>The killing jar question should be rephrased.  It is now,
>
>"Have any of you ever used the following chemicals for killing or cleaning
>bumblebees, and if so, did it work without leaving a messy residue on the
>fur or damaging the specimen in some other way?
>
>Methanol;
>Isopropanol;
>Acetone."
Sorry to come in when you thought you were getting a short list. As an
sometime organic chemist, now Bee Inspector your above list is not very
helpful. The best solvent is Ethyl acetate, because it is quick,
effective not too hazardous. Doesn't mess the fur, but I've only worked
on honeybees. It is Flammable, less than 73F. It is at least in the UK
available from any Laboratory Suppliers, and in particular ones
specialising in Microscopy & biological supplies. The important practical
aspect is that it relaxes the muscles if you wish to disect the insect.
Methanol- is easily available as Methylated spirits - denatured with
Pyridine & a purple dye in UK. -never used it. Denatured because it
intoxicates but has a nasty effect on the human body! Blind drunk!
Ethanol - difficult to get so that we don't have too many drunken lab
workers! Isopropanol, the next alcohol up the chain- I would think -never
used it- is slow to work. Again bad for humans.
Many samples you see pinned have been killed with a solvent which tenses
the muscles and they appear unnaturally small.All my work has bee either
for disease determination or anatomical dissection.
Hope you are not too confused.
 
[log in to unmask]  - Northern Regional Bee Inspector -  Bee Curious