Collecting & Preserving Bugs

[Salmo22]

Feel the need to begin my own bug collection and looking for guidance on collection nets, vials, preservative solutions, collection methods, best method for carrying this stuff afield in your vest/pack, and where to buy all this stuff.

I was also wondering if there is a perservative that also retains the bugs original coloring. I am wanting to begin my collection with various forms of May flies, Caddis, Stone flies, midges, etc. Any help would be sincerely appreciated. Thanks.

[Doug S.]

I'd e-mail Jason (Administrater) thru the site I'm sure he has all the info you need. P. S. I cant spell that "A" word above

[JayMorr]

Salmo,

I have used bug embalmer as well as other stuff and all bugs seem to fade over time. I picked up a bunch of vials through a site that Lonnie hooked us up with. I am ready for some more. Maybe if there are more people interested again, we could get another order of vials.

[«°Ñøvã°»]

Ive heard tale of people using everclear to preserve as well. Dont know how good it works but it makes a perty good jungle juice from what im told.

[JasonN]

Most commonly available stuff won't preserve the color in bugs. Caucci and Nastasi describe a formula in the methods chapter in the back of Hatches II which supposedly does the trick, but I haven't tried it. It's a complicated mix of chemicals.

If you aren't going to be picky about color, I would recommend using isopropyl alcohol, just because it's so cheap and easy to find at any pharmacy or drug store.

I get my vials from http://www.specialtybottle.com and my bug-collecting supplies from http://www.benmeadows.com. I would recommend both.

Jason Neuswanger, Trout Nut of Troutnut.com