Trails » Fishing » Fishing Bait & Lures » Fishing Lure Basics » How to Collect Insects

How to Collect Insects

How to Collect Insects
Insects are the most abundant, varied and readily available animals for study and collection. Entomologists, photographers, illustrators and casual collectors have a variety of methods at their disposal to collect insects for use in their interests. It is an inexpensive hobby suitable for child and adult alike and while some insects may end up on a mounting board, many are returned alive and unharmed.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Insect Nets

Things You’ll Need:
  • Insect net Aspirator Light Trap Pitfall Trap Forceps Storage Boxes
  • Insect net
  • Aspirator
  • Light Trap
  • Pitfall Trap
  • Forceps
  • Storage Boxes
Step 1
Choose an insect net suited for the type of collection to be done. Aerial nets have coarse mesh to reduce air resistance and are used to capture flying insects. Sweep nets have a finer mesh and are used to capture insects on low lying vegetation.
Step 2
Capture an aerial insect by sweeping the open end of the net toward a flying insect. This requires some skill and dexterity to have consistent success.
Step 3
Use a sweep net by swinging the net through shrubs and tall grass in a large arc repeatedly while walking through the underbrush.
Step 4
Close both types of insect nets by flicking the wrist so the bottom of the net folds across the opening of the net, preventing the insect from escaping.
Step 5
Periodically remove insects from a sweep net and remove any pieces of vegetation to prevent damage to the specimens.
Step 6
If the specimens are to be kept, transfer the insects to a storage box or killing jar by gently holding the insect through the fabric of the net and placing it into the container. If the insect can sting or harm you, place the fold of net containing the insect into a killing jar to daze the insect making it easier to handle.

Light Traps and Pitfalls

Step 1
Light traps attract night-flying insects by using either white light bulbs or ultraviolet light. Construct a simple light trap by hanging a white sheet near a light source at night and collect the insects that land on the sheet using forceps.
Step 2
Create a pitfall trap to collect crawling insects by burying a cup up to the rim in the ground.
Step 3
Prevent the insect from escaping the trap by adding enough water to cover the bottom of the cup and add one drop of liquid soap.
Step 4
Improve the effectiveness of the trap by adding a bait (rotting fruit works well) to the cup.
Step 5
Check the trap daily to collect and remove any insects that have been caught.

Aspirator

Step 1
Use an aspirator to collect small insects. An aspirator is a small vacuum constructed of a glass tube, two-hole stopper, bent glass and hoses.
Step 2
Place the intake hose next to the insect.
Step 3
Inhale through the suction hose to pull the insect into the aspirator.
Step 4
Remove the insect from inside the aspirator.

Tips & Warnings

 
A piece of cloth in the suction hose of an aspirator will prevent an insect from accidentally being inhaled. When using an aspirator, use caution with insects that secrete chemicals, such as ants. The chemicals can be inhaled causing tremendous discomfort. An aspirator may be modified to prevent this by using a bulb for suction instead of the mouth.
 
A piece of cloth in the suction hose of an aspirator will prevent an insect from accidentally being inhaled.
 
When using an aspirator, use caution with insects that secrete chemicals, such as ants. The chemicals can be inhaled causing tremendous discomfort. An aspirator may be modified to prevent this by using a bulb for suction instead of the mouth.
 
Collecting insects from public lands often requires a permit. When collecting from public lands, minimize damage to vegetation. Some insects can sting, bite, and/or secrete noxious chemicals. These chemicals can irritate the skin and breathing airways and produce severe allergic reactions in some people.
 
Collecting insects from public lands often requires a permit. When collecting from public lands, minimize damage to vegetation.
 
Some insects can sting, bite, and/or secrete noxious chemicals. These chemicals can irritate the skin and breathing airways and produce severe allergic reactions in some people.

Resources

Article Written By David Chandler

David Chandler has been a freelance writer since 2006 whose work has appeared in various print and online publications. A former reconnaissance Marine, he is an active hiker, diver, kayaker, sailor and angler. He has traveled extensively and holds a bachelor's degree from the University of South Florida where he was educated in international studies and microbiology.

Write for Trails.com

  • Editor's Pick

    Backcountry Camping Tips

    Backcountry Camping Tips

    You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...

    More Backcountry Camping...

  • Popular Article

    Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

    Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

    Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...

    More Beach Camping...

  • Featured Video

    Common Sense Hiking Tips

    Common Sense Hiking Tips

    The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.

    More Camping Basics...

Outdoor Gear & Equipment

ALL NEW Trails Gear Store powered by:

Trail Finder

US Map

Search by Keyword