Finding Bug Boxes for our Insect Collection

We recently found 198 insects on an impromptu bug hunt at Indiana Dunes Beach. Now I need a place to store them. I found these amazing microphone storage cases at Goodwill for $2.00 each. They close to a perfect seal (so no flies or tiny bugs can get in.) I'll still add my moth ball case for added security and prevention of infestation.

Finding Bug Boxes for our Insect Collection

I checked at the store that the cushioning is removable, which it was. I ripped out the lining - and here's what they look like.

We Will Start Collecting Live Specimens for Our Bug Collecting - Our Family Hobby Insect Collecting

We've been pinning bugs now for two years, and it's a hobby the whole house has grown to love. In this years collecting season 2014 we are going to make a major change in our collection process. So far, our 200 insects have all been collected already dead or injured. Injured bugs would then go into a kill jar or the freezer. I have not collected any live insects and intentionally killed them for our collection. 

We Will Start Collecting Live Specimens for Our Bug Collecting - Our Family Hobby Insect Collecting

All winter - because the Polar Vortex this year gave Chicago and exceptionally long 6 month season - I've been reading about bug collecting. I've found great blogs by other collectors, real entomologists, and research students and lab techs. The information is consuming!! I can't get enough.