AmMAL BIOLOaY 



CHAPTER I 

 INSECTS 



I. Butterflies and Moths 



1. Insect net. — Since most butterflies and moths are more or 

 less injurious, at least in their caterpillar stage, boys and girls 

 should be taught that they are benefiting their community by 

 catching and killing these insects in a painless manner. For this 

 purpose an insect net and a poison bottle are necessary. An insect 

 net may be made by securing a yard of galvanized iron wire (No. 3), 

 bending it in the form of a ring (thus 1?), and inserting the two ends 

 of the wire in one end of a light wooden rod about three feet long. 

 To the wire ring should be sewed a bag about two feet deep made 

 of cheesecloth or bobinet (Fig. 1). To catch a butterfly or other 

 insect, wait until it alights, then quickly place over it the opening 

 of the net, holding up the closed end of the net till the insect flies 

 to the top. Now place beneath the insect the open mouth of a 

 poison bottle prepared as follows, and after the insect is in the 

 bottle quickly replace the cover. 



2. Poison bottle. — Secure a pint fruit jar or a wide-mouthed 

 bottle fitted with a cover. Into the bottom put a spoonful of more 

 or less pulverized potassium cyanide. Thoroughly mix some 

 plaster of Paris in water and thus make a thin paste. Carefully 

 pour the liquid into the jar until it forms a layer about an inch 

 thick. When this hardens, it covers and holds the cyanide in place, 

 but it is porous enough to allow fumes to escape, which kill most 

 insects in the closed space in a few moments. The bottles are per- 

 fectly safe in the hands of pupils. Care should be taken, however, 

 not to handle the cyanide or to breathe in the fumes. The bottle 



B 1 



