Clear Resin Casting of Arthropods for Use in Education, Outreach, and Research

The goal of this protocol is to embed insects and other arthropods in resin, creating an optically clear amount which is visible from all six sides. And this is to educate both students and members of the public. Soft-bodied or fragile insects are more difficult to retain their morphological features and minimize air bubbles while embedding in resin.

To begin, remove the ticks from 70%ethanol. Place adult and nymphal ticks removed from ethanol between two microscope slides and apply gentle pressure to both sides to remove excess ethanol from the body. Transfer the tick onto a flat surface and allow it to dry for at least five minutes before placing it into resin.