Confocal laser scanning microscopy can provide high resolution and three-dimensional images by stacking consecutive scans of confocal planes. Confocal microscopy is dependent upon degree of florescence caused by different colors of laser light. Confocal microscopy rarely has been used for examining and imaging anatomical structures of Lepidoptera and other insects, and examples of its use for imaging slide mounted structures of Gelechioidea are provided. A comparison is made of the florescence and quality of images of genitalia that are stained with eosin, mercurochrome, chlorazol black, chlorazol black + eosin, saffarin and orange-G. Stains that provide optimal fluorescence are recommended.