自然史標本採集與典藏

Rattan plant field presses and absorbent paper are used to press Herbarium specimens to absorb excess water. Compared with wooden or iron plant field presses, rattan ones are lighter in weight and easier to carry in the wild. This one is recently reproduced.

Early collectors or scholars used aluminum collection boxes to contain plant specimens when collecting in the wild to prevent the specimens from being squeezed or damaged. In addition, aluminum collection boxes also prevent the specimens from being dehydrated too quickly. Nowadays, this object is mostly replaced by lighter materials such as plastic zipper bags.

After the insects are turned into specimens, they need to be properly stored. Otherwise, the specimens will be damaged by molds or gnawed by specimen pests. Therefore, the temperature and humidity in the specimen room should be controlled to prevent mold. Currently, this is achieved with air conditioners and dehumidifiers. To prevent specimen pests from consuming the specimens, camphor powder is placed on the outer frame of the specimen box. Specimen pests avoid camphor powder, but they not poisoned.

If the specimen is damaged by mold or specimen pests, the specimen box can be wrapped in a plastic bag and placed in a freezer for two days to kill the specimen pests. Upon returning to room temperature, the specimen is baked in a low temperature in the oven to dry. Last but not least, the mold and debris are cleaned up with a fine brush. If the appendages fall off due to collision, knowledge of insect morphology is required to glue it back. Another possibility is storing the fallen appendages in waxed paper before fixing it with the same specimen pin, or placing it next to the specimen with another specimen pin.