Name: Clear Resin Casting of Arthropods for Use in Education, Outreach, and Research (Video) | JoVE Journal
Uploaded: 2026-01-16T12:55:00.000+00:00
Duration: 7 min 5 s
Description: Learn to embed arthropods in clear resin for educational outreach and research. This protocol preserves morphological features of soft-bodied insects while minimizing air bubbles for optimal visibility.

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5 minutes

We appreciate past and current undergraduate student workers who have contributed to the resin production pipeline, including Jake Host, Katelyn Humlicek, Erik Aguirre Cordero, Isaac Luna, Michael Riley, Elise Hoffman, Megan Nicholson, Allison Speed, and Jesus Rene Garcia Lunar. Funding support was provided by the Department of Entomology, Texas A&#38;M University, and the Texas EcoLab Program (GLH, RCR). The following arthropods mounted in resin during this study were provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for distribution by BEI Resources, NIAID, NIH: Adult Rhodnius prolixus, Strain CDC, NR-44077; NIAID, NIH: Adult Haemaphysalis longicornis, NR-51846; NIAID, NIH: Adult Rhipicephalus sanguineus, NR-42512; NIAID, NIH: Adult Dermacentor variabilis, NR-42513; NIAID, NIH: Adult Ixodes scapularis, NR-42510; and NIAID, NIH: Adult Amblyomma americanum, NR-42514. Lutzomyia longipalpis were provided by Walter Reed Army Institute of Research for distribution by BEI Resources, NIAID, NIH: Adult Lutzomyia longipalpis, Strain Jacobina, Brazil (LLJB), NR-44015. The Simulium vittatum used in this work were produced with the support of NIH Task Order C-08, Contract No. HHSN2722017000351, Task Order No. 75N93020F00002, and obtained through BEI Resources, NIAID, NIH: Simulium vittatum, Adult, NR-53893.

