The Bug Lover's Toolbox

Your Guide to Insects, Debbie Hadley, working in the lab.
Photo: © Debbie Hadley, WILD Jersey

While volunteering on a research project in Brazil, I learned the value of a good pair of forceps. I had dozens of aquatic invertebrates to sort and process, and my forceps made it easy to handle squirming, wet insects.

In my years of chasing bugs around my backyard, I've come to love a few other tools as well. A good aerial net makes quick work of collecting butterflies, and most importantly, allows me to catch them without damaging their wings. Want to bring the insects to you? Set up a pitfall trap, and the beetles will catch themselves. You can make your own pitfall trap in less than 30 minutes.

If you're a bug lover like me, you'll want to fill your entomology toolbox with all the right tools. Read my article Twelve "Must Have" Tools for Studying Live Insects to see if you've got them.