Lab Tools and Methods

The best tools to have in a lab are a stereoscope, petri dishes, and forceps.

A stereoscope (Figure a.) is necessary because it provides depth perception, a good light source, and an acceptable magnification. Do not use standard light microscopes as they have too high of a magnification (all you will see is a dark blob). The scope photographed has a magnification level from x8 to x32, meaning whatever you look at is magnified by 8 to 32 times.

Place the insect in a petridish. Make sure the dish is filled with water. If the insect is moving too fast in the dish, place the insect in a refrigerator until it slows down. This generally takes from one to twelve hours.

When observing the insect, you can use a pair of forceps to carefully manipulate the insect. Just be careful, remember that insects are extremely fragile and are easy to crush.

If you want to make a collection of insects, the easiest and most versatile way (and takes up the least amount of space) is to take digital photographs. You will want to use a camera that is at least 2 to 3 megapixals and and has an optical zoom of at least x10 (for the small insects). If an insect of only a few millimeters is photographed, an optical zoom of x17 will be required. Keep the insect in the petri dish, and place the dish on piece of black construction paper. The insect will most likely have to refrigerated as above. The pictures that I took outside turned out the best.

Using the Key


Insect Home Insect Orders Ephemeroptera: Mayflies Odonata: Dragonflies Hemiptera: True Bugs Trichoptera: Caddisflies Lepidoptera: Moths and Butterflies Coleoptera: Beetles Diptera: Flies Index Glossary Links Environmental Interpretive Center	Insect Identification: The Basics

	a. b.	What is an Insect Tools and Methods for Collecting Aquatic Insects Where to Sample Sampling Tools and Methods Lab Tools and Methods The best tools to have in a lab are a stereoscope, petri dishes, and forceps. A stereoscope (Figure a.) is necessary because it provides depth perception, a good light source, and an acceptable magnification. Do not use standard light microscopes as they have too high of a magnification (all you will see is a dark blob). The scope photographed has a magnification level from x8 to x32, meaning whatever you look at is magnified by 8 to 32 times. Place the insect in a petridish. Make sure the dish is filled with water. If the insect is moving too fast in the dish, place the insect in a refrigerator until it slows down. This generally takes from one to twelve hours. When observing the insect, you can use a pair of forceps to carefully manipulate the insect. Just be careful, remember that insects are extremely fragile and are easy to crush. If you want to make a collection of insects, the easiest and most versatile way (and takes up the least amount of space) is to take digital photographs. You will want to use a camera that is at least 2 to 3 megapixals and and has an optical zoom of at least x10 (for the small insects). If an insect of only a few millimeters is photographed, an optical zoom of x17 will be required. Keep the insect in the petri dish, and place the dish on piece of black construction paper. The insect will most likely have to refrigerated as above. The pictures that I took outside turned out the best. Using the Key