Identification, Packing and Shipping of Arthropod Specimens Flashcards
key features of a mosquito
1 pair of wings
long proboscis
scales on proboscis and palps
scales on wing veins/legs
have feathery or “bushy” antennae
males
fine, short hairs all along the antennae
females
necessary supplies to properly pack adult mosquitoes
tissue paper
plastic petri dishes (90-100cm)
clear tape (1 inch)
permanent markers/labels
plastic sealable bags
rigid container or box
packing tape
how many mosquitoes should be placed on the tissue paper
60-100
how much overlap should be on the edges
at least 1in
which mosquitoes are shipped
females
what should be on the specimen label
Name of installation
Collection date
Collection site
Trap type (w/ or w/o CO2)
# of arthropods
Collector’s email address
what is required in all packages
USDA permits/certifications
which mailing service should be utilized
USPS
AF samples are normally shipped to where
USAFSAM - Epidemiology Consult Service
AF samples can also be shipped where
DoD regional lab
if they have gained initial clearance
Common Specimen Submission Problems
Damaged specimen
Desiccated specimens
Male mosquitoes included
Incorrectly labeled specimen containers
Incorrectly labeled shipping containers
Label info rubbed off or lost during transit
Vector Collection Report will include:
All info you provided on submission
Total # of mosquitoes broken down by genus and species
General biology of specimens submitted
Diseases vectored by those mosquitoes
Any positive lab results
Vector Collection Reports should be maintained where
in your historical database
