How to Net Insects:

• In general, when capturing an insect in flight, you should swing the net rapidly to capture the insect, and apply extra force at the end of the swing to bring the insect to the tip of the bag. Twist the handle in a way that causes the bottom of the bag to flip over the rim and trap the insect. To keep the insect in the tip, squeeze or twist the bag tightly to close it above the insect.

• If an insect is on a plant or the ground, you can approach from behind and swing the net with a downward stroke. After the insect is trapped beneath the net, hold up the tip of the bag and the insect will likely crawl or fly up into it. While gently holding the captured insect in the fold of the bag, place the open killing jar or vial in the net and around the specimen. Tap the net so the insect enters the jar and slide the top of the jar along the side of the net to the bag opening. Immediately place the lid on the killing jar or vial after removing it from the net. Small insects can be collected from the net with an aspirator.

• Collecting from grasses, shrubs, flowers, and trees with a sturdy sweep net is an easy way to obtain large numbers of insects. Sweep the net sideways rather than up and down to be most effective. The contents of the bag should be removed after every few sweeps. This practice will prevent damage that occurs when the insects are jostled about with debris in the net. Take care not to damage the plants being swept.