DNA spoiling w/ re-used envelopes?

[Chuck]

I have a ton of once-used, perfectly clean envelopes. I used to re-use them, but have stopped using them for Tiger swallowtails so it doesn't induce DNA from the previous specimen.

Is this foolishness?

[Jshuey]

It's called being cautious.

john

[Chuck]

Thanks John.

I presume that re-use of an envelope could induce DNA, since some amount of DNA material will be left in the envelope. Given that the taxa are quite similar, I envision corrupted genetic material could spoil results.

So I re-use them on unrelated taxa, yet still I wonder if it might mess things up 40 years from now if someone wants to run genetic tests. I just hate to toss perfectly good envelopes.

[EdTomologist]

i assume the risk would be small given the chitin and scales themselves have no DNA that would be left as a residue. I guess there’s always a chance though.