Genitalia observation technics

[James J. Kruse]

Hello,

We've been using techniques described in:

Brown, J.W. & J.A. Powell. 1991(1992). Systematics of the Chrysoxena group
of genera (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae: Euliini). Univ. Calif. Publ. Entomol. v.111 pgs 14-15.

Main exceptions are the substitution of Xylene with 95-100% Isopropyl
alcohol, and the substitution of Canada Balsam with Euparal (avail from
Bioquip, as is the Cellosolve). Only drawback with these substitutions is
that Euparal takes far far longer to dry, and slides must be kept flat for
months. Plus side is that it is far less carcinogenic than xylene. Here is
the text (included because it is short):

"The abdomen is removed by applying slight pressure to the venter and is
placed in a solution of approximately 10% KOH. After about 24 hours the
abdomen is transferred to water, and the macerated vicera are removed by
flattening the abdomen dorsoventrally with a spatulate tool. For females,
a longitudinal incision is made along the pleuron, and any remaining body
contents removed. The genital capsule is then removed from the pelt by
tearing the VIII-IX intersegmental membrane for males, and the VII-VIII
intersegmental membrane for females. Both parts are transferred to
cellusolve (Dowanol EE; C2H5OC2H4OH) for about 24 hours. The abdominal
integument and genitalic capsule then are stained in a weak solution of
chlorozol black. All items are washed in 95% EtOH and the aedeagus is
removed. Males are transferred to xylene for 15-30 minutes, females to
cellusolve, after which all parts are slide-mounted with Canada balsam."

This technique is a variation of:

Clarke, J.F.G. 1941. The preparation of the genitalia of 
Lepidoptera. Bull. Brooklyn Entomol. Soc. 36:149-161.

and:

Powell, J.A. 1964. Biological and taxonomic studies on tortricine moths,
with reference to the species in California. Univ. Calif. Publ. Entomol. 32:1-307.

Hope you find this useful.
Regards,
Jim Kruse
University of California at Berkeley
Dept. of Environ Sci, Policy and Mgmt.
Div. of Insect Biology
201 Wellman Hall
Berkeley, California, 94720-3112
Voice: (510) 642-7410    Fax: (510) 642-7428
http://www.cnr.berkeley.edu/sperlinglab/kruse.html

On Thu, 11 Nov 1999, Henri-Jérôme Bertin wrote:

> I am looking for publications, papers, etc. that could help me preparing
> genitalia. Can sombody give me a help?
> 
> Than you.
>