How can I catch a butterfly or moth?

The best way to "catch" a butterfly or moth is to raise it from the caterpillar stage. Then when the butterfly or moth hatches out you can observe it and then let it go. Some stores provide kits that have a net with them, and you can go into fields or mountains and catch butterflies or moths. Since most moths are attracted to lights, you can find moths at porch lights (if you use a white bulb--not yellow) or other lights. Keeping a butterfly or moth collection requires that you follow special techniques and lots of care. The best way to learn about insect collections is to join a local 4-H club*. Today, many people prefer to watch butterflies and moths with small close-focusing binoculars or to photograph the living insects. Photographing a live butterfly in nature can be more challenging than netting one, and you can keep your "collection" in a photo album or color slide tray.

Learn more about participating in local field trips and getting a discount on a butterfly collecting kit through the Outernet Project of The Lepidopterists' Society. Also, see the National 4-H Council Homepage, and the National 4-H homepage for information on 4-H.

Some sample on-line resources:

• 4-H Entomology Projects: Leader's Guide
• Agricultural Education, Communication, & 4-H Youth Development at Oklahoma State
• Iowa State University Extension to Youth and 4-H