[NHCOLL-L:5137] white crystals appearing on specimens in fluid, any ideas?

[Heather Campbell]

Hello all,

While rehousing the bee wet collection I have noticed that some vials
contain specimens that have white material growing (?) on them.  Here are
a few details that may be important when considering a diagnosis:
1. Only vials containing larvae (maybe pupae) are affected
2. Different species and different years (but always older than 5yrs) and
different locals
3. Preservative used: Kahle's sol
                       acetic acid (glacial) 10%
                       formalin (37%)        10%
                       water                 25%
                       Ethanol (75%)         55%
4. Easily scraped away and has a plaque-like resemblance
5. no visible damage done to specimen (naked eye)

I have pictures but am unable to send due to limits on message size.  I
will be happy to send these along to anyone who is interested.

Thank you

Heather M. Campbell
Bee Curatorial Assistant
Division of Invertebrate Zoology
American Museum of Natural History
Central Park West @ 79th st.
New York, NY 10024-5192
212-496-3447


Heather M. Campbell
Bee Curatorial Assistant
Division of Invertebrate Zoology
American Museum of Natural History
Central Park West @ 79th st.
New York, NY 10024-5192
212-496-3447