Hobbies And Interests
Collecting Nets
Sweeping nets, aquatic nets and aerial nets are the most common forms of collecting nets. The sweeping net is very durable, and is suitable for catching insects in dense vegetation. The aerial net is lightweight, and is preferable for catching flying insects like butterflies. Good aquatic nets have metallic screening and handles that will not corrode or deteriorate despite repeated wetting.
Beating Sheet
Beating sheets comprise durable white cloth attached to a wooden frame, and are ideal for collecting true bugs and beetles. The entomologist places the beating sheet under a shrub or tree, and beats the branches of the plant with a stick; this causes insects to fall onto the beating sheet for collection.
Forceps
Entomologists often use lightweight forceps to grasp insects without damaging them. Using forceps to handle specimens also ensures that the insect will not sting the entomologist when she transfers it from one container to another.
Killing Bottles
A killing bottle is typically a wide-mouth glass bottle that has a metal screw-top or a tight-fitting stopper, and contains a liquid or solid killing agent. Liquid agents take more time to work than solid agents, but are not as dangerous. Cyanide is a common solid killing agent. Common liquid agents include ether, ethyl acetate, chloroform and ammonia.
Storage Boxes
Entomologists use storage boxes to transport and store insect specimens. These boxes can be metal, plastic or cardboard, and usually contain soft tissue to keep the specimen in place. Small envelopes or gelatin capsules may be preferable for very delicate or tiny specimens.
Preservatives
Alcohol (usually in the form of a 70-percent ethanol solution) is the most common preservation agent. The alcohol can prevent wings from matting or folding, and stops soft body parts from shriveling. The appropriate concentration of alcohol may vary depending on the type of insect; high concentrations are preferable for insects with soft bodies, like parasitic wood wasps, but may damage insects like aphids. Alcohol is also inappropriate for preserving moths, butterflies and adult bees.
Traps
Trap construction will depend on the time of year, location, insect behavior and the use of bait or lures. Commonly used traps include windowpane traps, interception nets, malaise traps, light traps, sticky traps, artificial refuges, dish traps and color traps.