Figure 13

An alert collector finds many insect specimens from very diverse habitats. For example, dragonflies, damselflies, and other aquatic insects are found near water. These, as well as other flying insects, can be captured by netting them in the air. Other insects such as nectar feeders (bees, wasps, butterflies, and others) as well as a myriad of plant feeders are best collected with the net as they rest on plants. These insects are collected by sweeping weeds, grass, or any other foliage with the collecting net — swinging the net back and forth, scraping the foliage with each pass as you walk along. After several vigorous sweeps, grasp the bag with your free hand or flip the net over the wire loop (Figure 13) to prevent escape of the specimens.

Most insects can be simply picked out of the net by hand, with forceps, or with a small brush, and dropped in a collecting container. However, a few, such as bees and wasps, may inflict a painful bite or sting if handled. To kill these and other small flying insects that readily escape the net, first briskly sweep the net through the air to force the insects to the bottom of the net, then place the portion of the net containing the insects in the killing jar. Place the lid on the jar for a few minutes until the insects become lifeless. Once immobilized, they may be safely dumped directly from the net into the killing jar without danger of them stinging or escaping.