Preserving Exoskeleton Tissue after a molt?!?!

[Fish Eat Fish]

My Zebra mantis just molted and I found his raptoral appendage laying next to his burrow. Its really cool looking and shows the spikes really well.

My question is what can I put on this so that it lasts? Its fairly hard already but im sure it will decompose if I just let it sit out.

I was thinking maybe a light coat of super glue???

 

[likestofish]

if it is anything like a crawfish the claws will last but not sure on the body.

 

[Fish Eat Fish]

if it is anything like a crawfish the claws will last but not sure on the body.

well I dont have the body just the spikes and part of the arm...

 

[Fish Eat Fish]

anyone got some ideas???

 

[Fish Eat Fish]

anyone have an opinion on using superglue?

 

[Adam-011]

Buy a coffee warmer like so http://speedtro.tripod.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/warmer-w.jpg

Get a clear candle like so.
http://www.lobues.net/candle.jpg (but clear)

And let the wax melt. Then do a quick dip. Then dip it in ICE cold water. It should give it a Hard thin coat. Make sure not to touch it. This might work but I dont know. I think u can try again in what like 4Months? But it works with my fingure.

 

[Alistriwen]

lacquer

 

[Dan F]

I agree with Alistriwen. Dry it out and then give it several coats of clear spray lacquer or polyurethane.

 

[Fish Eat Fish]

thanks for the suggestions

I wish I had a decent camera so I could show you guys. Its wicked looking!