A technique for making high-resolution megapixel mosaic photomicrographs of nematodes

Multiple images of a whole nematode specimen were taken with a high power oil-immersion objective lens and joined together to form one high-resolution megapixel, mosaic photomicrograph of the entire specimen, with the use of a relatively new mounting technique made with a 4% water agar pad. The agar pad kept the specimen nearly level and lateral, and when amended with 10 mM sodium azide, this mounting technique gradually paralyzed the nematode in a natural pose to enable production of sharp, clear images. The individual photographs were joined together and merged into one very large, seamless image. These montaged images will be useful for teaching because the student has access to a virtual specimen that is mounted in the correct orientation, imaged with a research grade microscope, and preserved in a narcotized, living condition. Such specimen images can also serve as representatives of type and voucher specimens without the deterioration typical of real types. The files can be copied and viewed with a computer almost anywhere and at any time, rather than using a more cumbersome, limiting, and expensive microscope.