A label with a unique slide number is affixed to the specimen selected for dissection, and a second label with the same number accompanies the abdomen throughout the dissection. A log book is maintained to record the slide number, family, species, sex, specimen data (minimum of collection location), name of dissector, and collection repository. The abdomen is removed from a mounted specimen using curved forceps that are gently pressed on the venter of the caudal end, placed into a vial tube with 5ml of 10% potassium hydroxide (KOH) solution, and soaked overnight or longer until extraneous tissue is digested. The softened abdomen is transferred to a watch-glass containing 5ml of glacial acetic acid. The scales and macerated contents of the abdomen is removed by using curved forceps and a camel’s hair brush (size 000) that has the hairs cut to about 5mm long. The descaled abdomen is cleaned further in 20% ethyl alcohol, and the genitalia is separated from the abdomen with forceps and needles. The genitalia are stained with eosin for a few seconds and then with chlorosol black for a few seconds. Following dehydration in 75% ethyl alcohol, the genitalia and abdomen are transferred to 100% ethyl alcohol and hardened overnight. The genitalia and abdomen are mounted in 1-2 drops of Euparal on a microscope slide, and the preparation is covered by a cover slip. A slide label with the preparation number and specimen data are attached, and the slide is air dried at room temperature.
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