Acetone for Lubber grasshopper

[exoticimports]

Hi guys,

I've used acetone to preserve dragonflies and spiders, which makes them very stiff.

I collected two fresh lubber grasshoppers and I'm afraid if I simply set them they'll oil up and turn dark (will they?)

Thinking about soaking them in acetone, but I'm afraid they'll then be too stiff to set.

Thoughts?

Thanks,

Chuck

[nomad]

Will not mount them first and then give them several baths to get rid of the fats?

[Paul K]

I only collected two huge grasshoppers in French Guiana, and i just mount them and dry same way as Lepidoptera and after 14 years they are still looking good, no oils.

I would mount them and see what will happen, if they start to be grease then give them the acetone bath.
If you bath them before mounting forget you can move anything, you will have to relax them again.

Paul

[mothman27]

Collected over a year ago in Florida. Pinned with no special care:

[exoticimports]

Mine was exuding oil and turning black. Put it acetone for a day which ruined the acetone but the specimen remains black and oily.