A new method using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) for preparation of anisopterous odonates

Microsc Res Tech. 2017 Oct;80(10):1085-1088. doi: 10.1002/jemt.22903. Epub 2017 Jul 4.

Abstract

Anisopterous odonate male's secondary genitalia is a complex of several structures, among them the vesica spermalis is the most informative with important specific characters. The observation of those characters, mostly of membranous nature, is difficult in the Scanning Electron Microscope due to dehydration and metallization processes. In this contribution, we discuss a new and low cost procedure for the observation of these characters in the SEM, compatible with the most common agents used for preserving specimens.

Keywords: Erythrodiplax; Odonata; anisopterous; critical point drying; scanning electron microscope; vesica spermalis.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Male
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning / economics
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning / instrumentation
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning / methods*
  • Odonata / anatomy & histology
  • Odonata / ultrastructure*
  • Preservation, Biological
  • Specimen Handling / methods*