Insect collecting

From ArticleWorld

Insect collecting is the scientific study of insects and related creatures. Butterflies and beetles are popular insects to collect. Insect collectors capture the insect, scientifically preserve study the insect, and frequently find interesting ways of displaying it.

Insect collecting as a hobby

Insect collecting is a popular hobby, where insects are collected for entomology study. Insects are also collected and studied by entomologists, who are specialists in the area of insect study. Butterflies and beetles are the most popular insects to study. They are easily found by looking closely in nature, especially in plants, flowers, leaves, and rocks. Insects are also relatively easily captured while flying around lights at night.

Insect collecting equipment

Several types of equipment can be used in collecting and preserving insect s for study. The butterfly net, funnels, and several types of insect traps are used to collect insects. Aspirators are used to handle small insects without damaging the insect. Killing jars with various chemicals kill the insects without damaging them in the process. Some of these elements are hazardous to humans, so caution should be exercised.

Displaying the insect collection

Insects are frequently mounted on displays in glass boxes. The butterfly or other insect is stuck to the bottom of the box by pins, or, in the case of smaller insects, are glued to tiny pieces of paper mounted on a pin. The point of displaying an insect collection is to show the many varieties of species in a group. Wing design and structure can be displayed by opening the wings, and pinning them open. Museums study collections of insects in research. Frequently, insect collections are not displayed in museums, because the untrained observer does not understand the subtle differences in insects that may look alike. Dealers can sell rare insects in many ways, especially in auctions. Some insect collectors also raise their own insects for collecting. Usually the insects raised are much more than the collector needs. Extras are released back into the wild.