For most Heteroptera ethyl acetate is a good killing agent. It doesn't damage the insect and keep it relaxed for easy pin or glue. In the case of Miridae ethyl acetate sometimes dry and shrink the last antennal segment. Is there any good alternative killing method for Miridae which keeps them relaxed for pinning but doesn't leave damage?
Thanks,
Assaf
A jar with torn up laurel leaves makes a good killing method for most insects but I can't say for certain it will have no effect on the last antennal segment of Miridae. Put about 1 cm of torn laurel leaves Prunus laurocerasus in the jar with a cm of tissue paper on top and fit an air-tight lid. The laurel gives off cyanide. Laurel bushes vary in how effective their leaves are. If you can't smell marzipan after half an hour, it probably isn't giving off much cyanide. As well as killing, the specimens will be relaxed and can be stored like this long term. You just need to change the laurel when it is exhausted. I don't think Portuguese laurel Prunus lusitanica has the same property.
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