Various types of Insect Storage Boxes and their uses and customizations
Insect storage boxes are essential tools for entomologists who collect, study, and maintain insect specimens. They are specially designed to protect insect specimens from damage, decay, and pests while allowing for easy access and organization.
**Insect Storage Box Description:**
1. **Material:** Most insect storage boxes are made of sturdy materials like wood or cardboard, ensuring durability. The inside of these boxes is often lined with a smooth material like foam, plastazote, or polyethylene.
2. **Size:** These boxes come in various sizes, depending on the type and number of specimens intended to be stored.
3. **Design:** They are usually shallow to accommodate pinned insects without damaging them. They might have a tight-fitting lid to prevent the entry of pests.
**Uses in Entomology:**
1. **Protection from Physical Damage:** The boxes are designed to offer cushioning and protection to delicate insect specimens, preventing them from getting crushed or broken.
2. **Protection from Pests:** Pests like dermestid beetles can wreak havoc on insect collections. Tight-sealing insect storage boxes help keep these pests out, ensuring the longevity of the specimens.
3. **Organizational Tool:** Boxes can be subdivided using pinning strips or foam inserts, allowing for specimens to be organized taxonomically, geographically, or based on other criteria.
4. **Humidity Control:** In environments where humidity might be a concern, some storage boxes come equipped with provisions for desiccants to help maintain an ideal environment for the specimens.
5. **Accessibility:** For researchers and hobbyists alike, these boxes offer a convenient way to access specimens when needed, be it for study, display, or other purposes.
6. **Labeling and Documentation:** The inside or outside of the storage boxes can be used to label or categorize the specimens contained within, making it easier to track and manage collections.
7. **Transport:** For entomologists in the field or those traveling for conferences, sturdy storage boxes are indispensable for safely transporting insect specimens.
**Additional Points:**
- To maintain specimens in the best condition, it's crucial also to keep the storage boxes in a stable environment, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
- Periodically checking the specimens for any sign of pest infestation is vital. If any are found, appropriate measures should be taken immediately to protect the collection.
- Using high-quality pins and ensuring that specimens are correctly pinned will also prolong their longevity and appearance.
Insect storage boxes, in combination with other entomological tools and best practices, ensure that insect specimens are preserved in pristine condition for future generations of researchers, educators, and enthusiasts.
