Finding Arthropods Finding Arthropods Return to previous page Finding insects in the field requires an eye for detail. It is often easier to do after you have had some experience and know where to look. The best way to start is to find a friend who is interested in the natural world and take walks with the specific aim of finding as many different insects as possible. Make notes of where they are found, and the time of the year and the day. Insects are very seasonal, and may be abundant at one time and completely absent at other times.
Timing is therefore critical to success.
Some times only immatures are seen, and other times only adults are around. Some insects have several generations in one year and all stages may be found at any time during the summer. Others have only a single generation in which case finding a particular stage depends on your knowledge of their life history. Field trips in the early fall are usually very successful as most insect life is abundant and in the adult stage. Frost usually marks the end of all but the most hardy insect life.