Use of Kisser glycerol gelatin to prepare microscope slides of Phlebotomine sandflies (Diptera: Psychodidae)

INTRODUCTION:  Appropriate preservation of specimens is important for taxonomic identification. In sandfly research, various methods have been used for slide preparation; however, high cost, low commercial availability, and associated hazards make their use impossible in some studies. Therefore, the efficacy of Kisser glycerol gelatin for sandfly slide preparation was tested.

METHODS:  Kisser glycerol gelatin, as a substitute for Canada balsam and Berlese’s fluid, was used for mounting sandflies.

RESULTS:   Forty-two mounted specimens were created and maintained even after 14 months.

CONCLUSIONS:  Use of Kisser glycerol gelatin is simple and efficient for preparing microscope slides of sandflies.

Keywords:
Sandfly; Taxonomy; Kisser glycerol gelatin