tool to shave bees

Zarrillo, Tracy

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Oct 24, 2025, 1:31:38 PMOct 24

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Hi everyone,

I am wondering what people use to shave hair off of bees to better see morphology. Currently I use an insect pin that I have sharpened with a forceps sharpener to have a cutting edge. It is not ideal, and am hoping that someone can direct me to a tiny surgical tool or something. Thanks in advance!

Best,

Tracy

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tracy Zarrillo

Assistant Agricultural Scientist 1

The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station

123 Huntington Street

New Haven, CT 06511

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Meghan Barrett

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Oct 24, 2025, 3:05:02 PMOct 24

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Hi Tracy -

I've used the tips of Fine Science Tools #55 Forceps in the past, which have worked well with gentle pressure. FST also have a line of microscopic tools, and may have mini-razors you can look at.

Best,

Meghan Barrett, PhD (she/her)

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Avery Russell

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Oct 24, 2025, 4:39:55 PMOct 24

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A sharpened tungsten needle is very effective! :)

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Adrian Carper - DNR

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Oct 27, 2025, 10:10:06 AMOct 27

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I used a few dabs of hot glue to make a handle on the head of a #3 pin, molding it to my fingers while still warm. I then sharpened the point to a flat razorblade edge using a whetstone. Made a series of 3-4 that worked really well when I was shaving tegulae back in the day. Having the handle made a huge difference in control and comfort.

Adrian