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Korea Biodiversity Information System > Insect Resource > Insect Classes > Collections and Specimens
Collection and specimen production is the most fundamental part of studying insects. The types of collecting instruments depend on the purpose for and method of collection. The information on insect collection and management introduced here should be used only for only academic purposes rather than personal ones.
In addition, collectors must be cautious, as uncontrolled collecting and habitat destruction have a massive impact on insect density (the number of insects living in an area in a natural state) and can possibly cause extinction. In particular, uncontrolled collecting for commercial or recreational purposes should never be permitted.
Therefore, it is considered desirable to perform insect collection by strictly controlling the quantity and using it only for research purposes, and avoiding overhunting and blind collection.
Tools for insect collection
Here are the instruments necessary for insect collection.
Insect collection method
Let’s look at various methods for insect collection in detail.
* Click the picture for detailed information.
Collection by observation
Approach insect location and find insect resting on flower or stem by observation.
Sweeping
Upon discovery, wait or approach to insect, and quickly use insect net to collect.
Brushing
Use brushing net when collecting insects by shaking branches with sticks.
Open wide net at where the insect will fall, and collect upon falling.
Malaise trap
Malaise trap is composed of tent-shape obstacle, supporting structure, and insect trap for storing dead insects.
Potassium cyanide, chloroform, and DDVP are commonly used for killing insects, and the insect killing device is usually installed at the highest point of the tent.
The net of the trap should be pulled tight to avoid have ripples; this will concentrate the insects to where the collector wants.
Use yellow basin
Yellow basin method puts water in flat yellow bowl.
Most of the insects that fall into the basin are attracted by the color of the bowl, but some are by coincidence or light reflection.
Cup collection
This method prevents hovering insects from escaping by using alcohol and ethylene glyceride.
Install trap by burying the cup in ground and leveling the top of the cup with the ground.
Parasitic collection
Some insects in Diptera and Coleoptera are parasitic of other insects; to collect such species, raise the host insect until the parasitic insect enters the body.
Plant washing
Plant washing involves filtering of water after washing the entire plant for insects that are not easily found with the naked eye.
Insect collection of old tree
Insects that live inside old and rotting trees can be collected with sucking tube after careful removal and searching.
Syrup lure collection
A collection method using the nature of ants and bees collecting around honey. It is commonly used to collect Lepidoptera at night.
Soil insect collection
Using nets
Nets are used to collect animals living in fallen leaves or rotting layer.
Insects that have fallen from net can be sucked with sucking tube.
Floating on water
This method separates insects by mixing soil with water.
Using Berlese funnel
This method applies the light and heat avoiding nature of soil insects.