CAUTION: The hazards associated with the resin production protocol include exposure to toxic fumes from uncured resin, contact with uncured resin and catalyst, use of power tools, and dust production during the cutting/sanding/polishing steps. A fume hood or well-ventilated area and nitrile gloves are needed when working with uncured resin. If resin or catalyst comes into contact with skin, wash area immediately with soap and water. When cutting/sanding/polishing cured resin blocks, a properly fitted half-face respirator needs to be worn.
1. Specimen and label preparation
NOTE: The preparation of specimens depends on the arthropod being used. Specimens and labels should be prepared and set aside for use prior to preparing resin layer 1.
<ol>
	<li>Choose a specimen to be placed in resin.
	<ol>
		<li>Ticks: Remove ticks that have been stored in either the freezer or 70% ethanol. Place adult and nymphal ticks removed from 70% ethanol between two microscope slides while applying a light amount of pressure on either side of the tick to remove excess ethanol that may be inside of the tick. Then, place the tick on a flat surface and allow it to dry for at least 5 min prior to being added to resin. 
		&#8203;NOTE: Ticks stored in the freezer do not need to be pressed between microscope slides but should be allowed to sit at room temperature as mentioned above.</li>
		<li>Mosquitoes: Freshly emerged adult mosquitoes are best for embedding in resin, as they are most likely to have all diagnostic features (scales, etc.). To obtain freshly emerged adult mosquitoes when a colony or natural populations from the field exist, place larvae or pupae in water in an emergence chamber, and after eclosion, the adults will enter the top compartment of the emergence cup. Place newly emerged adult mosquitoes in the freezer to kill, then remove and allow them to sit at room temperature for at least 5 min prior to being added to resin. 
		NOTE: The time to kill mosquitoes in the freezer is dependent on the temperature of the freezer (e.g., mosquitoes are killed in ~10 min after being placed in a -80 &#176;C freezer). Adult mosquitoes should be used within hours of killing, as mosquitoes become desiccated when stored in the freezer for prolonged periods.</li>
		<li>Mosquito and other Diptera larvae/maggots: Remove larvae from ethanol and soak in resin catalyst for at least 20 min prior to being added to resin. 
		NOTE: Placing these specimens in the catalyst replaces ethanol within their body without drying the specimen out and causing it to shrivel.</li>
		<li>Other arthropods: For many arthropods, follow the guidance outlined above for other ticks or mosquitoes, depending on how delicate the external features are.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Create labels with desired information (e.g., scientific names and life cycle stages). Print labels on transparency sheets with a laser (not inkjet) printer. Cut labels to size.
	<ol>
		<li>Use a size 8 font Times New Roman italicized. Use a size 12 font Times New Roman italicized for life cycles or larger-bodied specimens.</li>
		<li>For teaching collections containing lab practical exams, make sure that arthropods in resin are labeled in a way that would tell the instructors what species they are, but not the students being tested on their identification skills. In this context, use small QR codes, about the size of 1 cm2, that can allow a smartphone to link to a website containing information about the species. 
		NOTE: Care should be taken to cut labels squarely and evenly to improve quality.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
</ol>
2. Resin layer 1
CAUTION: All steps involving uncured resin are done inside a fume hood vented outdoors, given the production of harmful fumes. Conducting these steps in a well-ventilated setting, such as outdoors, is another option.
<ol>
	<li>Don nitrile gloves prior to working with uncured resin or catalyst. 
	NOTE: If excessive amounts of resin get on gloves at any point while preparing the resin layers, remove gloves, being careful to avoid resin-to-skin contact. If gloves contain uncured resin, leave them in the fume hood for 24 h to fully cure before disposing of them in the garbage. If resin does come in contact with skin, immediately wash the affected area with soap and water, per label instructions.</li>
	<li>Measure approximately 60&#160;mL (~2&#160;oz) of resin in a plastic cup. Pour resin from the plastic cup into a plastic bowl. Place the plastic bowl containing resin in a 32 &#176;C water bath. 
	NOTE: The resin should not be warmed in a water bath for more than 15 min.</li>
	<li>Add 12&#160;drops of catalyst (~540 &#956;L) to the plastic bowl containing resin. Mix resin and catalyst with a plastic spoon slowly and carefully for ~1 min. 
	NOTE: Resin to catalyst ratio may change based on resin brand. If the ratio differs from above, follow the manufacture&#39;s recommendations.</li>
