Preservation of hymenopteran specimens for subsequent molecular and morphological study

Some guidelines are presented for long‐term preservation of insects for non‐traditional systematic studies such as DNA sequencing and internal anatomical research. The main criteria for good DNA preservation appear to be the rapidity with which the DNA is protected from enzymatic and chemical breakdown, and subsequent storage conditions. The immediate post mortem treatment of specimens appears particularly important to the preservation of amplifiable DNA. For storage we recommend 70–100% ethanol at low temperature, deep freezing, and critical point or chemical drying direct from alcohol. For internal anatomy, traditional fixatives, 70% ethanol in a refrigerator, critical point drying or chemical drying are recommended. Cold‐storage in 70% ethanol with or without subsequent critical point drying or chemical drying using hexamethyldisilazane allow both molecular and morphological study.