Net nitpicks

[Jim Mason]

Sharyn,

The net I use, when I use a net, has an aluminum handle with 15" hoop and
green bag.  The hoop is supported by a flat metal band and the bag is
reinforced where it threads over the hoop with light canvas.  I prefer the
green bag because I find it harder to see through a white bag in bright
sunlight.  You can get these for ~$20 + S&H from Bioquip.

If you are working with kids, the short wooden handled ones work fine and
are less expensive.  Be sure to get bags that are deep enough so that when
you flip the net over it can trap your quarry in the end.  If you are
working with kids it will behoove you to show them proper technique.  They -
especially the boys, imagine that! - will want to use the "whamming" method,
as though the net were a big foofy hammer.  It works much better to gently
bring the net behind and under a perched insect and then a quick upward
motion will [usually] get it without risk of breaking the handle, tearing
the net, decapitating the flower or smashing the insect.  You should also
get some canvas sweep nets in addition to mesh aerial nets.  Sweeping will
"net" you an amazing diversity of insects, spiders and what-all out of any
weedy field even if butterflies are few and far between.

c ya

Jim Mason
jemason at msn.com