3/ Typically the next stage will involve removing part of the skin. First you should identify the end bearing the ovipositor, near to which will be found an opening called the ostium (see Morphology on this site). This part should remain intact, but the segments beyond can usually be removed. Inside the body will be a bag-like structure called the bursae copulatrix and from this to the ostium is a tube called the ductus bursae, try not to damage either. Make a cut with a pin or fine scalpel at a junction between two segments below the one bearing the ostium. Place two angled pins inside the end of the body away from the ovipositor end and slit the skin open until you reach the initial cuts. Remove the skin and hopefully you�ll be left with the ovipositor, the last segment bearing the ostium, and the ductus bursae and bursae copulatrix.

Photography: This is a good time for a photograph as alcohol can distort some delicate structures. The genitalia can be turned in the water in order to display important details.

4/ The genitalia should now be immersed in a water/alcohol mixture in several stages, for example 30%, 60% and finally 100% alcohol. This helps the cleaning process and prepares the body for the slide stage. In 100% alcohol, stain (if desired) can be added. For females, Chlorazol Black (suspended in alcohol, not water) is prefered. Use only a small amount of stain - overdoing this can mask important features. In general it is best not to use stain.

5/ The genitalia can now be placed in Euparal mountant on a slide. Alcohol and Euparal will make things very brittle, so care is needed whilst manipulating the structure. Use Euparal essence if needed to keep the mountant runny and to finish off the edges once the cover slip has been placed. Apply the cover slip at an angle to help prevent air bubbles. Small air bubbles usually disappear in Euparal. Label the slide, including a reference number to link it to the specimen.