lepidoptera and parasitoids

[ROBERT BUTCHER]

Hi all,
to all those who collect and rear lepidoptera larvae, at times you 
must alos end up rearing insect parasitoids, especially if you 
collect the leps as either late instar larvae or pupae.
 I would be interested in receiving samples of the Lepidoptera (but 
see below) (e.g. unparasitised that made made it to imago) and 
associated parasitoids (Hymenoptera or Diptera) from any region / 
country...adress should be below, but contact if more details 
required.
If possible the location (region is fine) collected from and date 
would be ideal info.

The bad news is:- (1) Storage and posting  is best by immersion of 
the live imago into neat (100%) ethanol, although 70% is OK. Ouuch, 
not the most pleasant way to go!! Very recently dead specimens are 
ok, but not ideal, and again send in ethanol (methylated spirits is 
OK instead).  For leps, remove all the wings first and send in a 
seperate dry container, or between greaseproof paper etc, so i can 
confirm identification at this end.
 (2) this is self funded, so I can at best only repay your postage 
costs etc, and not transport, collecting, wages, etc etc.

Notes:- (1) This is for research purposes (analysis of some new Lep 
primers, and evaluation of shared parasites between leps and 
parasitoids) and so has no commercial value. customs statements may 
contain the line no commercial value, net value less than $1.
Although for research, and not release, If the species are dead and 
in ethanol, no agricultural / economical constraints on pest 
species, nor more importantly will any ecological constraints apply 
(well, IMO, but agreed its a biased subjective statement), so 
again no import problems into the UK exist.
(2) However, please do not go collecting and killing any known 
endangered or rare (CITES / Red list or not) species, nor 
devastate your local insect populations, nor collect from areas / 
countries where this is not permitted. I really refer to any of 
you who are already collecting and would normally discard the 
parasitoids and surplus leps, etc.

 Thanks a million
 Cheers
 Rob
Robert Butcher,
Evolutionary and Ecological Entomology Unit,
Department of Biological Sciences,
Dundee University,
Dundee, DD1 4HN,
Tayside, Scotland,
UK.
Work Phone:- 01382-344291 (Office), 01382-344756 (Lab).
Fax:- 01382-344864
e-mail:- r.d.j.butcher at dundee.ac.uk