"deodorizing" specimens

[bandrow]

Greetings,

I recently received some scarabs (Phyllophaga, Serica, Diplotaxis and Anomala spp.) from light trap residues and they have a slight odor of decay. I realize that once the decay process begins it cannot be reversed, but does anyone know of any way to at least reduce the odor from such specimens? Most are not so decayed as to be losing legs or coming apart, although a few were getting a bit "mushy". I'm soaking a few in ethyl acetate to see if reducing the fat might reduce the odor. I was wondering about ammonia, but I suspect that ammonia is one component of the natural odor of decay, so it may just compound the problem. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Cheers!
Bandrow

[johnnyboy]

The smell of decay is due to the release of breakdown products from the bacteria living in the decaying soft tissues of the beetle. Ethyl Acetate will kill the bacteria, and remove some the body fat and odourous volatiles. An alternative is to soak the specimens in petrol which will quickly dissolve the fat and kill the bacteria. If you soak them for a few days, once all the petrol has evaporated there should be little smell.


Johnny

[bandrow]

Thanks, Johnny

I'll give that a try. I'll be sure to do it in the garage - using petrol in the house might be a shortcut to eliminating the collection altogether!

Cheers!
Bandrow