Identification of ticks morphologically is an effective way to identify the species or genera of ticks and other ectoparasite infestations of an animal. However, there are many methods used today to mount, prepare and observe these specimens. This discussion is expecting to share the known methods for specimen investigation and to critically assess them.
magnifying lens followed by light stereo microscope and then electron microscope
A possible path you could follow:
First you could check the tissue/sample infected with ectoparasites using a stereo microsope. This also gives you an idea if the ectoparasites are still alive.
Then put a piece of the sample/tissue in a tube filled with a solution of Potassium Hydroxide and incubate overnight at 37°C.
The next day you could gently centrifuge your tube and discard your supernatans. Followed by adding a flotation solution to your pellet. If you put a microscope slide on top of the tube you can attach the ectoparasites to the slide.
After this, check the microscope slide under a light microscope and identify.
Hi Ushani
manipulating the specimens of ticks is best done after fixing them (e.g. Methacarn fixative), which prevents excessive shrinking and reduces the brittleness and is a good way to inactivate pathogens in field-collected specimens. After fixing they can be stored in ethanol/glycerol mix. To manipulate specimens under the microscope pinning them on a fine needle (entomology supply) makes life easier. A stereo microscope is the best tool to analyse the morphology at decent resolution.
Good luck!
Uwe
https://www.leicabiosystems.com/knowledge-pathway/fixation-and-fixatives-4-popular-fixative-solutions/#c22926
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