Preparing nematode permanent mounts with adhesive tapes.

Nematode specimens for taxonomical work generally are mounted permanently in glycerol between two coverslips in a Cobbs aluminum slide or on a glass slide under a thin coverslip. In both cases, glass fibers of suitable diameter are used to keep the coverslip from pressing on the specimens. For larger nematodes, pieces of nickel-chrome wire can be used instead of the glass fibers (1). These types of supporting material are cumbersome to use. In addition, specimens mounted with only these supports can slip away from the center of the mount, get under the ringing substance, and be obstructed for microscopical observation. A paraffin ring of suitable thickness can be used not only to support the coverslip but also to confine the nematodes in the desired position on the slide (1). We have encountered difficulties, however, in providing a paraffin ring of correct thickness and in containing the specimens within the ring once the coverstip is in place. In our efforts to improve the method, we found transparent adhesive tape to be a suitable supporting material. This paper r epor t s the moun t ing t echn ique using transparent adhesive tape. Polyester base adhesive transparent tape (tape no. 8535 of 3M Co., or similar quality