Insect and Worm / Fluke Specimens

23.7 Insect and Worm / Fluke Specimens When purchasing formalin in the market, it is usually a 40% solution. The glycerin purchased in the market is 100% glycerin. These need to be diluted according to the situation. To make a 10% solution of formalin, take 25 ml of 40% solution (from the market) and add 75 ml of water. This gives us 100 ml of a 10% solution.

Internal Parasites: (worms, flukes, maggots, cysts) Put into formalin. Nematodes: 3.5% solution; Cestodes: 5-10% solution; Trematodes: 10% solution. Do not put too many in one jar or they may spoil - there should always be 10 times more formalin than parasites in any bottle.

Large Insects: Catch insects carefully so as to cause no damage. Then pin through the thorax using a fine pin. Store in a special box, or in a bottle, in order to protect from dust, etc.

Small, Soft-bodied Insects: Store in 10% formalin.

Small, Hard-bodied Insects: Put in 5% glycerine. (If no glycerin is available, then use concentrated alcohol. Even local alcohol works.) All bottles should be well sealed and tape applied around the top to prevent evaporation.