	<li>Pour resin/catalyst mixture from the plastic bowl into a silicone mold placed on a wooden block in the pressure pot (refer to step 5.1). 
	NOTE: The viscosity of the mixture should be similar to corn syrup (or warmed honey).</li>
	<li>Wait approximately 5-20 min for the resin to begin to harden and be sufficiently tacky before adding the specimen. 
	NOTE: Resin cure times are dependent on many factors such as temperature, humidity, and elevation.</li>
</ol>
3. Specimens in resin
<ol>
	<li>Place the specimen in the center of the first resin layer to ensure diagnostic features (e.g., spiracles on fly larvae) are positioned such that they can be easily viewed.</li>
	<li>Place the label on top of the first resin layer in the desired proximity to the specimen.</li>
</ol>
4. Resin layer 2
<ol>
	<li>Measure out approximately 60 mL (~2 oz)of resin in a plastic cup. Pour resin from the plastic cup into a plastic bowl. Place the plastic bowl containing resin in a 32 &#176;C water bath. 
	NOTE: The resin should not be warmed in a water bath for more than 15 min.</li>
	<li>Add 12 drops of catalyst (~540 &#956;L) to the plastic bowl containing resin. Mix resin and catalyst with a plastic spoon slowly and carefully for ~1 min. 
	NOTE: Vigorous stirring will create excessive bubbles that might remain in the final product and reduce the clarity of the specimen (Figure 1). The mixture may also appear slightly green once mixing is completed.</li>
	<li>Slowly pour the second resin/catalyst mixture from the plastic bowl directly over the specimens and along the edges of the inside of the mold, filling the remaining space in the mold (Figure 2C). 
	NOTE: The viscosity of the mixture should be similar to corn syrup (or warmed honey).</li>
	<li>Make final adjustments to the specimen, such as repositioning appendages (legs, wings, antenna) as needed (Figure 2D).</li>
	<li>Remove and dispose gloves per disposal protocol.</li>
</ol>
5. Pressure pot
<ol>
	<li>Place a block of wood into the pot to raise the surface on which the molds are to be placed and managed. 
	NOTE: Molds may be placed in the pot on the block of wood prior to pouring the first layer to avoid accidental spillage or movement of the specimen that could result if molds were transferred after resin is poured before the layers are set.</li>
	<li>Securely close the pot and apply pressure to 60 psi (Figure 3). Leave molds in the pressure pot for approximately 24 h. 
	NOTE: Molds can be left in the pressure pot for up to 72 h without any apparent differences in the final product.</li>
	<li>Release the pressure and remove the molds from the pressure pot.</li>
	<li>Remove resin blocks from the molds and let them sit at room temperature until the remaining steps are ready to be performed. 
	NOTE: The surfaces of the resin may feel a bit tacky to the touch (e.g., touching the resin will leave a fingerprint mark), and the sides that touched the mold may have some surface whitening. These surface imperfections will be removed during the following procedures.</li>
</ol>
6. Final product preparation
CAUTION: The cutting, sanding, and polishing steps are all done in a separate building with a shop vacuum, given the generation of dust and the need for respirator protection. A respirator should be put on and adjusted accordingly to fit securely on the face of the person cutting, sanding, or polishing the cured resin blocks prior to performing any of the following steps. At Texas A&#38;M University, our Environmental Health &#38; Safety program requires each employee to pass a respirator fit-test using a half-face respirator with a National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health P100 particulate filter.
<ol>
	<li>Cut resin blocks to size using a bandsaw. 
	NOTE: Care is taken to create even/balanced blocks with the specimens centered (Figure 4A).</li>
	<li>Sand all six sides of the resin block using the disc sander (Figure 4B). Repeat steps for all sides using the 4 x 30 in 600 grit belt sander (Figure 5A), followed by sanding all sides with the 1 x 30 in 2,000 grit belt sander (Figure 5B). 
	NOTE: To achieve the most clarity in the final product, hold each side of the resin block in the same orientation for each belt type. </li>
	<li>Gently hold a red, aluminum oxide, buffing wheel polish against the buffing wheel for a few seconds, followed by gently holding the resin block against the buffing wheel at a 45&#176; angle (Figure 5C).</li>
	<li>Use cloth/fabric to remove excess polish from all sides of the resin block. Repeat as many times as needed until the desired clarity is achieved.</li>
	<li>Repeat the same steps using a second buffing wheel with a white, diamond polish. Repeat as many times as needed until the desired clarity is achieved and the colored overcast from the red polish is removed.</li>
</ol>

