CHAPTER XXIII 



METHODS OF COLLECTING INSECTS 



The following instructions on the methods and equipment for 

 collecting and preserving insects have been compiled to give as 

 concise information on the subject as possible. Most of the methods 

 and equipment have been tried and tested out either by the author 

 or under his observation. There are a number of accessible bulletins 

 and papers on this subject, one of the best of which is United States 

 National Museum Bulletin No. 67, ' * Directions for Collecting and 

 Preserving Insects," by Nathan Banks. 1 



Field kit. In order to secure a collection that is at all valuable, 

 it is necessary to make special trips after insects, and to be provided 

 with special equipment. Therefore, among the first requirements 

 is a means of carrying the outfit so that every article will be 

 accessible. 



The haversack. This is one of the most common means of 

 carrying collecting outfits, and if constructed of the proper material, 

 will be found very handy. The size will depend somewhat on the 

 length of the trip taken, but for ordinary purposes a sack twelve 

 by fourteen by four inches will be found most convenient. It should 

 be provided with a good flap, to fasten by means of a buckle or snap, 

 as well as with shoulder straps and loops for the belt. These latter 

 are very important, as they prevent the sack from flopping about 

 while collecting. Canvas or khaki makes very serviceable sacks, but 

 they are not waterproof. Some of the numerous imitation leathers 

 or heavy oilcloth will wear nearly as long and be much more 

 serviceable. The haversack should have at least three separate 

 compartments, and if manufactured at home, with a little ingenuity 

 one can provide a place for each article of the outfit. 



Collecting coat. Any comfortable, loose-fitting coat may, with a 

 little alteration, be converted into an entomologist's collecting coat. 

 The requirements are a sufficient number of pockets to hold the 



1 See also the bottom of page 359. 

 33 



