ABSTRACT
Unlike the study of birds and even of plants, the study of insects usually requires that they be collected and preserved for later identification and research or kept alive in captivity for behavioral and other biological observations. Most insects may be sight identified to order and many to family while still alive and active, but species identification usually requires inunobility of the specimen and its magnification. The best way to begin any study of insects, therefore, is to make a collection. Before starting, however, certain objectives must be determined and understood, and the tools and techniques available must be known. These matters are discussed in detail in Chapter 5.
