A novel technique for the individual marking of smaller insects

Many ecological studies of insects depend on marking. Marks can be simple, i.e., to identify the released specimens in a mark–release–recapture experiment or individual if more detailed data is sought. Simple marks include ink and paint spots (Wineriter & Walker, 1984; Wojcik et al., 2000), dusting with fluorescent powder (Sinsko & Craig, 1979; Reinecke, 1990; Service, 1993), amputating part of a limb (Querci, 1936; Wesoloh, 1985), dyes (Steiner, 1965; Gast & Landin, 1966; Hendricks, 1971), isotope marking (Hagler & Jackson, 2001), and elemental marking (Hamann & Iwannek, 1979; Kipp & Lonergan, 1992). Several methods have been described for the individual marking of larger insects. Marking insects by placing ink spots in different positions to produce codes has been used in many studies (Gangwere et al., 1964; White, 1970; Harman, 1975; Brenner & Patterson, 1988). Also, beetles have been individually marked by engraving codes onto the elytral intervals either manually with a small needle or with an industrial laser (Best et al., 1981; Unruh & Chauvin, 1993; Griffiths et al., 2001). Many of the methods to individually mark insects can produce a permanent code, however, the techniques are time consuming and expensive, especially the latter technique. Also, both of the above techniques can only be used on larger species, such as mid to large carabids. Smaller insects are more difficult to individually mark. This short communication describes a method for tagging insects, especially smaller species. Tags have been used in a wide variety of studies (Gary, 1971; Hagler & Jackson, 2001). Tags to individually mark honeybees ( Apis mellifera ) are commercially available, but they are too large for smaller insects (Hagler & Jackson, 2001). Small tags have been used to individually label screw-worms ( Cochliomyia hominivorax ) (Rubink, 1988), but the tags were relatively difficult to produce. The tags described in this method are very simple to produce in large quantities. Tagging has been described as a tedious method of marking that is limited to larger insects (Hagler & Jackson, 2001), however, it is hoped that this method will counter those deficiencies.