Typical flies : a photographic atlas / by E.K. Pearce. Second series.

  • Pearce, E. K. (Ethel Katharine), 1856-1940.
Date:
1921
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: Typical flies : a photographic atlas / by E.K. Pearce. Second series. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    and easily break whilst setting. Narrow boards, such as are used for the smallest lepidoptera, will be suitable for large and medium sized flies; small ones may be set on strips of flat cork, covered with thin white paper. Entomological forceps will be needed to insert the pin in the thorax of the fly; I prefer these curved, as they are also useful for moving pinned specimens. If the flies are to be photographed the pin must be cut off as short as possible above the thorax, and the cut end blackened with a touch of “ matt black.” No. 20 pins will be use- ful for most flies, though the large species require something stronger, whilst the very small ones, if pinned at all, require the finest silver pins obtainable. Taylor, New’ Hall Works, Birmingham, will supply a sample card of pins. For setting, strips and triangles of stiff writing paper, to hold legs and wings in place, and a stiff sable paint-brush, a few handled bristles and a fine needle or two, also handled, will do all that is required: a lens is indispensable in setting small flies, and may with advantage be mounted on a simple stand to leave both hands free. Some flies, especially the Tachinidae, are very brittle: care must be taken in manipulating them. Culicidae should be set and photo- graphed as quickly as possible, they very soon shrivel. Other flies may remain about ten days on the setting boards. As to numbers, half a dozen specimens should be ample, both sexes being represented, where possible. Fewer will often have to suffice with rare species, and for purposes of photography one well set specimen would be sufficient, were it not for the ever present risk of damage in moving from the store box: the slightest touch or jar will often cause the loss of a leg or antenna, and the attempt to replace these is seldom successful. Store boxes may be had in many sizes (10x8 inches is as good as any); whatever size is used should be adhered to, as far as possible, for the sake of uniformity. They should be carefully examined for mites, a great enemy to the collector; even new boxes are sometimes contaminated. In sending flies by post it is well to use two boxes, pinning them well into the inner, and supporting them by extra pins if possible; then packing the box with shavings inside a larger one. The label will of course be tied on. When finally pinning flies into the store box it is essential to use a small label giving date and locality, which can be pinned, written side down, by the same pin as the specimen. The name, etc. of the fly is written on a second label and pinned behind it in the box: the sex should be marked, where known, and a number added to correspond with that in a notebook, where fuller details may be recorded. Flies should be stored in a cool