Custom Arthropod Resin Block for Teaching and Outreach
Since 2014, the Hamer lab has been imbedding arthropods in resin for teaching and outreach activities. These blocks allows for an optically clear mount with a view of the specimen from 6 sides while providing long-term preservation and safe handling. Our evolving protocol was recently published in the Journal of Visualized Experiments (JoVE):
Garza, M., Curtis-Robles, R., Sittenauer, S., Hamer, G.L. 2026. Clear Resin Casting of Arthropods for Use in Education, Outreach, and Research. J. Vis. Exp. Jan 16;(227). doi: 10.3791/69206.
https://www.jove.com/t/69206/clear-resin-casting-arthropods-for-use-education-outreach
While our goal of publishing these protocols is so that programs have the ability to replicate this process internally, not all are able to accomplish this. Therefore, our lab is able to sell custom blocks containing diverse arthropods. The price varies depending on arthropod availability, number of specimen, and block size. For a custom order, please email Sarah Sittenauer, sarah.sittenauer@ag.tamu.edu.
