IDing by net/release.

[Ron Gatrelle]

I am not in favor of the netting/release of specimens for identification
purposes by the general public.  Butterflies, specifically the small and
tiny ones,  are delicate creatures. They need their legs and antennae as
much as they do their wings. One of my pet peeves is when I see non
collectors net specimens for identification and then release them. Here is
why.

Experienced collectors are very familiar with the damage that can easily
occur to a specimen while in the net. Most collectors want specimens that
are as fresh and perfect as possible - this includes having both antennae
and legs intact. More and more collectors are also rearing specimens which
necessitates that the legs and antennae are undamaged on captured females
to insure that the sensory capability and mobility needed to oviposit is
undamaged/unhindered. What does this mean?  Collectors become very adept at
being able to handle a specimen in the net without damaging it. However,
some collectors can never do this simply because they are not gifted with
the delicate dexterity (of a micro surgeon) to do this.

Non collectors are almost always unaware of leg net damage. I have often
seen non-collectors net specimens only to release them without an antennae,
and worst of all, without forelegs. Hairstreaks, blues, coppers, skippers -
anything small will loose a leg or two very easily. A slightly smudged
wings matters little upon release. But the loss of legs is a death
sentence - if not to the individual to (if a female) its ability to "taste"
and detect host plant chemicals that prompt oviposition.

It is also irritating to me to see (or hear of) a non collector net a
specimen examine it and then when it is "released" comment on how "tame"
the individual is because it either hangs around on the persons hand or
flies only a short distance (invariably downward) and immediately lands.
Specimens do this not because they are 'tame" but because they are severely
traumatized or injured - in shock - like a human in a car wreck. (Some
specimens will stay on a hand to sip sweat or just "take a break". They
never remain due to some "bonding" with the human.)

As a butterfly collector it would not in inaccurate to call me a butterfly
hunter. Hunters of all "game" indeed kill their quarry. But all hunters I
know of are very sensitive to the "suffering" of the hunted. Butterfly
hunters are no exception, we cringe to see crippled and maimed specimens.
Rather than let them suffer we will "put them out of their misery".  I was
once with some non collectors in the field. One netted a specimen to ID it.
Upon its release I could tell it had been badly injured - they though it
was tame. I quietly returned to the area and killed the poor thing. It only
had one leg and one forewing was out of "joint" and under the hindwing -
couldn't fly and couldn't walk.

If one is going to kill Lepidoptera - just do it. If not, leave them alone
unless you really know what you are doing. People who want to net and
release specimens need to first learn how this is properly accomplished
from a true expert at this. (Remember, many will never be able to do this
as they lack the "touch" to do it.)

Ron


 
 ------------------------------------------------------------ 

   For subscription and related information about LEPS-L visit:

   http://www.peabody.yale.edu/other/lepsl