Collecting Insect Part 8. If care is taken and a few basic precautions are followed, a collection of insects or mites can be maintained indefinitely. The adoption of standard equipment for housing a collection is advantageous as it assures uniformity of containers when additions are necessary.
Standard equipment is obtainable from any of several supply houses.
Material preserved in liquid usually needs no attention other than occasional replacement of preservative and stoppers. Small vials may be stored in racks so that the stoppers are not in contact with the liquid. The use of storage racks for vials expedites rearrangement and examination of the material. Vials should be examined periodically to be sure the specimens do not become dry. If it is not possible to inspect the vials frequently, those containing larvae or large insects should have their stoppers replaced by cotton plugs.