COLLECTION OF INSECTS FOR STUDY, 



9 



Most entomologists use many small t^anid vials or bottles of only 

 about ^ to 1 inch diameter and 2 to 4 inches long. By taking several 

 of these along on a trip, it is possible to keep insects of different sizes 

 and kinds separate, for small flies are apt to get broken if put into 

 the same bottle with large, heavy beetles. It is best not to put 

 moths and butterflies in a bottle with other insects, as the latter are 

 apt to become covered by loose scales from the moths or butterfhes. 



There is much less danger in handling insects than is popularly 

 believed, since but few species are either poisonous or likely to injure 

 the collector by biting or stinging. Insects like the wasps and bees will 

 sting, of course, and a few of the larger beetles may pinch or bite, but 

 these are generally well known and there are but comparatively few 

 insects whose bites are poisonous. 



Fig. S, — Method of pinning grasshoppers. 



PINNING INSECTS. 



Common pins are too large for most insects, and so entomologists 

 use a longer and more slender pin. These pins can be purchased 

 from dealers in natural-history supplies for a dollar or less per thou- 

 sand. They are made bright, black, or japanned. The black pins 

 cost a little more, but are much better for most insects, since the spec- 

 imens wdll not verdigris. Verdigris is a poisonous green substance 

 that may develop on an insect at the point where a bright pin goes 

 through the specimen; it injures the specimen and eventually may 

 destroy the pin. Some insects never verdigris, l)ut those insects 

 wliich feed on woody substances and many that Hve in the water are 

 very apt to verdigris if pinned w^th a briglit pin. The pins come 

 in sizes according to number. No. 2 is a very good size for most 

 50599°— Bull. 606—14 2 



