[NHCOLL-L:4711] Storage of fluid preserved invertebrate collections

[Janet Gillette]

The Museum of Northern Arizona is currently undertaking the move of its
anthropology, entomology and herbarium collections into a newly constructed
collection storage facility.  One issue under discussion is the storage of
our entomology collection.  Currently both pinned adult forms and fluid
preserved larval forms are stored together to facilitate taxonomic research.


 

The fluid preserved invertebrates (70-80% EtOH) are contained in small
(mostly 2 dram volume) vials sealed with polyseal caps with polyethylene
liners.  Monitoring has revealed no evidence of leakage or evaporation
following many years of use.  As part of the move new Delta Designs
entomology cabinets with quality gaskets have been purchased for permanent
storage of the collection.

 

We will be communicating with the Fire Marshall regarding local regulations
but we'd also appreciate comments regarding how other institutions organize
these types of collections.  What are the pros and cons of maintaining the
collection together vs. separating fluid preserved invertebrates from dry or
pinned specimens?  Are there reference/publications that address this issue
and if so could you share the citations?  We're familiar with the literature
relating to fluid preserved vertebrate collections but don't know of
publications that specifically cite invertebrate/entomology collections.  Do
small amounts of EtOH pose the same fire safety problems that large fluid
preserved vertebrate collections pose?

 

Any insight would be most welcome, as we recognize this to be an issue that
many invertebrate collections are or will soon be facing.  Feel free to
respond off list to the email address below.

 

Sincerely,

Janet

 

Janet Whitmore Gillette

Museum of Northern Arizona

jgillette at mna.mus.az.us

 

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