aerial nets
An aerial net is designed to be lightweight allowing smooth fast sweeping action and strong yet lightweight (ideally aluminum) handle. The net bags are fine mesh that allows visualization of the beetles through the fabric and come most often in green and white. The author prefers the green (figure 1.) Good nets have reinforced fabric along the rim and are easily changed out as needed. A good Coleopterists is never without a spare net bag in their field equipment. Aerial nets come in different size rim diameters and
handle lengths. Handles can be a fixed length or adjustable. The author prefers the adjustable net handle offered through BioQuip. These handles can be extended from 36-69 inches (figure 2.) and BioQuips Tropics Net comes with six (6) 24 inch screw together sections reaching 12 feet (figure 3) with the Monarch Net reaching a whopping 18.5 feet! The author has collected many wary tiger beetles by the ability to extend the net handle to more than the standard 3 feet. Another very handy net to have in the arsenal is a small, short handled, field net that can be easily carried in a back pack or slipped through a belt around your waist(figure 4.)
Standard 3 foot long handled aerial net with
green net bag. BioQuip Product.
How one plans on collecting, the habitat most often sampled and the type of beetles sought will dictate which types of aerial nets are best suited for you. The main point would be to select a good quality product that will provide years of trouble free service and don’t forget to order an extra net bag. Nothing worse than to be in the field when the beetles are “on the wing” and your net gets a tear in it. Beetles have an uncanny ability to avoid the net, let alone one with a big hole in it! Keep the odds in your favor.
(figure 1.) The author “working” flowering roadside vegetation with the aid of a good aerial net
(BioQuip Product)
Hungry Horse Reservoir, Montana
(figure 2.) Aerial net with adjustable reach handle shown at full extension (5’ 9”). Great for stalking tiger beetles.
(figure 3.) The BioQuip Tropics Net demonstrating the extended reach this net configuration provides (12 feet).
(figure 4.) Small “field net” that can be easily stowed in a back pack of through your belt for hands free collecting. BioQuip Product.
Close up of the knurled adjustment screw for expanding the standard net handle length. Note the red “T” screw for easy release of the net rim wire for net bag changes. BioQuip Product.
