Butterfly Netting Instructions

Your Net

• At first glance, a butterfly net might seem like any other net. Unlike dip nets, small fishing nets or sweep nets used to catch insects, butterfly nets are constructed to safely handle delicate wings. The netting material should be very light and soft to prevent damage. The handle should be long enough to reach well without losing control. The bag of the net must be deep enough to hold the insect safely without it escaping.

Catching Technique

• Select a location where there are plants that attract butterflies. Plants such as Queen Anne's Lace, Lantana, Goldenrod and Aster draw butterflies. Approach the butterfly carefully. Butterflies have keen eyesight and will flit off beyond your reach if alarmed. To capture a butterfly, wait until it lights on a plant, position the net over it and gently, but quickly, lower the net over the butterfly. If the butterfly is close to you, hold the end of the net bag with one hand and the handle with the other to form a loose cone. Lower the net sufficiently so the butterfly is toward the bottom of the net bag. At some point the butterfly will take off. When this happens, lift the net off the plant and rotate the handle of the net to fold it closed.

Observing Your Butterfly

• Remove the butterfly from the net quickly. If a butterfly remains in a net for too long, it can bump up against the sides of the net and damage its wings. Do not touch the butterfly with your hands. Instead, insert a large, open jar into the net and slide it up to the butterfly. Place the lid on while the butterfly still is in the net to prevent escape. The jar will protect the butterfly for observation. If, after studying your butterfly you want to let it go, release the butterfly where you first captured it. With care, you can capture and study butterflies.