Corn Earworm Processing

Corn earworm moths are processed for the pollen on the head of the moth. The head is mounted onto a stub to be viewed in a scanning electron microscope.

The procedure is as follows:

1. Obtain moth samples and allow to thaw if frozen.

The supplies needed are :

Dissecting microscope
#4 dissecting tweezers
Needle tipped probe
Dissecting tray
Electron microscope stub
Stub holders
Pollen-free water
Pollen-free Ethyl Alcohol
Bent forceps (35mm)
Beaker to clean instruments
Non-abrasive tissue wipes
Scalpel or straight-edge razor blades
Collodial graphite or double stick tape

Moth head diagram

Mount whole head.

Mount only proboscis.

2. Place dorsal side of the moth on dissecting tray.
3. Secure insect by the abdomen and using the tweezers, remove the palps and scales from around the proboscis area.
4. Using the probe, tease out the proboscis along the body of the moth. If the proboscis is hard, soak the head in pollen-free water.
5. Remove the head with scalpel.
6. Dab small amount of collodial graphite onto labeled stub.
7. Place head on stub with proboscis base at an angle of about 45 degrees with the stub.
8. Allow to dry and place in dessicator for 24 hours before coating and examination.

2. Cover stub with double stick tape.
3. Place dorsal side of the moth on dissecting tray.
4. Secure insect by the abdomen and using the tweezers, remove the palps and scales from around the proboscis area.
5. Using the probe, tease out the proboscis along the body of the moth. If the proboscis is hard, soak the head in pollen-free water.
6. Remove the proboscis one-half at a time and place the inside part down on the stub.
7. Allow to dry and place in dessicator for 24 hours before coating and examination.