48 BULLETIN 67, UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 



lantern is usually preferred) secure the moths or other insects. A 

 mixture of sugar and vinegar, or sugar and molasses, to which is 

 often added beer or some other alcoholic liquor, is most favored by 

 collectors. A mixture of sugar and rotten apples, *or other decay- 

 ing fruit, is extremely good. Warm, moist, cloudy nights are the 

 best for sugaring, but one can not always be sure of a good catch, 

 as insects sometimes come when least expected, and seemingly most 

 favorable conditions are often unprofitable. One should take sev- 

 eral cyanide bottles upon a sugaring trip, so that it will not be neces- 

 sary to put many insects in one bottle. A net can be used to take 

 those that fly around, and if the light is thrown upon the net many 

 moths will rest upon it. 



Some prefer to have one or two chloroform bottles with which to 

 capture the specimens, and then when they have become quiet put 

 them in the cyanide jar. Mr. Caudell devised a cloth funnel for 

 catching quantities of moths. The bottom of the funnel was fastened 

 by a rubber band to a large cyanide jar; the top had a wire or steel 

 ring, but open on one side; this opening enables the collector to fit 

 the top of the funnel to a tree or around a corner. Approaching a 

 bevy of moths at the sugar the edge of the funnel was applied closely 

 to the bark beneath them, and a puff would send the moths falling 

 through the funnel into the cyanide jar, which is then corked, and 

 another one fastened to the funnel for the next tree. A similar appa- 

 ratus is used abroad. 



One can so arrange his route that the sugared trees are in a circle, 

 and thus visit each regularly. It will be found that some moths come 

 early and others only late at night. Frequently one can find some 

 moths, like Catocalas, at the sugar next day. A few collectors have 

 used baked apples to attract moths, and others string rotten apples 

 dipped in sugar between trees. 



Forceps or tweezers.— Small metal forceps (fig. 89) with fine points 

 are used by nearly all entomologists in picking up insects. These are 

 made both with curved and straight points, and can be purchased 

 from dealers for a small amount. By practice with the forceps, one 

 can handle the most delicate and fragile insects without injuring 

 them. For handling the pinned specimens a stouter form of forceps, 

 known as pinning forceps, is used. These are shown in figure 90. 

 Most people become accustomed to a certain style and can use it 

 better than any other; a lighter pair is preferred by many. 



Brushes, belts, bags. — Several small brushes are useful to the ento- 

 mologist. They may be used to clean an insect, and by moistening 

 the tip to pick up small and delicate specimens. Many collectors 

 who go into the field to gather insects of one group are often able to 

 carry all their utensils (net, killing bottle, tubes, forceps, boxes, or 

 folded papers) in the pockets of an ordinary coat. Others have 



