When I work with equitants, I often use the .5mm pencil lead. I have
the pencil with me since I'm noting the crosses and dates, it is
smaller than a toothpick, and releases fairly easily. Pencil also
works with the small Chiloschista and even vanda and other large
pollen types.
For Microcoelia, I used a straight pin. When wetting it with
saliva, just be sure to put the pin sideways, not straight in your
mouth or you may end up puncturing your tongue. Not sure what effect
that will have on pollination, but it did complete the "blood sweat
and tears" trilogy, *G*.

jimwatts