Refrigerating moths for photographing

Miss Caretaker · #1 (**permalink**) 18-08-2010, 06:23 PM

Hi, I have seen several people mention putting potted moths in the fridge to make them more co-operative when taking photos and I was wondering how long to leave them for or whether it is a good idea in the first place. Obviously I don't want to cause them any harm so if anyone has any expertise or experience with this I'd appreciate your input!
Jo

peter2009 · #2 (**permalink**) 19-08-2010, 05:50 AM

They will come to no harm for up to 2 days,sometimes i put them in the freezer for 10/15 SECONDS if they are still lively,

peter

Adam Cheeseman · #3 (**permalink**) 19-08-2010, 07:55 AM

I normally put them in overnight for photographing the next morning. Some species, such as micros, sometimes need a day longer. I have accidentally left a couple of micros in the fridge for a week and they flew off straight away once I opened the pots.

So yep, a night in the fridge is really no different to a cold night in the open for the moths and won't hurt them.

Cheers,

Adam

Miss Caretaker · #4 (**permalink**) 19-08-2010, 10:17 AM

Thanks, it's really the micros as they never seem to land anywhere that I can get a decent picture!

Kayleigh · #5 (**permalink**) 19-08-2010, 11:09 AM

What containers do you use I have a glass washed spice bottle is this OK or is a plastic one better..
I leave mine for 30mins this seems long enough to get the shots I need.

Miss Caretaker · #6 (**permalink**) 19-08-2010, 02:41 PM

Following Peter2009's advice I went to the locsal Pound shop and picked up 20 of those plastic pots that you get soup in from the Chinese Takeaway for £2. I would have thought the spice pots would be a bit small, unless you're only doing micros, but if it works why change?
Jo

Kayleigh · #7 (**permalink**) 19-08-2010, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miss Caretaker

Following Peter2009's advice I went to the locsal Pound shop and picked up 20 of those plastic pots that you get soup in from the Chinese Takeaway for £2. I would have thought the spice pots would be a bit small, unless you're only doing micros, but if it works why change?
Jo

I thought the glass would get too cold and the poor things feet might get stuck to the glass..
I have yet to put a moth in it but a wasp was OK after an hour.
I felt really bad for inflicting this on a wasp just for a photo..lol

Miss Caretaker · #8 (**permalink**) 19-08-2010, 04:18 PM

I think their feet sticking would only be a problem on frozen glass. If the wasp didn't stick then it should be ok as far as I can tell but I don't know much about moth feet...
Jo

Meta menardi · #9 (**permalink**) 19-08-2010, 05:00 PM

I find that an old soda stream with a few modifications can gas them to unconsiousness and they then recover and you have your chance with them. You can very often get them under the microscope and have a good gander at the bits you need to see. You can also use vinegar and baking soda to make
CO2 and that piped in will do the same job. They take less harm (I think there is no harm) than being killed.