SPECIMEN LOANS

1. INSTRUCTION ON DISPOSITION OF TYPES: Holotypes and allotypes based on specimens from the Florida State Collection of Arthropods are to be re­turned unless other arrangements are agreed upon in specific instances. We request that the first paratype, other than an allotype, be deposited in the Florida State Collection of Arthropods. Representatives of both sexes are desired. Where the type series of a species is adequate, we encourage deposition of paratypes in several museum collections and/or collections of specialists in the group following an agreement to this effect with the Curator of the Florida State Collection of Arthropods. The author should indicate in the description of the species, or the allotype of the species, the placement of the type or types.

2. MOLECULAR DATA GENERATION: Non-destructive DNA extraction is permitted for all specimens except primary types. Tissue extraction for DNA is allowed for non-type specimens with previous communication with appropriate curator. All specimen vouchers must be returned to the FSCA with identifier to associate to the generated data. Where possible FSCA barcode numbers will be provided and can be used as the specimen voucher number. The tissue/DNA extract may remain with the borrower. Genbank or other online data repository (Dryad, etc) accession numbers must be provided to the FSCA staff to remain associated with the specimen voucher. 

3. DISSECTION OF SPECIMENS: Except for types, all specimens may be dissected as necessary, providing that the dissected parts are maintained with the specimens, either in microvials pinned on the same pin or imbedded in a mounting medium on the same point. Types may be dissected only with the advance permission of the curator.

4. PREPARATION FOR SEM: Except for types, all specimens may be gold-coated for SEM examination. Types may be gold-coated only with the advance permission of the curator.

5. INSTRUCTIONS ON MATERIAL TO BE RETAINED: In general, we request that the first, third, fifth, seventh, etc. specimen be returned, but this should be regarded only as a somewhat flexible, general guideline. Where it is possible for the borrower to retain specimens whose col­lection data are duplicated on specimens to be returned, this is re­commended. The borrower is encouraged to make exchanges which will be mutually beneficial.

6. PUBLICATIONS: Publications resulting wholly or in part from a study of material bor­rowed from the Florida State Collection of Arthropods should include an acknowledgement to this collection. The ab­breviation “FSCA” should be used in checklist citations and the appropriate curatorial staff acknowledged where possible.