Killing jar
A killing jar is a device used by entomologists to kill captured insects quickly and with minimum damage.[1] The jar, typically glass, must be hermetically sealable and usually has a thin layer of hardened plaster of paris on the bottom to absorb the insecticide. The insecticide will then slowly evaporate, allowing the jar to be used many times before needing to refresh the insecticide. The absorbent plaster of paris layer also prevents the insecticide from sticking to and damaging insects.
The most common insecticides used today in killing jar are ether, chloroform and ethyl acetate. The crushed leaves of the shrub cherry laurel are very effective, though only for a few hours after fresh collection. In the past, potassium cyanide or other cyanide compounds were used, but is no longer used due to its extreme toxicity.[2] The potassium cyanide would slowly decompose, releasing hydrogen cyanide.
Killing jars are generally only used on hard-bodied insects. Soft-bodied insects, such as the larval stage, are generally drowned in ethanol. The usual method of killing a lepidopteran is by crushing the thorax, as the wings generally become damaged in a killing jar.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ Smithers, C. N. 1988. The Handbook of Insect Collecting. ISBN 0589502883
- ^ Riley, C. V. 1892. Directions for Collecting and Preserving Insects. United States. National Museum. Bulletin—no. 39, pt. F, Bulletin (United States National Museum) -- no. 39, pt. F.
[edit] External links
- Collecting and Preserving Insects and Mites: Tools and Techniques
- How to Collect and Prepare Forest Insect and Disease Organisms and Plant Specimens for Identification
- A.Tereshkin Killing Jar with pieces of rubber tube for absorption of chloroform.
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