Bug Collecting
Discover the hidden world of insects by starting your own collection. Bug collecting (entomology) combines outdoor exploration with scientific observation, letting you learn species identification while preserving specimens for study. Whether you're observing backyard beetles or pinning butterflies, this hobby connects you with nature's smallest inhabitants.
What You'll Do
What You Need
Required
- ●Glass jar with lid (any size)($0)
- ●Small containers (pill bottles, plastic containers)($0)
- ●Notebook and pencil($0-3)
Optional
- ○Magnifying glass($5-10)
- ○Tweezers or forceps($3-8)
How To Do It
- 1
Choose your hunting ground
Select an accessible outdoor location like your backyard, a local park, or nearby field. Look for diverse habitats: under rocks and logs, on plant leaves, near flowers, or around outdoor lights at night. Different locations host different insects.
- 2
Pick your first collecting method
Watch tutorials to learn basic techniques for catching and observing insects. Start with simple hand-catching using jars, then explore nets and other methods as you gain confidence.
- 3
Observe and collect specimens
Gently capture 2-3 insects using your jar or bare hands. Look closely at body structure: count legs (insects have 6), identify antennae, and notice wing patterns. Take notes on where you found each specimen and what it was doing.
- 4
Preserve your specimens
Place collected insects in a sealed container or plastic bag and put them in the freezer overnight. This is the most humane and beginner-friendly preservation method. Alternatively, keep specimens alive in ventilated containers for observation before releasing them.
- 5
Identify your finds
Use field guides or apps like iNaturalist to identify your specimens. Record the common name, scientific name if known, collection date, and location in your notebook. This documentation makes your collection scientifically valuable.
Tips
- →Start by observing without collecting—many insects can be identified by sight and photographed instead of preserved.
- →Common mistake: Using regular sewing pins for mounting. These rust and damage specimens. If you plan to pin insects, invest in proper (sizes 2 or 3).
- →Collect in different habitats and times of day to find diverse species. Some insects only emerge at dusk or night.
- →Never collect more than you need. Insects reproduce quickly, but responsible collecting means taking only 1-2 specimens of common species.
- →Check local regulations before collecting—some areas require permits, and certain species are protected.
Communities
Resources
- Insect Hunter YouTube Channel
Complete beginner-friendly video series on equipment, techniques, and identification
- BugGuide.Net Collection Guide
Comprehensive guide to starting a proper insect collection with mounting techniques
- Home Science Tools Guide
Step-by-step photos of the collection process from catching to mounting
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to learn bug collecting?
You can start observing and collecting insects in your first 30-minute session. Basic identification skills develop over several weeks of practice. Many collectors spend years refining their knowledge of specific insect groups.
How much does it cost to start?
You can start for free using household jars and containers. A basic setup with a net and magnifying glass costs $10-20. Professional mounting supplies (pins, s, display cases) add $30-50 if you want to create a formal collection.
Is it ethical to collect insects?
Yes, when done responsibly. Insects have short lifespans and large populations, so collecting a few common specimens has minimal impact. Avoid rare or protected species, never over-collect, and consider observation or photography as alternatives. Many collectors now focus on ethically-sourced specimens or rearing captive insects.
What's the most common mistake beginners make?
Forgetting to label specimens. Without collection data (date, location, collector name), your specimens lose scientific value. Always record this information immediately—it's impossible to remember later.
Do I need to kill insects to collect them?
No. You can practice 'catch and release' by observing insects in temporary containers, photographing them, and releasing them unharmed. Apps like iNaturalist let you document finds digitally. Lethal collecting is mainly for serious study or creating permanent reference collections.
Where are the best places to find insects?
Diverse habitats yield diverse species. Try under logs and rocks, on flowering plants, near water sources, around outdoor lights at night, and in tall grass. Different insects prefer different environments—gardens, forests, meadows, and wetlands each host unique species.