Abstract: Morphological identification of nematodes usually requires permanent slides for detailed observation, and thereby significantly limits the range of research methods that can be applied to specimens needed for identification. Permanent slides are never truly permanent, and taxonomically important reference material is easily destroyed by sudden accidents, or inevitably lost over the years to slow degradation. In order to efficiently record the morphology of nematodes, in a format that allows easy archiving, editing and distribution, we have assembled and tested two micrographic Video Capture and Editing (VCE) configurations. These comparatively inexpensive, easily customised systems allow for the production of short video clips that mimic multifocal observation of nematode specimens through a light microscope. These clips can be used for many purposes, including teaching and training, management and online access of taxonomic collections, routine screening of fixed or unfixed specimens, recording of ephemeral staining patterns, or recording of freshly dissected internal organs prior to their decomposition. We provide full details on the components and operation of both systems, critically evaluate their efficiency in the aforementioned applications, and provide illustrations of the obtained final image quality. We expect this approach to become widely used, as an intermediate or final methodological step in a wide range of nematological activities.

see also http://faculty.ucr.edu/~pdeley/vce.html