the posterior end of the larvae.
B. After which a pencil would be "gingerly" used to squeeze the internal contents
out of the larvae; starting at the head and working slowly rearward.
* The importance of NOT breaking the skin (exoskeleton) of the larvae involved
was of utmost concern !
C. A sipping straw or fine pipette would then be inserted into the rear opening
(carefully) so that in some manner warm or (perhaps)(?) hot air could then
be "slowly" introduced so as to inflate the skin to its proper dimensions.
* If the skin was inflated too quickly it would rupture -- failure.
If the air was too hot it would dry too quickly or suffer contortions -- failure.
D. At the same time an oven (on hand) and set to a "specific" drying temperature
would be employed to help dry the exterior of the skin as the collector slowly
"turned" his prize -- much like a fellow carefully roasting a hot dog over an open fire.
The right touch -- along with gained experience would result in the most perfectly
preserved tangible examples one could ever hope to ever see -- short of the actual LIVING
creature.
Below, is a close-up of that opening.
The fine metal wire (in this example) supports the skin and runs
just about 60% thru it. Some passages mention the use of sipping
straws for support (with larger larvae). With the process completed
the straw could be cut and a pin inserted at the cut end.
Now, this is what I have been able to formulate from my few sources.
I have never attempted the craft myself; and surely it is not for everyone.
However, for those who practiced this long forgotten art of long ago; it was
the "cat's meow" in insect specimen preservation of the times !