<ol><li>Schauff, M. E. E. <a target="_blank" href="http://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&safe=off&q=author%3aSchauff%2C+MEE+%22National+Museum+of+Natural+History%22">National Museum of Natural History</a>. , (2001).</li>
<li>Wiedenmann, R. N., Dowling, A. P. G., Barnes, J. K. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((What+is+the+value+of+your+insect+collection%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22Am+Entomol%22%5BJournal%5D)">What is the value of your insect collection.</a> Am Entomol. 60 (2), 4(2014).</li>
<li>Moghaddam, M. H. G., Moghaddam, M. G., Rakhshani, E., Mokhtari, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((An+upgrade+pinning+block%3A+a+mechanical+practical+aid+for+fast+labelling+of+the+insect+specimens%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22Biodivers+Data+J%22%5BJournal%5D)">An upgrade pinning block: a mechanical practical aid for fast labelling of the insect specimens.</a> Biodivers Data J. 5, e20648(2017).</li>
<li>Poh, K. C., Machtinger, E. T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((An+extension+of+their+work%3A+extension%27s+role+in+vector-borne+disease+education%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22Am+Entomol%22%5BJournal%5D)">An extension of their work: extension's role in vector-borne disease education.</a> Am Entomol. 67 (1), 4(2021).</li>
<li>Whiffin, A. L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Carri-on+communicating%3A+creating+portable+insect+displays+for+entomological+outreach%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22Nat+Hist+Collect+Museomics%22%5BJournal%5D)">Carri-on communicating: creating portable insect displays for entomological outreach.</a> Nat Hist Collect Museomics. 2, 1-8 (2025).</li>
<li>Callohuari, Y. T., Seiter, N. J., Gibson, J. C., Becker, T. M., Kaufmann, S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((The+use+of+3D+models+in+teaching+insect+morphology+and+identification%3A+a+case+study%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22J+Integr+Pest+Manag%22%5BJournal%5D)">The use of 3D models in teaching insect morphology and identification: a case study.</a> J Integr Pest Manag. 16 (1), 32(2025).</li>
<li>Bron, G. M., Fenelon, H., Paskewitz, S. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Assessing+recognition+of+the+vector+of+Lyme+disease+using+resin-embedded+specimens+in+a+Lyme+endemic+area%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22J+Med+Entomol%22%5BJournal%5D)">Assessing recognition of the vector of Lyme disease using resin-embedded specimens in a Lyme endemic area.</a> J Med Entomol. 58 (2), 866-872 (2021).</li>
<li>Smith, J. H., Coyle, D., Thomason, J., Matthews, T., Riggins, J. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Geocaching%3A+a+new+instructional+tool+for+natural+resources+extension+and+outreach%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22J+Ext%22%5BJournal%5D)">Geocaching: a new instructional tool for natural resources extension and outreach.</a> J Ext. 59 (3), 16(2021).</li>
<li>Burgmans, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Embedding+entomological+specimens+in+an+improved+polyester+resin%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22N+Z+Entomol%22%5BJournal%5D)">Embedding entomological specimens in an improved polyester resin.</a> N Z Entomol. 4 (1), 61-66 (1968).</li>
<li>Miles, P. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Preservation+of+insect+and+plant+specimens+in+transparent+plastics%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22Plant+Pathol%22%5BJournal%5D)">Preservation of insect and plant specimens in transparent plastics.</a> Plant Pathol. 1, 65-68 (1952).</li>
<li>Bejcek, J. R., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Clear+resin+casting+of+arthropods+of+medical+importance+for+use+in+educational+and+outreach+activities%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22J+Insect+Sci%22%5BJournal%5D)">Clear resin casting of arthropods of medical importance for use in educational and outreach activities.</a> J Insect Sci. 18 (2), 34(2018).</li>
<li>Maulana, A. A., Damayanti, D. R., Zanuba, A. F., Gumilang, F. K., Megasari, D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Bioplastic+resin+as+a+preservation+medium+for+insect+comparative+effectiveness+of+polyester+resin+and+catalysts%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%229th+Int+Semin+Res+Month+2024.+NST+Proc%22%5BJournal%5D)">Bioplastic resin as a preservation medium for insect comparative effectiveness of polyester resin and catalysts.</a> 9th Int Semin Res Month 2024. NST Proc. , 208-213 (2025).</li>
<li>Gourichon, B., Binetruy, C., Krawczak, P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((A+new+numerical+procedure+to+predict+dynamic+void+content+in+liquid+composite+molding%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22Compos+Part+A+Appl+Sci+Manuf%22%5BJournal%5D)">A new numerical procedure to predict dynamic void content in liquid composite molding.</a> Compos Part A Appl Sci Manuf. 37 (11), 1961-1969 (2006).</li>
<li>Upton, M. S., Mantle, B. L. <a target="_blank" href="http://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&safe=off&q=author%3aUpton%2C+MS+%22Methods+for+Collecting%2C+Preserving+and+Studying+Insects+and+Other+Terrestrial+Arthropods%22">Methods for Collecting, Preserving and Studying Insects and Other Terrestrial Arthropods</a>. , 5th ed, Paragon Printers Australasia; The Australian Entomological Society. (2010).</li>
<li>Gullan, P. J., Cranston, P. S. <a target="_blank" href="http://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&safe=off&q=author%3aGullan%2C+PJ+%22The+Insects%3A+An+Outline+of+Entomology%22">The Insects: An Outline of Entomology</a>. , Blackwell Science Ltd. 405-421 (2000).</li>
</ol>

