Getting started

How to prepare the animal

Live specimens should be drowned in an airtight container that is completely filled with water. The animal should be left until completely drowned (i.e., unresponsive to touch). This will make it easier to dissect the specimen, as it kills the animal in an extended stateState:
The basic component or distinct phase of a Lucid feature or character that can be observed, measured, or otherwise assessed.
(not contracted). Small snails may also be euthanized by emersion in boiling water. Specimens usually expire in a relaxed stateState:
The basic component or distinct phase of a Lucid feature or character that can be observed, measured, or otherwise assessed.
and should be removed from boiling water when no longer responsive to touch.

The specimen should then be transferred to a dissecting dish containing 70% ethanol or water. The solution should completely cover the specimen to minimize dehydration of the tissues. The dissecting dish should then be mounted onto the stage of the microscope and the dissection conducted under at least 10× magnification.

Supplies:

• dissecting microscope
• water
• dissecting dish
• forceps
• scalpel
• dissecting scissors
• pliers
• 4-inch C-clamp or small vice grip (optional)
• 70% ethanol (optional)
• curved forceps (optional)
• #4 stainless steel insect pins (optional)