A novel technique for the individual marking of smaller insects

Many ecological studies of insects depend on marking.Marks can be simple, i.e., to identify the released specimensin a mark–release–recapture experiment or individual ifmore detailed data is sought. Simple marks include inkand paint spots (Wineriter & Walker, 1984; Wojcik et al.,2000), dusting with uorescent powder (Sinsko & Craig,1979; Reinecke, 1990; Service, 1993), amputating part ofa limb (Querci, 1936; Wesoloh, 1985), dyes (Steiner, 1965;Gast & Landin, 1966; Hendricks, 1971), isotope marking(Hagler & Jackson, 2001), and elemental marking (Hamann& Iwannek, 1979; Kipp & Lonergan, 1992).Several methods have been described for the individualmarking of larger insects. Marking insects by placing inkspots in different positions to produce codes has beenused in many studies (Gangwere et al., 1964; White, 1970;Harman, 1975; Brenner & Patterson, 1988). Also, beetleshave been individually marked by engraving codes ontothe elytral intervals either manually with a small needle orwith an industrial laser (Best et al., 1981; Unruh & Chauvin,1993; Grifths et al., 2001). Many of the methods to indi-vidually mark insects can produce a permanent code,however, the techniques are time consuming and expensive,especially the latter technique. Also, both of the abovetechniques can only be used on larger species, such as midto large carabids. Smaller insects are more difcult toindividually mark. This short communication describesa method for tagging insects, especially smaller species.Tags have been used in a wide variety of studies (Gary,1971; Hagler & Jackson, 2001). Tags to individually markhoneybees (