The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose.

Preparation of specimens
Preservation methods can depend on the specimen being worked with. Common specimen preservation methods include 70% ethanol or freezing, both of which are compatible with resin embedding. These methods are useful in preserving key features of the specimen, such as coloration, scales, hairs, and other physical characteristics.
Preparation of resin layers and placement of the specimen 
<p class="jove_conte...

Undamaged, high-quality specimens are critical resources for teaching arthropod identification skills to trainees1,2. Often, teaching collections contain delicate pinned or pointed specimens that may be missing key features from frequent handling or may be difficult to view from several angles to understand the spatial relationships of key identifying features3. These can be frustrating for students and teachers alike, and rare, difficult-to-collect, and non-local species may be restricted or altogether absent from teaching collections for fear of destruction of the samples.
In addition to formal institutionalized learning, educating the public is part of the mission for many academic and extension programs, medical and veterinary practices, parks and nature centers, museums, and mosquito/vector control districts4,5. In these situations, durable preserved specimens are critical, and it is optimal to show specimens that can survive hands-on investigation by children, accidental damage, or dropping. Pinned or pointed insect specimens do not offer the durability needed for these educational contexts, and specimens in a liquid preservative such as ethanol are difficult to view through containers and difficult to remove and handle. Given that 3D models of insects have been shown to enhance student education6, providing students with high-quality arthropods preserved in resin should also provide benefits. A recent study by Bron et al. used ticks and other arthropods embedded in resin to assess the public&#39;s ability to recognize tick vector species7. Another project used resin-embedded exotic forest insects (&#39;travel bugs&#39;) placed in geocache locations to raise awareness of nonnative forest pests8. This work builds on prior entomologists who have been advancing protocols to embed insects in resin for decades9,10. While working with various arthropods in the development of our protocol, we found that delicate insects with scales (e.g., mosquitoes) are more challenging to embed in resin, as scales and limbs are often lost during the resin-pouring stages. Moreover, specimens stored in ethanol over extended periods of time are less ideal to use in resin embedding as ethanol fades the coloration important for identification (e.g., ornate patterns on scuta of ticks).
To expand our teaching collections of arthropods for both formal instruction in classrooms (e.g., medical and veterinary entomology), and outreach and extension programs educating the public, we developed a protocol for clear casting of arthropods11. We published these methods since most commercial companies that produce resin-embedded insects keep their protocols confidential. Since our 2018 publication, we have purchased additional equipment and further optimized the protocol, which is now presented here. In the Table of Materials we present all equipment and consumables used in this protocol.

