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Post by trehopr1 on Mar 1, 2015 3:28:24 GMT
As most creatures go insects come pretty tough.Yes, there are exceptions but really that exoskeleton sure does afford protection. Among the " toughest " fellows are the Ironclad beetles (Tenebrionidae), certain kinds of weevils (Curculionidae), and the Velvet Ants (Mutillidae). Roaches may even be considered as well. Can you think of any others?
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Post by NathanGrosse on Dec 31, 2015 4:13:23 GMT
I've had a really tough time getting my pins through the elytra of some species of Sternocera (Buprestidae) and velvet ants, like you mentioned. I've accidentally poked the pin through my thumb instead of the specimen on more than one occasion...
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Post by crazypapilio on Dec 31, 2015 11:20:24 GMT
brachycerus ornatus was my hardest beetle. it was only possible with a glowing pin.
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Post by nomad on Dec 31, 2015 11:40:32 GMT
I think pound for pound those stinging ants would take some beating, a group would certainly make mince meat of the largest Beetle. If you mean the hardest to set, all those that I ruined.
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Post by wollastoni on Dec 31, 2015 15:22:27 GMT
I've accidentally poked the pin through my thumb instead of the specimen on more than one occasion... Ouch ! Entomology is a dangerous job !  Welcome to the Forum, Nathan and crazypapilioI have spread few beetles in my life as I am more a lepidopterist, but it is true that Tenebrionidae are particularly hard to pin ! |
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Post by trehopr1 on Jan 7, 2016 5:29:03 GMT
Nathangrosse, an astute and worthy observation indeed regarding certain Buprestidae. I failed to mention that group in my original post. Well worthy of being among the hardest insects to get a pin thru. Just slipped my mind at the time. Cudo's for reminding me !
Crazypapilio, the Brachycerus group of Curculionidae most certainly also fit into that exclusive group of hardest insects to get a pin thru. Curculionidae were mentioned in my original post although I gave no specifics. I also happen to think the Pachyrrychus Curculionid genus is another really tough group to get a pin through. The small size of those weevils also makes it difficult to get a pin in straight !
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klaas
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Country: Germany
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Post by klaas on Apr 24, 2016 16:45:42 GMT
All the species of genus Brachycerus (Curculionoidea), Liparus (Curculionidae), Cerambyx (Cerambycidae) and Capnodis (Buprestidae) better be glued than needled. Or you go for a big risk like Nathan and loosing needles. ;-)
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Post by africaone on Apr 26, 2016 5:09:34 GMT
I've had a really tough time getting my pins through the elytra of some species of Sternocera (Buprestidae) and velvet ants, like you mentioned. I've accidentally poked the pin through my thumb instead of the specimen on more than one occasion... i use an astuce with doing a pre-hole with a first steel pin (a seamstress pin with color glass head), ortherwise the insect pin is destroyed or worn Brachycerus and some buprestid are probably some the most hard I have had in hand
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curculio
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Country: canada
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Post by curculio on Nov 27, 2016 22:41:04 GMT
i am a curculionidae collector and for some species i use a dremel with tiny bit to make hole in the elytra
easy and fast
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Post by larrycurlymoe on Nov 28, 2016 16:40:55 GMT
Velvet ants are difficult to pin, but ironclad beetles are even harder. I usually bend a few pins before getting one through, usually with a hammer.
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indra
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Posts: 21
Country: U.S.A.
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Post by indra on Nov 28, 2016 16:57:04 GMT
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