Use of Kisser glycerol gelatin to prepare microscope slides of Phlebotomine sandflies (Diptera: Psychodidae)

Rev Soc Bras Med Trop. 2019 Feb 21:52:e20180072. doi: 10.1590/0037-8682-0072-2018.

Abstract

Introduction: Appropriate preservation of specimens is important for taxonomic identification. In sandfly research, various methods have been used for slide preparation; however, high cost, low commercial availability, and associated hazards make their use impossible in some studies. Therefore, the efficacy of Kisser glycerol gelatin for sandfly slide preparation was tested.

Methods: Kisser glycerol gelatin, as a substitute for Canada balsam and Berlese's fluid, was used for mounting sandflies.

Results: Forty-two mounted specimens were created and maintained even after 14 months.

Conclusions: Use of Kisser glycerol gelatin is simple and efficient for preparing microscope slides of sandflies.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Gelatin*
  • Glycerol*
  • Insect Vectors*
  • Microscopy / methods*
  • Psychodidae*
  • Specimen Handling / methods*

Substances

  • Gelatin
  • Glycerol