<table><tbody><tr><td>Air compressor</td><td>California Air Tools CAT-1P1060S Light &amp;amp; Quiet Portable Air Compressor, Silver</td><td>California Air Tools</td><td>&lt;a href=&quot;https://a.co/d/07y4iGha&quot;&gt;https://a.co/d/07y4iGha&lt;/a&gt;</td></tr><tr><td>Air compressor hose</td><td>California Air Tools HFH25.25 Hybrider Flex 1/4in 25ft Hybrid Air Hose with Quick Connect Air Fittings , Blue</td><td>California Air Tools</td><td>&lt;a href=&quot;https://a.co/d/0cboxu7J&quot;&gt;https://a.co/d/0cboxu7J&lt;/a&gt;</td></tr><tr><td>Bandsaw</td><td>G0803 9&amp;rdquo; Benchtop Bandsaw</td><td></td><td>&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.grizzly.com/products/grizzly-9-benchtop-bandsaw-w-laser-guide-quick-release/g0803z&quot;&gt;https://www.grizzly.com/products/grizzly-9-benchtop-bandsaw-w-laser-guide-quick-release/g0803z (Analog Machine)&lt;/a&gt;</td></tr><tr><td>Belt Sander</td><td>Bucktool 1 X 30 in Bench Belt Sander with 5 in Disc with Wrench Storage and Easy Belt Cover Off</td><td>Bucktool</td><td>&lt;a href=&quot;https://a.co/d/017GmVQI&quot;&gt;https://a.co/d/017GmVQI&lt;/a&gt;</td></tr><tr><td>Buffing wheel</td><td>6 inch Benchtop Buffer Heavy Duty 1/2 HP; Includes two buffing wheels</td><td>Central Machinery</td><td>&lt;a href=&quot;https://a.co/d/0iGsbSCu&quot;&gt;https://a.co/d/0iGsbSCu&lt;/a&gt;</td></tr><tr><td>Disc sander</td><td>BUCKTOOL 5.0A Belt Disc Sander 4 in x 36 in Belt and 6 in Disc Sander with 3/4HP Direct-drive Motor and Portable Al Base</td><td>Bucktool</td><td>&lt;a href=&quot;https://a.co/d/08AsKXva&quot;&gt;https://a.co/d/08AsKXva&lt;/a&gt;</td></tr><tr><td>Polishing wheel pad x2</td><td>Replacements Pads for Buffing Wheel</td><td>Enkay</td><td>&lt;a href=&quot;https://a.co/d/07WajxZ5&quot;&gt;https://a.co/d/07WajxZ5&lt;/a&gt;</td></tr><tr><td>Pressure pot</td><td>CALIFORNIA AIR TOOLS 255C 2.5 Gallon Pressure Pot for Casting, Blue</td><td>California Air Tools</td><td>&lt;a href=&quot;https://a.co/d/0j3vGi3P&quot;&gt;https://a.co/d/0j3vGi3P&lt;/a&gt;</td></tr><tr><td>Shop vacuum to collect dust</td><td>BUCKTOOL 1.2 HP Auto Start 750CFM Dust Collector with 3 Dust Collection Bag, 5.4 Cubic Bag Capacity and 5 PCS Reducer for Woodworking DC50</td><td>Bucktool</td><td>&lt;a href=&quot;https://a.co/d/0cEA39ii&quot;&gt;https://a.co/d/0cEA39ii&lt;/a&gt;</td></tr><tr><td>Water bath</td><td>JOANLAB digital thermostatic water bath</td><td>JoanLab</td><td>&lt;a href=&quot;https://a.co/d/0gJLNyWG&quot;&gt;https://a.co/d/0gJLNyWG&lt;/a&gt;</td></tr><tr><td>&lt;strong&gt;Consumables&lt;/strong&gt;</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Buffing wheel polish, red</td><td>SCOTTCHEN Red Buffing Polishing Cutting Compound Coarse, Jewelry Rouge</td><td>Scottchen</td><td>&lt;a href=&quot;https://a.co/d/caLtcNL&quot;&gt;https://a.co/d/caLtcNL&lt;/a&gt;</td></tr><tr><td>Buffing wheel polish, white</td><td>D2903 1-Pound Buffing Compound</td><td>Woodstock</td><td>&lt;a href=&quot;https://a.co/d/061T4kWU&quot;&gt;https://a.co/d/061T4kWU&lt;/a&gt;</td></tr><tr><td>Half face respirator</td><td>3M Rugged Comfort Quick Latch Half Facepiece Reusable Respirator 6502QL, NIOSH</td><td>3M</td><td>&lt;a href=&quot;https://a.co/d/0g3wMldi&quot;&gt;https://a.co/d/0g3wMldi&lt;/a&gt;</td></tr><tr><td>Half face respirator filters</td><td>3M Particulate Filter P100 Respiratory Protection, 2097/071184 (AAD)</td><td>3M</td><td>&lt;a href=&quot;https://a.co/d/05a6ydbM&quot;&gt;https://a.co/d/05a6ydbM&lt;/a&gt;</td></tr><tr><td>Resin</td><td>Clear-Lite Casting Resin, Tap Plastic</td><td>Tap Plastic</td><td>&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.tapplastics.com/product/mold_making_materials/casting_products/tap_clear_lite_casting_resin/75&quot;&gt;https://www.tapplastics.com/product/mold_making_materials/casting_products/tap_clear_lite_casting_resin/75&lt;/a&gt;</td></tr><tr><td>Resin catalyst</td><td>MEKP Liquid Catalyst, Tap Plastic</td><td>Tap Plastic</td><td>&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.tapplastics.com/product/fiberglass/polyester_resins/tap_mekp_liquid_catalyst/40&quot;&gt;https://www.tapplastics.com/product/fiberglass/polyester_resins/tap_mekp_liquid_catalyst/40&lt;/a&gt;</td></tr><tr><td>Resin &amp;amp; Resin catalyst (Alternative)</td><td>Clear Casting UV Resin, Solarez (MEKP Catalyst included)</td><td>Solarez</td><td>&lt;a href=&quot;https://solarez.com/solarez-clear-casting-uv-resin.html&quot;&gt;https://solarez.com/solarez-clear-casting-uv-resin.html&lt;/a&gt;</td></tr><tr><td>Sanding belts</td><td>Red Label Abrasives 4 X 36 in 600 Grit Silicon Carbide</td><td>Red Label Abrasives</td><td>&lt;a href=&quot;https://a.co/d/0hkYmjI7&quot;&gt;https://a.co/d/0hkYmjI7&lt;/a&gt;</td></tr><tr><td>Sanding discs</td><td>1 x 30 2000 Grit 9 Micron Blue Polishing Belt with Cushioned Ultra Flexible Mylar Backing</td><td>Pro Sharpening Supply</td><td>&lt;a href=&quot;https://a.co/d/01pCnNnN&quot;&gt;https://a.co/d/01pCnNnN&lt;/a&gt;</td></tr><tr><td>Sanding discs</td><td>Norton Metalite R228 PSA Disc, Pressure Sensitive Adhesive, Aluminum Oxide, 5&amp;rsquo;&amp;rsquo; Diameter, Grit 80</td><td>Norton</td><td>&lt;a href=&quot;https://a.co/d/0cqqdpMq&quot;&gt;https://a.co/d/0cqqdpMq&lt;/a&gt;</td></tr><tr><td>Silicone molds</td><td>Square Silicone Molds for Resin, Large Resin Mold Glossy Deep Square Molds 6.6&#039;&#039;x 2&#039;&#039; w (with 2 Small Square or Rectangular molds)</td><td></td><td>&lt;a href=&quot;https://a.co/d/06Qasc1G&quot;&gt;https://a.co/d/06Qasc1G&lt;/a&gt;</td></tr><tr><td>Transparency sheets</td><td>Ohp Clear Printable Transparency Film 8.5 x 11 Inches for Overhead Projectors, for Laser Printers</td><td>Craftiff</td><td>&lt;a href=&quot;https://a.co/d/07L2g0AT&quot;&gt;https://a.co/d/07L2g0AT&lt;/a&gt;</td></tr></tbody></table>

