macroinvertebrate identifications

Hey bug lovers-
I have been fielding quite a few questions this summer about insects (and non-insects) that people are seeing while out in the field this summer. I would like to help ya'll out as much as possible with identifications of problematic specimens. SO..... If you are out in the field collecting I offer these hints that will help while collecting specimens.
1)Things you'll need:
Vials, EtOH( or some other alcohol), thermos of hot water, paper, pencil
2)What to do:
Once you have your specimen of interest dip it in the hot water, this is a flash kill that prevents the specimen from "thrashing" in EtOH , possibly damaging important morphological characters. This is also a more humane way to kill an insect, as opposed to suffocating it to death in alcohol!
3)Place specimen in EtOH and label
The label should be placed inside the vial with the specimen and should include:
location ( as much info as you have) i.e. Creek name, Lat/Long, description (eg. downstream of hwy 200 bridge near hwy post 123),Date(VERY IMPORTANT), and your name.

If you cannot send the specimen, or do not wish to euthanize it for science, please take pictures.

Hope this helps
Collect often!!! and I am always willing to help with problematic specimens

Sean Sullivan
Invertebrate Taxonomist
Aquatic Ecologist
Rhithron Associates, Inc.
www.Rhithron.com