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Author Topic: How can I preserve some larvae, pupae and eggs in comb  (Read 1534 times)

Offline twb

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How can I preserve some larvae, pupae and eggs in comb
« on: May 15, 2011, 09:08:19 pm »
I have to do a science project with hundreds of kids involved in about four weeks and I need to show larvae, pupae, and eggs.  I have harvested some drone brood and frozen it but the larvae blacken in 24 hours after removal from the freezer.  I have placed some in clear plastic containers but they mold quickly.

Any ideas how to preserve them easily and effectively?
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"Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones."  Proverbs 16:24

Sincerely,
TWB

Offline AllenF

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Re: How can I preserve some larvae, pupae and eggs in comb
« Reply #1 on: May 15, 2011, 09:15:09 pm »
Alcohol?
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Offline supergoat

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Re: How can I preserve some larvae, pupae and eggs in comb
« Reply #2 on: May 15, 2011, 09:37:45 pm »
Either alcohol or acetone should work. Solution may cloud over time though.
Good luck
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SIC SEMPER TYRANNIS

Offline twb

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Re: How can I preserve some larvae, pupae and eggs in comb
« Reply #3 on: May 15, 2011, 09:42:42 pm »
Alcohol may be a good thought.  Especially if I don't get this all to work out as hoped :-\ ;).

I'm hoping to keep the larvae and pupae inside the comb for a realistic showing.
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"Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones."  Proverbs 16:24

Sincerely,
TWB

Offline iddee

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Re: How can I preserve some larvae, pupae and eggs in comb
« Reply #4 on: May 15, 2011, 09:57:05 pm »
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"Listen to the mustn'ts, child. Listen to the don'ts. Listen to the shouldn'ts, the impossibles, the won'ts. Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me . . . Anything can happen, child. Anything can be"

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Offline Dange

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Re: How can I preserve some larvae, pupae and eggs in comb
« Reply #5 on: May 16, 2011, 12:14:55 am »
Nail polish removal works for butterflies, I think it would work the same for you.
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Offline Scadsobees

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Re: How can I preserve some larvae, pupae and eggs in comb
« Reply #6 on: May 16, 2011, 10:26:20 am »
Some type of clear oil may work too (veggie?).  I think that all of those mentioned might have a negative effect on the wax, though... 

It might be best to go with iddee's idea though....or just pull those frames right before you need them.
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Rick
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