clear resin casting of arthropods for use in education, outreach, and research

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

Our prior work published a protocol for creating resin-embedded arthropods of medical importance for use in educational and outreach activities. This protocol has been adopted by diverse initiatives aiming to create a mounting technique that minimizes damage to the arthropod, creates a safe product for handling, and preserves the ability to see morphological characteristics for identification. Our protocol has evolved and is currently creating resin-embedded arthropods with improved quality thanks to the purchase of additional equipment and process modifications. We present this improved protocol with steps to minimize bubbles, adapt to different types of arthropods, and create final polished blocks with visibility from six sides. We also outline biosafety concerns from fumes during the resin curing, use of power tools, and from dust generated while sanding and polishing resin blocks. This visualized protocol will facilitate the adoption of clear resin casting of arthropods to a broader community. The list of equipment and consumables we have adopted over several years of trial and error will allow other programs to judge if this protocol is a viable option for adoption.

Successfully embedded specimens will be surrounded by clear and colorless resin, with all sides smooth. The specimen will be clearly visible from any side of the resin block. Specimen features important for identification, such as color patterns, scale shape and size, and other anatomical features, will be visible with the use of a dissecting microscope. Less desirable features of the resulting arthropods in resin sometimes result when a layer of air bubbles covers the specimen, scales ar...

Here we show key steps in the process of creating high-quality, resin-embedded arthropods for educational instruction and outreach.

Our prior work published a protocol for creating resin-embedded arthropods of medical importance for use in educational and outreach activities. This ...

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.Place larvae or pupae from a mosquito colony or field-collected samples into water inside an emergence chamber. After eclosion, place the mosquitoes in the freezer to kill them. Then remove the mosquitoes from the freezer and leave them at room temperature for at least five minutes before embedding in resin.When ready to embed in resin, collect the newly emerged adult mosquitoes from the top compartment of the emergence cup. Next, remove mosquito or other Diptera larvae from ethanol and soak them in resin catalyst for at least 20 minutes before embedding them in resin. For other arthropods, determine whether to follow the tick or mosquito preparation steps based on the fragility of external features.Create labels with required information, such as scientific names and lifecycle stages. Print the labels on transparency sheets using a laser printer, not an inkjet printer, and cut the printed labels to the appropriate size. Use a size-eight font in Times New Roman italicized for general specimens, and for lifecycles or larger-bodied specimens, apply a size 12 font in Times New Roman italicized.For teaching collections, incorporate one square centimeter QR codes on the labels that link to a website with species information when scanned with a smartphone. Put on nitro gloves before handling uncured resin or catalyst. Place a wooden block into the pressure pot to elevate the surface for positioning the silicone molds.Measure approximately 60 milliliters of resin into a plastic cup and pour the resin into a plastic bowl. Place the bowl in a water bath set at 32 degrees Celsius for 5 to 10 minutes. Add 12 drops of catalyst equivalent to approximately 540 microliters to the warmed resin in the plastic bowl.Then, use a plastic spoon to slowly and carefully mix the resin and catalyst together for about one minute. Now, pour the resin and catalyst mixture into a silicone mold that is placed on a wooden block Inside the pressure pot. Wait for approximately 5 to 20 minutes until the resin becomes tacky and begins to harden before inserting the specimen.Next, place the specimen at the center of the first resin layer, ensuring that diagnostic features, such as sphericals or appendages, are properly oriented for clear visibility. Then, position the printed label on the first resin layer close to the specimen as desired. Prepare a second resin catalyst mix as demonstrated earlier and slowly poured over the specimen along the inner edges of the mold, filling the remaining space.Adjust the position of the specimen's appendages, such as legs, wings, or an antennae, as needed before the resin fully cures. Close the pressure pot lid securely. Apply pressure until the gauge reads 60 pounds per square inch and cure for approximately 24 hours.After curing, release the pressure from the pot and carefully remove the molds. Take the hardened resin blocks out of the silicone molds and allow them to rest at room temperature until further processing. Using a bandsaw, cut the resin blocks to the desired dimensions and sand all six sides of each resin block using a disc sander.Repeat sanding on all sides with a 4 by 30 inch 600-grit belt sander, then with a 1 by 30 inch 2, 000-grit belt sander. Next, gently press a red aluminum oxide buffing polish stick against the spinning buffing wheel for a few seconds. Then, hold the resin block against the buffing wheel at a 45-degree angle to begin polishing.Use a cloth or fabric to wipe off excess polish from all sides of the resin block. Repeat the polishing steps using a second buffing wheel and a white diamond polish, and continue polishing until the colored overcast from the red polish is completely removed. Successfully embedded specimens were surrounded by clear and colorless resin, with all sides smooth and the specimen clearly visible from any angle of the resin block.Features important for identification, such as color patterns, scale, shape, and size, and other anatomical details, were visible So many educational and extension programs, we require these insects to be able to educate students and the public. The challenge is you can't purchase these. There's no commercial sources.And so following this protocol allows people to use equipment and some resources to be able to generate these high-quality specimens. So having these insects embedded in arthropods has a lot of value by training professionals in different disciplines to be able to identify these insects morphologically. But also when members of the public can identify them, that adds a lot of value through different community-based programs.So this protocol to embed insects in resin has already evolved a lot in the last several years here at Texas A&M University. We consider this a living protocol, and we anticipate this protocol to continue to evolve and change with new tools and technologies.

