COLLECTING METHODS

To ensure successful collecting in the tropics, the methods and condition should be different from those in the western hemisphere. It is with hope that the following personal experiences will be of help. Do remember never to overcollect and to release all damaged females and specimens which you do not need.

COLLECTING BUTTERFLY
The most common method of collecting butterfly is of course chasing after them with a net. Or, loitering near flowering bushes or trees. The most efficient method is by using baits. The following are the concoction for:

FRUIT BAIT
Over-ripe bananas or pineapples, Chinese rice wine or beer, brown or raw sugar. Soak fruit in wine or beer, add brown sugar. Keep overnight or longer.

BAITING METHOD
Remove prepared fruit from container. Keep wine concoction and fill in spray container. Put fruit into netting and hang around areas heavily wooded or near jungle stream. Spray occasionally with the wine concoction to ensure it stays moist and fragrant. Check bait in the day time and early evening and early morning.

URINE BAIT
Spray fresh urine on moist sandy patch along jungle stream. After a while it will attract males of the families of: Nymphalidae, Papilionidae and some Satyridae and Hesperidae and Lycanidae and of course bees and wasps, moths and ants.

PRAWN BAIT
Put fresh prawns or shrimps into old tin container like MILO/Ovaltine tin. Add a little water and seal overnight. BE WARNED! The smell is out of this world! Place prepared concoction on flat rock or sandy patch along shady jungle stream. Will attract only males.

Instant Bait
Purchase a bar of Belachan (Bar-la-chan)from any sundry shop at around RM2.50 (large).Place the whole bar or slice them into pieces and place them on flat rock along jungle stream.Add a little water or spray urine on it. It will attract many fast flying butterflies. Keeps well and unused portion can still be used over a long period.

PHASMIDS NIGHT COLLECTING
The most successful method of collecting stick is using a torch light walking up and down any jungle path or even any trunk road leading up hill stations at night. Be sure you have a companion for safety. Shine torch on short grass or bushes at ground level and overhanging branches. Take a little time to adjust the eyes to detect them. Use plastic bags or plastic containers to store them to prevent death or damages.