So, the more I get used to the ins-and-outs of this website, the more I poke around other websites to see what others do, and the more I notice different trends.

One of the things I find quite peculiar is that several sites have a side bar called an “Amazon Wish List” or something to that extend. From what I can ascertain, people make up a list of things they’d like and generous folks can purchase it for them, donate money to their paypal account, or what have you.

Now, I can’t say that I am presumptuous/bold enough to do something like that (yet), but it did give me an idea.

When I was first starting out my insect collection I used to have my family and friends send me dead specimens from their respective parts of the world. Odd as I am, I really enjoyed getting random bugs in the mail from all over. And it was always really fun to hear the collecting stories my friends and family had.

Hence, I got the idea to start an insect wish list. At this point I don’t think I need to be so specific as to narrow it down to certain species, but if you would like to nab me a bug and mail it to me for my personal collection, I would be much obliged. I could even start featuring photos of the specimens y’all send in and you could see what kinds of things people are finding around their homes, gardens, and sides of the world.

So, here are some collecting guidelines:
1. My friends and family have put the insect specimens in all sorts of containers ranging from envelopes, ziplock baggies, tupperware containers, and film canisters. I have found that envelopes and ziplocks put inside tupperware actually work the best for keeping the body parts safe from crushing. Or, just putting the envelopes/ziplocks in the cd/small box-shaped cardboard from the post office works well. If you are well-equipped and so inclined, you can also pin the specimen(s) before you mail it.

2. Once you have collected your insect (dead or alive), put it in the freezer for at least a day or two to make sure it stays dead and you kill any thing that may be trying to hitch a ride. I know it sounds a bit strange putting insects in your freezer, but if it makes you feel any better, lots of entomologists do it One of the perks of putting the insect in the freezer, aside from killing it, ensures that when you thaw the body out and go to pin the insect, the internal organs/hemolymph help stick the insect to the pin by acting like a glue.

3. Be sure to include a note that details who it was collected by and the location (i.e., city, state). Also include what it is (if you know) and if there are any local common names for it.

4. When you are ready to mail it to me, click on the ‘ask an entomologist’ tab and send me a little message saying that you would like to mail me an insect specimen and I will respond with a mailing address.

5. Only accept this invitation if you don’t mind paying for postage, unless you have a lot of really cool stuff, than we could arrange something.

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