clear-resin-casting-arthropods-for-use-education-outreach

Research

JoVE Journal

Biology

We have developed two methods for studying effects of visual cues on behavior in the absence of tactile and chemical cues.  One method involves videotaping responses of crayfish to reflective walls in an aquarium; the other examines effects of visual inputs provided by a live crayfish behind a transparent partition.

Recording Behavioral Responses to Reflection in Crayfish

We provide a technique to preserve intact tree phloem and prepare it for observation.  We create an apparatus called a phloem sandwich that allows for the introduction and observation of arthropods, microbes, and other organisms that inhabit phloem tissues.

Technique for Studying Arthropod and Microbial Communities within Tree Tissues

Rapid bioassessment protocols using benthic macroinvertebrates are often used to monitor and assess water quality. An efficient protocol involves collections of Chironomidae surface-floating pupal exuviae (SFPE). Here, techniques for field collection, laboratory processing, slide mounting, and identification of Chironomidae SFPE are described.

Use of Chironomidae (Diptera) Surface-Floating Pupal Exuviae as a Rapid Bioassessment Protocol for Water Bodies

Proteins are often used to mark arthropods for dispersal research. Methods for administering internal and external protein marks on arthropods are demonstrated. Protein mark detection techniques, either through indirect or sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), are also illustrated.

Administering and Detecting Protein Marks on Arthropods for Dispersal Research

We provide simple and robust protocols for processing biopsy material of various species, embryos of biomedical model organisms and samples of other organic tissues in order to permit digital volume data generation with the high-resolution episcopic microscopy method.

High-resolution Episcopic Microscopy (HREM) - Simple and Robust Protocols for Processing and Visualizing Organic Materials

This manuscript describes the zWEDGI (zebrafish Wounding and Entrapment Device for Growth and Imaging), which is a compartmentalized device designed to orient and restrain zebrafish larvae. The design permits tail transection and long-term collection of high-resolution fluorescent microscopy images of wound healing and regeneration.

Long-term Live Imaging Device for Improved Experimental Manipulation of Zebrafish Larvae

We developed protocols and designed a custom apparatus to enable embedding of millimeter-scale specimens. We present sample preparation procedures with an emphasis on embedding in acrylic resin and polyimide tubing to achieve rigid immobilization and long-term storage of specimens for the interrogation of tissue architecture and cell morphology by micro-CT.

Rigid Embedding of Fixed and Stained, Whole, Millimeter-Scale Specimens for Section-free 3D Histology by Micro-Computed Tomography

The goal of this protocol is to manipulate the color patterns of jumping spiders and other very small arthropods with paint in order to study questions related to sexual selection, sexual cannibalism, predation, aposematism, or any other field of animal coloration.

Manipulation of Color Patterns in Jumping Spiders for Use in Behavioral Experiments

This article presents a suite of techniques for reconstructing fossil specimens using paper-resin composites. These composites are made by combining archival-grade paper with thermoplastic resins commonly used in fossil preparation laboratories. The resulting lightweight composites add long-term stability to specimens while retaining suitability for radiological analyses.

Using Archival Japanese Paper and Thermoplastic Resins to Prepare Fossils for Storage, Display, Transport, and Radiography

In this report, we propose a new application of light-curing dental resins for mounting base of electrodes or microdialysis probes in chronic experiments. This material allows direct bonding to the cranium.

Application of Light-cured Dental Adhesive Resin for Mounting Electrodes or Microdialysis Probes in Chronic Experiments

Learn to embed arthropods in clear resin for educational outreach and research. This protocol preserves morphological features of soft-bodied insects while minimizing air bubbles for optimal visibility.

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

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