Hello!
I am currently developing an automated counting approach using Fiji to count Collembola from pitfall trapped samples that have been stored in Ethanol (99%) since 2010. I use flotation (tap water) in order to extract the Collembola from the debris (plant matter, soil etc.) that is also present in the samples.
This debris negatively affects my count, as many particles have the same shape and shade as my Collembolas, thus making thresholding and particle count very difficult. In short: The cleaner the sample, the better the count!
Using the flotation method i have observed that not all Collembolas can be extracted. I would estimate the recovery to be around 50-60%.
Does anybody know if the prolonged preservation has any effect on the recovery rate of the flotation method?
I would greatly appreciate your help!
Kind regards
Alex
Dear Alexander,
I cannot believe how your Collembola specimens have been survived in Ethanol 99% after 10 years. I hope they are still applicable. Anyway, regarding your question the best way to get rid of debris is to use sieves in different meshes. You can do it in three phases for each sample; 100, 200 and 300. You can also read my paper published in 2016 about techniques of treating old ethanol Collembola which is available in my RG page. Best, Elaheh
Dear Alexander,
I cannot believe how your Collembola specimens have been survived in Ethanol 99% after 10 years. I hope they are still applicable. Anyway, regarding your question the best way to get rid of debris is to use sieves in different meshes. You can do it in three phases for each sample; 100, 200 and 300. You can also read my paper published in 2016 about techniques of treating old ethanol Collembola which is available in my RG page. Best, Elaheh
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