Wet Specimen FAQ
Thank you so much for trusting The Insect Asylum with your specimen! Below is an aftercare guide on how to keep your specimen well-preserved for years to come. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to call us at 312-961-7219 or email us at theinsectasylum@gmail.com.
This page includes information about the following questions regarding wet specimens:
What is my liquid specimen preserved in? Wet specimens acquired from The Insect Asylum fall under one of three categories based on how you obtained them. (1) If you bought a specimen from our shop, then it is currently preserved in 70% isopropanol. (2) If you took one of our various wet specimen workshops and have not changed the fluids yet, then your individual is currently fixed in either 99% denatured ethanol or 10% formalin. For more information, please continue to “What do I need to do with my wet specimen after attending a workshop at The Insect Asylum?” (3) If you took one of our various wet specimen classes and have changed the fluid, then your specimen is currently preserved in 70% isopropanol.
Where should I store my wet specimen? Wet specimens should be stored in cool, dark places, out of reach of children and pets, and away from sunlight and heat sources.
What do I need to do with my wet specimen after attending a workshop at the insect asylum? After attending one of our workshops, leave your specimen in the fixative for at least two weeks. Remember to agitate (lightly shake) your specimen for 5-10 seconds once every other day. This releases air bubbles to ensure that your specimen is properly preserved. Once two weeks have passed, it is time to exchange the fluids to finish your wet specimen. First, gather the following supplies: distilled water to clean your jar, 70% Isopropanol in equal volume to replace the current preservative, a new clean glass/jar to store your used chemicals, disposable latex gloves, a puppy pee pad, an organic vapor mask/respirator, splash goggles, forceps, and your wet specimen. Second, head to a well-ventilated area such as outside or underneath a high-speed vent hood, that is out of reach of any children or pets. Third, lay out your puppy pee pad as your work station. This will ensure that any accidental spills are safe and easy to clean. Put on your gloves, goggles, and mask/respirator. After you have laid out your work area and put on your PPE, start by gently opening your jar and slowly removing your specimen with your forceps. Make sure to allow as much liquid to drain off your specimen into your jar, and then set it to the side. Next, discard your current fixative in your new glass/jar and seal it tightly. Then rinse your original glass/jar with distilled water and place your specimen into your now clean glass/jar. Slowly pour your isopropanol into the glass/jar with your specimen until it is filled to about a quarter inch from the top. Lastly, close your glass/jar and clean up. The puppy pad can be thrown into the trash, and your jar filled with your old fixative can be reused for future projects. Just be aware that it will become diluted and ineffective with continued reuse. If you aren’t looking to reuse it, make sure to dispose of it properly. All are welcome to stop by the museum and drop it off, and we will ensure safe discard.