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Post by hymenoptera117 on Mar 18, 2014 1:52:57 GMT -8
I have a basic question that I don't think will be too hard to answer. When setting stag beetles, is there a particular method for opening up the jaws?
In the past I have pushed a tapered object gently up though the jaws to try and open them up... but... I have broken some! Both from the base and mid way in the jaw itself.
Some species can hold their jaws very tightly together. It applies to Cerambycids as well I've noticed.
Do people normally relax their specimens straight out of the freezer/killing jar?
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Post by Deleted on Mar 18, 2014 14:29:37 GMT -8
When I have stag jaws that are stubborn, I seep Gin into the joints of the mandibles using a syringe or small paintbrush. Try it several times over several minutes and they should loosen up. I do this with an already softened beetle when the jaws are stuck. The most I have had to wait is twenty minutes when I apply three or four dabbings for seepage. Be patient and gently work the mandibles between each brush dabbing and wait a few minutes, then seep some more in/dab until it gives.
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Post by prillbug4 on Mar 18, 2014 16:52:00 GMT -8
I never open the jaws. I keep them closed, and I mount the legs close to the body.
Jeff Prill
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Post by Deleted on Mar 18, 2014 20:33:48 GMT -8
Just to point out diversity among us, I mount mine with jaws open and legs out as if walking. Jeff and I differ on presentation....it is a matter of preferences and spacing. One must do it as one likes, for it is that person who looks at that particular collection.
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Post by hymenoptera117 on Mar 19, 2014 3:37:32 GMT -8
Okay thanks for the replies, I guess pure alcohol or methylated spirits would probably do the trick, I'll give it a go.
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Post by bichos on Mar 19, 2014 3:49:19 GMT -8
No, Gin is not pure alcohol nor methylated spirits, both of which will fail to hydrate the tissue holding the mandibles shut.
As suggested above, try Gin. There are other methods also...
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Post by nosorog on Mar 19, 2014 8:17:49 GMT -8
I haven't used this method for stag beetles, but I had very stiff weevils and diluted vinegar (dilute with water 3-4 times) helped. But be sure to rinse the specimens well after vinegar.
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Post by hymenoptera117 on Mar 19, 2014 23:03:54 GMT -8
Oh I was assuming it was the alcohol content, but I will give it a go nonetheless.
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