WORKING WITH EXPERTS

Experts can be a great source of information. To contact an expert write and explain who you are, what you are doing, and ask for copies of papers that are relevant to your work. If you seek additional help, first ask permission to submit questions and/or specimens. An expert will not mount your specimens nor identify your whole collection. Most will be glad to assist by confirming examples of your identifications.

When sending specimens to an expert, send only a few good examples of each type of animal you have found. If they are Macrobiotus, you must have eggs. Each slide must be clearly labeled and sealed with epoxy paint. Include a data sheet that identifies each slide, your identification, and questions; leave space for the specialist to write a response.

For shipment use a small sturdy slide box, many science supply houses have a good one that holds 25 slides. Use tissue to pack the slides so they do not rattle. Tape the box tight. Pack the slide box in the center of a shipping container surrounded by plastic "peanuts."

When shipping specimens internationally, use the following statement on the green customs slip to clearly describe what you are sending and avoid explanations of what tardigrades are: "Preserved, dead insects on microscope slides for scientific research." Expect the package to be opened in the other country, so include a page that gives your return address, phone number, fax numbers, etc. Tardigrades are not endangered species. Do not sent moss or lichen with soil attached; most countries do not allow soils to be imported. If you are requested to send unmounted specimens, send them in small vials of formalin, not alcohol.

If you find something important enough to warrant publication, like a new species, ask your specialist to help you with the paper. Remember an author on a scientific paper should contribute to the science, not just pick up the moss.