Assessing the impact of different scale removal methods on the geometric morphometrics of Aedes aegypti wings

Abstract

This work aimed to test different treatments for removing wing scales from Aedes aegypti, and evaluate through geometric morphometrics, if these treatments can modify the wing venation morphometric pattern. The treatments were wing agitation in mineral water and NaOH (sodium hydroxide) saline solution using a mini-ultrasound, and manual wing scales removal using a size zero (0) tip brush. We propose an alternative method for mounting wings on slides using glycerin. We conclude that glycerin use for slide mounting provides better optics and translucency, and that treatments with NaOH saline solution and water can impair morphometric analysis of wings. The size zero (0) tip brush treatment efficiently removed wing scales, improving wing structure visualization without causing significant modifications to the specimens.