BIRDWING SOUP

A few years ago I had to expedite the relaxing of a batch of Ornithoptera (birdwings), prior to setting. As time was short, instead of relaxing them for a day or so, I started to inject them with hot water.

Hot water was placed in a coffee mug and water was then drawn up into the syringe, needle attached. I held the specimen over the mug & inserted the needle into the "chest" of the thorax and commenced injecting.

Excess water then flowed from the body orifices and dropped down into the mug. I repeated the process a few times until the wings started to relax, refilling the syringe for each specimen (10cc's).

Very simple & straightforward . . . . . except I do tend to be a bit oblivious to my surroundings when in deep concentration, for I was also sipping my coffee from a mug identical to that in which the hot water was held.

Yes, you're right, while momentarily distracted, I picked up the wrong mug & took a rather large sip! Oooh yuk, ftpooee. Birdwing Soup! It will never make the Menu, I can assure you. Tastes like p*ss!

Cheers,
Chris Hocking

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