Butterfly Nets

[George DeWolf]

As many of you know, the use of nets to capture butterflies for closer observation is a topic of debate within the scientific and naturalist communities. Personally, I see no issue with the practice when it’s done selectively and thoughtfully—for species identification, population monitoring, or educational purposes.

For those interested in purchasing a quality butterfly net—comparable to the ones once made by BioQuip—the best option I’m aware of is from Raising Butterflies. I especially like their nets because they’re collapsible and easily fit into a small pack, making them convenient for fieldwork or hiking.

These days, I rarely use a net myself, opting instead to photograph butterflies whenever possible. That said, it's important to note that some people are uncomfortable with netting, especially due to concerns about potential harm to the insects. If you do handle butterflies, make sure your hands are free of any insecticides or other harmful residues.

Finally, please avoid using nets in sensitive conservation areas such as the Karner Blue Butterfly Conservation Easement in Concord, where such practices are discouraged.