Observation of the morphological characters in slide-mounted simuliids (Diptera, Simuliidae) deteriorated by age or fungus contamination

Abstract

The homogeneity of the Simuliidae family has produced several taxonomic problems along the years. The studies of Brazilian Simulium Latreille, 1802 date from the beginning of the 20th century, with species described by Kollar, Macquart, Goeldi and Lutz. Lutz's scientific collection is a historical relic of scientific relevance, since it congregates types described from Brazil. Besides its taxonomic importance, this collection can now be used as a bio indicator. However, a lot of these slide-mounted specimens could not support the effects of time, constant handling, fungus and climatic conditions that occurred over the years. The development of a slide-mounted restoration technique had therefore become necessary for specimen preservation and observation.