A simple preparatory method for scanning electron microscopy of the mouthparts of muscoid flies (diptera).

A Scanning electron microscopic preparation method is described, especially for muscoid flies also useful for the preparation of other chitinous structures of insects. Carbon-tetrachloride was used to maintain the proper positions of the proboscis and the labella rendering a better view of the fine structures. Specimens were cleaned by a bioactive washing powder, then air-dried prior to fixing them on stubs by a reliable home-made adhesive.