HOW TO KNOW THE INSEQS 



Light Traps 



Insects are being caught by the light trap method for poul- 

 try feed and for feeding fish. Some of these traps with slight 

 modification serve the entomologist. Plans for two traps are 





Figure 9. Traps Tor catching insects at night. (A, 



made of vrood or metal v/'ith glass front; B, made of 



metal. Either trap may stand or be hung up.) 



shown. Traps employing a killing .jar to kill and hold the catch 

 need less attention but, unfortunately, leave delicate specimens 

 in bad condition. Some large beetles before dying will burrow 

 frantically through the mass tearing delicate wings, and spread- 

 ing moth scales over the specimens. A trap that attracts, and 

 imprisons but does not kill, requires more constant attention 

 but yields specimens in much better condition and permits the 

 collector the fun of observing and catching them. 



An Illuminated v/hite sheet or tent with a strong light in- 

 side draws many interesting night flying species. One may drive 

 to the v;oods or other favorite collecting ground, hang up a 

 sheet and train the head lights of the auto on It and reap the 

 harvest, which will shortly begin coming. If the lower edge of 

 the sheet is turned up to form a- trough the insects that fall 

 when they strike the sheet or when disturbed will be saved. 



Bait Traps 



Cans or Dottles sunk in the ground to their tops and baited 

 with molasses, fruit or meat attract and hold many species until 

 they are removed. Specimens thus caught usually need washing. 

 Most beetles, roaches, crickets, etc. will not be damaged by 

 washing if it is not too vigorously done. Sweets or decaying 

 meat, covered with boards, make good traps for many beetles. The 

 boards should fit closely enough to make, it dark underneath, 

 then the night feeding Insects will remain during the day and be 

 there when the collector makes his rounds. 



Sugaring for jnoths may be as exciting as a raccoon hunt. 

 The bait is made of a mixture such as sugar or molasses with 

 spoiled fruit Juice to which may be added asafoetlda or geraniol, 

 An open woods makes an ideal collecting place. Armed with nets, 

 killing bottles and flashlights the collectors lay out their 



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