The Use of Glycerol-Kcl in Scanning Microscopy of Acari1

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Abstract
The conventional method of preparing tissue for the scanning electron microscope is a combination of fixation, freeze-drying, and gold-plating (Arcenaux 1969). This treatment produces a specimen that is self-supporting in the high vacuum of the microscope and is covered by a good electrical conductor. Soft-bodied mites that do not have a cuticle that will retain moisture in a vacuum can probably be prepared for observation in this conventional manner. Some mites require no preparation prior to observation (e.g., the house-dust mite, Dermatophagoides farinae Hughes). These mites can be observed while alive for ca. 45 min (Wharton 1970). Such specimens have cuticles that are sufficiently impermeable to water that rapid desiccation does not take place and at the same time are sufficiently hydrated with electrolyte to conduct off the charge, thus making a layer of gold unnecessary.

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