Insect Collecting
Insect collecting is a fascinating hobby that involves the capture and preservation of insects for study and display. Its origins can be traced back to ancient times, with notable developments in the study of entomology beginning in the sixteenth century. Popularized during the Victorian era, insect collecting became a fashionable pastime among many, including prominent figures like Charles Darwin. While the hobby has seen a decline in recent years, it remains appealing to those who appreciate nature and exhibit a keen attention to detail.
For collectors, the quality and presentation of specimens are crucial, with well-mounted and vibrant insects being particularly valued. Some enthusiasts have shifted towards "insect identifying," where they classify and release insects back into their habitats, reflecting a growing awareness of environmental conservation. Although primarily a leisure activity, insect collecting can lead to various career paths in fields such as entomology, forensic science, and museum curation. Aspiring collectors are encouraged to pursue relevant science education to enhance their knowledge and skills in this intricate hobby.
Insect Collecting
History
The collection and preservation of insects has its roots in ancient human history; Chinese writings from the thirteenth century even mention using insects to solve murders. However, entomology, the serious scientific study of insects, is a more recent endeavor, having begun in the sixteenth century.
Beginning in the Victorian era (when scientific news had a central place in popular culture and natural history museums were profitable enterprises), insect collecting as a hobby became an extremely common pastime for both children and adults. In fact, it was considered quite a fashionable pursuit at one time, especially among Europe's polite society. As a result, many museums still have very large insect collections whose specimens were assembled between one and two centuries ago.
Among those who were caught up in the insect collecting fever include nineteenth-century biologist Charles Darwin, who became an eager beetle collector while he was at Cambridge.
The popularity of insect collecting as a hobby continued into the early twentieth century, and though the number of people engaging in the pastime has declined in recent decades, insect collecting remains an ideal hobby for detail-oriented people who are curious about nature.
Because of the increasing global concern about environmental issues and species conservation, some enthusiasts have turned to "insect identifying" instead of insect collecting. In this variant of the hobby, the insects are released back into the wild after being classified according to their order, family, and species.
Things to Look For
One important thing to look for in evaluating an insect collection is the skill with which the collector has mounted and displayed his or her specimens. There should never be any sign of damage to the insect body, for instance, and with a winged insect such as a butterfly or moth, the wings should be spread full, flat, and symmetrical with no scales rubbed off. The colors of all insects should be richly preserved in display.
Another point of interest is the range of specimens included in the collection. Species that are rarely seen in a particular region tend to be especially impressive, since they represent persistence and skill in trapping. Also, the quality of specimens is important. Collectors should strive for large, healthy specimens with bright or interesting coloration. All specimens should be clearly labeled and well-organized within the display cases.
Insect Collecting for Fun vs. Profit
Although insect collecting is not the most lucrative of pursuits, it can be the beginning of any number of fascinating education and career paths for either the young enthusiast or the advanced collector.
For example, an interest in insects can lead to work in entomology (in the field, in industry, or in academia), forensic entomology, curating at natural history museums, science writing, beekeeping, pest control, and a host of other possible professions.
A young collector who would like to turn his or her hobby into a career should consider taking as many science and math classes as possible in school; the older hobbyist might want to research graduate-level courses in entomology.
Learning More
Organizations
Coleopterist's Society <http://www.coleopsoc.org/>
Department of Entomology, Smithsonian Institution <http://entomology.si.edu/>
Entomological Society of America <http://www.entsoc.org/>
Insect Net.Com <http://www.insectnet.com/index.html>
North American Butterfly Association <http://www.naba.org/>
Books
Borror, Donald J. and Richard E. White. A Field Guide to the Insects of America North of Mexico. The Peterson Field Guide Series. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1998.
Guyton, John W. Bug Lab for Kids: Family-Friendly Activities for Exploring the Amazing World of Beetles, Butterflies, Spiders, and Other Arthropods. Quarto Publishing Group, 2018.