Preparing insects for display

Press, 16 August 1980, Page 17

Preparing insects for display

The Preparation and Curation of Insects, By Annette K. Walker and Trevor K. Crosby. D.S.I.R. and Entomological Society of New Zealand. D.S.I.R. information series/Government Printer. 55 pp. $2.50.

■ (Reviewed by

Anthony Savill)

At last, a standard - curation guide has appeared for, all students of entomology—both amateur and professional alike. A perusal of the insect collections in any'institution will serve to demonstrate the diversity of curatorial techniques used in the past. All too often valuable. specimens were rendered worthless by inadequate labelling, preservation, or even loss. •Although -modern curatorial -■-techniques have improved considerably this situation bears testament to the need

for a standard recipe book on cura< tion for all entomologists. This booklet provides just that. Through the use of clear line drawings and an easy to follow text, all aspects of how to mount and preserve the different groups of insects are covered, together with advice on mounting slides, dissection, fumigation, mounting for display, and the various tricks of the trade and short cuts invaluable in any discipline. The publication is supplemented by a valuable list of references for further reading, together with a directory of equipment supplies, although the latter is more applicable to Auckland-based entomologists. This small guide will be welcomed by all those concerned with entomology and should be an indispensable part of their library.