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Post by hairmetalhaven on Mar 15, 2019 18:59:30 GMT
I recently obtained a specimen of Synoeca surinama aka warrior wasp. The wasp always had a greenish or blueish metallic color in photos, but the specimen I received was almost black. Do these types of wasps with metallic colored bodies typically lose their color as they age?  |
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Post by luehdorfia on Mar 16, 2019 3:57:19 GMT
It’s greased, the body fat inside will slowly make the outside greasy and all metallic shine disappears. You could try to bath the specimen in acetone.
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Post by trehopr1 on Mar 16, 2019 5:44:39 GMT
I have seen some specimens of various wasps grease up (or at least partially). As leuhdorfia mentioned acetone may remedy that. However, I can say that I believe older specimens of wasps that have been around for a while also exhibit tired (worn) looking colors and markings; as compared with more recently emerged individuals whose colors are bold and/ or vibrant in comparison. It's only natural that these active sun loving insects (in time) have colors somewhat "faded" just due to sunlight exposure, rain, temp. changes etc.
Of coarse, older individuals also tend to show their age by the condition of their wings. Usually, such examples have wings which are perhaps chipped or torn showing a life well spent foraging for food and family. Even the metallic coloration / sheen of their wings is dulled by comparison.
Funny thing is that sometimes I have picked up one of these "veteran" adults and surprisingly the wings are absolutely perfect despite the tired colors. Which really lends credence to just how tough and durable the wings are of this "membrane" winged order of insects.
In my humble opinion, I would first try to return it and ask for another example stating "unsatisfactory appearance". Hopefully, it did not cost you too much. Maybe the seller won't mind replacing it with another example rather than lose money. If replacement is not possible due to cost or an unwilling seller than you may just have to pick up another down the road or see if you can salvage yours. Acetone is no guarantee to a righteous specimen. It does not always work and sometimes specimens just re-grease in time. If the specimen is indeed a "veteran" example than acetone definitely won't fix tired colors already present or the lack of any metallic sheen on the wings.
Hope this is informative as I have dabbled with Hymenoptera from time to time.
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Post by hairmetalhaven on Mar 16, 2019 9:51:43 GMT
Thanks for the replies. It's indeed an older specimen, so the acetone suggestions likely wouldn't do anything as trehopr1 says.
I will keep the specimen I received simply because I'd rather have one than not, even if the look isn't what I anticipated. I am new to the hobby, only really looking to acquire a handful of specimens that interest me, and my main problem is not being able to find anyone who even sells the ones I wanted.
I've only been able to find one seller that sold warrior wasps and their specimens were aged as I mentioned above, so if I could find someone else offering them, I'd for sure pick them up to compare.
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Post by xavm (Xavier) on Mar 18, 2019 7:11:53 GMT
In France you can find Terre de Sommières which is powder of montmorillonite. I do put butterflies 12 to 24 hours in the powder to ungrease. You can possibly try talcum to ungrease. I would not use acteone which will dry the specimen and make it almost un-relaxable.
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Zeiss
New Aurelian
Posts: 22
Country: United States
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Post by Zeiss on Mar 18, 2019 8:31:54 GMT
In France you can find Terre de Sommières which is powder of montmorillonite. I do put butterflies 12 to 24 hours in the powder to ungrease. You can possibly try talcum to ungrease. I would not use acteone which will dry the specimen and make it almost un-relaxable. Would you be able to explain your process of using such powders? |
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Post by xavm (Xavier) on Mar 18, 2019 10:06:03 GMT
I will take some pictures this evening to show how-to.
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Zeiss
New Aurelian
Posts: 22
Country: United States
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Post by Zeiss on Mar 19, 2019 6:37:04 GMT
I will take some pictures this evening to show how-to. Awesome, can't wait to see. |
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Post by wollastoni on Mar 20, 2019 14:15:54 GMT
Awesome, can't wait to see. Me too ! Xavier, would it work to degrease a Goliathus stain too ? Any risk to damage the specimen ? As it is a rare specimen, I don't dare to try acetone. Where do you buy that Terre de Sommières ? Any recommended brand/supplier ? |
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Post by xavm (Xavier) on Mar 21, 2019 9:01:11 GMT
Sorry for being late, and for the teasing. I will remove the butterfly later today and post all pictures. I put a Libythea celtis quite greased in the Terre de Sommières and will remove it later today after 20 hrs. Olivier, we can easily find in Leroy Merlin - 1 kg will be enough for a life  . Although I never tried on a Goliathus, I pretty sure that it will work. Best wishes, Xavier |
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Post by xavm (Xavier) on Mar 22, 2019 7:14:55 GMT
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Post by exoticimports on Mar 22, 2019 11:40:29 GMT
I would not use acteone which will dry the specimen and make it almost un-relaxable.
Absolutely true for spiders and dragonflies.
However, I used acetone to degrease several D. hercules with no loss of relaxed flexibility. That said (I think my report is on InsectNet, not here) the acetone would only degrease for a short time, then the oils would leach out again. A bath in alcohol sucked the oil out, with no apparent stiffness from either the acetone or alcohol.
For Goliathus (as asked) I would pour alcohol into a container and soak the specimen for a day.
Further to this, I had two lubber grasshoppers that turned black with oil, and no amount of soaking in acetone nor alcohol had any effect that lasted longer than a day. I believe the volume of fats in the lubber grasshopper is so high that it just continues to leach out. Perhaps a bath in alcohol followed by bright sunlight? It is an experiment I will have to try.
Chuck
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Post by Ed on Mar 23, 2019 3:34:21 GMT
You could try stuffing or removing the organs, it may help to preserve the grasshopper for longer.
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Post by exoticimports on Mar 23, 2019 13:04:10 GMT
You could try stuffing or removing the organs, it may help to preserve the grasshopper for longer. Next time I will. |
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