[Nhcoll-l] Mold in butterfly antennae - possible contamination ofthe collection

[Simon Moore]

I have always found the best way is to apply (very gently, using a fine artist's brush) a small amount of IMS.  This has always worked well for me and the mould has never returned.

With all good wishes, Simon

Simon Moore RScI, MIScT, FLS, ACR,
Conservator of Natural Sciences and Cutlery Historian,

 www.natural-history-conservation.com 
www.pocket-fruit-knives.info 

http://uk.linkedin.com/in/naturalsciencespecimenconserve
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Luis Filipe Lopes 
  To: nhcoll-l at mailman.yale.edu 
  Sent: Monday, November 25, 2013 10:46 AM
  Subject: [Nhcoll-l] Mold in butterfly antennae - possible contamination ofthe collection


  Dear all,

   

  I have recently started curating the insect collection here in the Museum and I am starting to learn how to prepare the insects.

  I have received a butterfly which I prepared but then I realized it had some mold already growing in the antennae and eyes, though not much. 

  I have meanwhile dried it at 55ºC for about 30 minutes and then for 3 days at room temperature.

   

  What I wanted to know is how to carry on regarding this issue? Is there a way to clean it, or kill the mold? I imagine that freezing won't cut for the mold.

  If I put it in a collection box will this potentially contaminate other specimens? (I have been keeping the collection room at around 50% humidity)

   

  In this case, it is not a rare specimen so if is a liability I can just discard it. But what if was something important?

   

  Thanks for your help!

   

  Best regards.

   

  Filipe Lopes

   

  National Museum of Natural History and Science

  Rua da Escola Politécnica, 56-58

  1250-102 Lisboa

  Portugal 

  Telephone: +351213921855

   

   



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