Larvae Collect live larvae by sweeping aquatic habitats with a dip net. Anisoptera larvae are best kept in containers with a bit of wet moss or other vegetation to keep the humidity high.
Hot water wrecks the caudal lamellae of Zygoptera, however.
I prefer to keep exuviae dry and pin them through the base of the wing cases, placing a small drop of white glue at the point where the pin exits the base of the thorax ventrally. Adults Use a long-handled aerial net. White nets make it easier to find the specimen in the net. A large mesh may not be satsifactory if you're also collecting insects other than Odonata. The wings should be together above the back.