Abstract
Preservation in 70% ethanol or 4% formaldehyde solution resulted in the leaching of ca. 30% arid ca. 10% dry matter, respectively. Subsequent soaking in water considerably increased leaching. The percent ratio of dry weight to live weight decreased during the summer from ca. 15% in June to ca. 11 % in September for the fourth instar larvae. The results indicate that formaldehyde can chemically react with the larvae, thereby increasing their dry weight. The dry weight of the gut content was ca. 4% of the total dry weight.