preparing insect labels: a faster way
DESCRIPTION
We demonstrate how to quickly cut and label museum insect specimens using razor blades and minimizing the movement of specimens, speeding up the process and decreasing specimen damage.TRANSCRIPT
![Page 1: Preparing Insect Labels: A Faster Way](https://reader033.vdocuments.mx/reader033/viewer/2022061211/5491f2bfb47959173f8b456f/html5/thumbnails/1.jpg)
Preparing Specimen Labels: Preparing Specimen Labels: A Faster WayA Faster Way
By Moriah Browning and Denise Williams
![Page 2: Preparing Insect Labels: A Faster Way](https://reader033.vdocuments.mx/reader033/viewer/2022061211/5491f2bfb47959173f8b456f/html5/thumbnails/2.jpg)
Labeling: The ProblemLabeling: The Problem
• Patuxent Native Bee Lab’s old method of label cutting involved using scissors to cut each label individually and arranging them on a pad of foam. Then specimens would be pinned to the labels and transferred into their designated box of specimens.
• This method took a lot of time and space. We also had a problem with specimens being knocked off pins while we moved them between boxes.
• After much trial and error, Patuxent Native Bee Lab discovered a faster, more efficient way to label specimens.
![Page 3: Preparing Insect Labels: A Faster Way](https://reader033.vdocuments.mx/reader033/viewer/2022061211/5491f2bfb47959173f8b456f/html5/thumbnails/3.jpg)
Begin with a batch of uncut labels, a ruler, and a razor.
![Page 4: Preparing Insect Labels: A Faster Way](https://reader033.vdocuments.mx/reader033/viewer/2022061211/5491f2bfb47959173f8b456f/html5/thumbnails/4.jpg)
Line up the ruler along the line that separates the rows of labels.
![Page 5: Preparing Insect Labels: A Faster Way](https://reader033.vdocuments.mx/reader033/viewer/2022061211/5491f2bfb47959173f8b456f/html5/thumbnails/5.jpg)
With the ruler as a guide, use the razor to cut a strip of labels.
![Page 6: Preparing Insect Labels: A Faster Way](https://reader033.vdocuments.mx/reader033/viewer/2022061211/5491f2bfb47959173f8b456f/html5/thumbnails/6.jpg)
![Page 7: Preparing Insect Labels: A Faster Way](https://reader033.vdocuments.mx/reader033/viewer/2022061211/5491f2bfb47959173f8b456f/html5/thumbnails/7.jpg)
![Page 8: Preparing Insect Labels: A Faster Way](https://reader033.vdocuments.mx/reader033/viewer/2022061211/5491f2bfb47959173f8b456f/html5/thumbnails/8.jpg)
Continue process until all the rows of labels have been cut.
![Page 9: Preparing Insect Labels: A Faster Way](https://reader033.vdocuments.mx/reader033/viewer/2022061211/5491f2bfb47959173f8b456f/html5/thumbnails/9.jpg)
In a new box, without specimens, place a row of labels at the top of the foam.
![Page 10: Preparing Insect Labels: A Faster Way](https://reader033.vdocuments.mx/reader033/viewer/2022061211/5491f2bfb47959173f8b456f/html5/thumbnails/10.jpg)
Without cutting the row of labels, add a pinned specimen to the first label.
![Page 11: Preparing Insect Labels: A Faster Way](https://reader033.vdocuments.mx/reader033/viewer/2022061211/5491f2bfb47959173f8b456f/html5/thumbnails/11.jpg)
Add more specimens until every individual label in the row has a pinned specimen.
![Page 12: Preparing Insect Labels: A Faster Way](https://reader033.vdocuments.mx/reader033/viewer/2022061211/5491f2bfb47959173f8b456f/html5/thumbnails/12.jpg)
Using a small pair of scissors, cut the lines in between labels.
![Page 13: Preparing Insect Labels: A Faster Way](https://reader033.vdocuments.mx/reader033/viewer/2022061211/5491f2bfb47959173f8b456f/html5/thumbnails/13.jpg)
Continue to cut between labels until the whole row has been cut.
![Page 14: Preparing Insect Labels: A Faster Way](https://reader033.vdocuments.mx/reader033/viewer/2022061211/5491f2bfb47959173f8b456f/html5/thumbnails/14.jpg)
Set up a new row of uncut labels underneath the row just cut.
![Page 15: Preparing Insect Labels: A Faster Way](https://reader033.vdocuments.mx/reader033/viewer/2022061211/5491f2bfb47959173f8b456f/html5/thumbnails/15.jpg)
Start the process of placing pinned bees and cutting the individual labels again. Continue
till you have completed all the rows of labels.
![Page 16: Preparing Insect Labels: A Faster Way](https://reader033.vdocuments.mx/reader033/viewer/2022061211/5491f2bfb47959173f8b456f/html5/thumbnails/16.jpg)
Now your specimens are ready for identification.