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Post by starlightcriminal on Sept 7, 2011 6:11:47 GMT -8
Does anyone have a (Lepidopteran) net they are happy with? I am getting ready to replace my old one and would like recommendations, specifically a nice net that I can get from someone other than BioQuip.
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Post by wollastoni on Sept 7, 2011 7:46:54 GMT -8
I like telecospic nets from "Nature et Passion". Very useful and not expensive at all.
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Post by timsbugs on Sept 7, 2011 8:11:22 GMT -8
I received my first order from the Paradox Company and was very happy with everything. There nets are very high quality, I don't know how I ever lived with out a sweep net like the one they sell! It's undistructable! I will order from them again. www.insectnet.eu/field_equipment.phpTim
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Post by starlightcriminal on Sept 7, 2011 11:22:18 GMT -8
Thanks! I'm checking them out now.
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Post by starlightcriminal on Sept 7, 2011 13:19:25 GMT -8
I probably should've clarified, lol.
Are there any US companies that anyone can recommend as alternatives to BioQuip? Can't justify paying for it to be shipped all the way here- if I have to I guess I can wait forever on a package from BioQup.
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Post by Chris Grinter on Sept 7, 2011 14:46:45 GMT -8
Rose Entomology makes the best nets I've ever seen. I've been using mine now heavily for 10 years and haven't had a single problem. The net attachment to the handle is a lot more robust than the BioQuip design. www.roseentomology.com/Insect_Nets.htm
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Post by Adam Cotton on Sept 8, 2011 1:00:20 GMT -8
I had to laugh when I looked at the link to Rose Entomology nets. Their longest handle is 48 inches! I use a Shimano telescopic pole that extends out to more than 5 metres (200+ inches), great for catching butterflies nectaring on high bushes. It is instantly extendable, and can easily be used at any intermediate length. The only danger is it should not be used in a lightning storm, but I don't normally collect butterflies in those conditions. The Japanese net bags are also so fine that they don't rub butterflies wings. I remember when I was young I used those coarse black mesh nets from the UK (Worldwide Butterflies or Watkins & Doncaster, not sure) which would rub the scales off a butterfly's wings if it moved inside, and tails would break off Papilios if they so much as twitched. I am surprised that there are no US companies importing and selling Japanese butterfly nets. In fact the poles and net frames are probably available in fishing tackle shops, since the other (main?) use of the poles is as landing nets for anglers, obviously not using a butterfly net bag though. Here's a photo of the best type of net frame (the other types often break at the base or hinges). Adam. Attachments:
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Post by Chris Grinter on Sept 8, 2011 1:20:03 GMT -8
Yes, I'm not a big fan of the telescoping Rose net. It's bulky, rigid and doesn't get that large - the net ring also doesn't collapse so you have to really squeeze it into your luggage.
I've always wanted to get my hands on a Japanese net! Are those bags silk? (and where can I get one?)
I think there is a funny trend in American ento equipment: everything seems to be an over-engineered version of the european or asian counterparts. (larger, heavier, more cumbersome)
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Post by lepidofrance on Sept 8, 2011 4:59:37 GMT -8
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Post by starlightcriminal on Sept 8, 2011 5:21:47 GMT -8
I guess I will be looking at the exotic nets after all. It sounds like Japanese everything insect is the way to go. I don't have an issue of jamming this into my luggage because I haven't been lucky enough/brave enough to tackle permitting for collecting abroad. I don't think any of my nets have ever been on airplane.
That should be a thread, I might start- "How to go about arranging a getaway with your favorite new net."
Thanks Adam for the great information!
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Post by lucanidae25 on Sept 8, 2011 5:24:07 GMT -8
I have about 10 set of nets for different highs and family of beetles (from 2.1M to 15M) and I made all my nets, never bought any thing from any entomological suppliers. I agree with Adam your local fishing tackle shops are a really good place to start looking. Try and look for long telescopic nets for cliff fishing. I get all my needs from tackle shops, hardware shops, fabric shops and aquariums. You just need to use your imagination and think outside the square and I really enjoy making them. If you happen to travel overseas, always look out for telescopic pole that can fit a net on the end. I bought these two nets in the photo next to nothing. I got the set on the left a 53mm hoop and fully extends out to 3.55M, only shrink to 60mm.I got that when I was in Kunming Yunnan China in a fishing tackle shop and they even put it all together for me for nothing, I want to find a net small enough to fit inside my back pack when I'm collecting overseas. I got the another set on the right a 50mm hoop and fully extends out to 5.4M, shrink to 1.1M and I got this when I was in a market that sells fishing stuffs in Hong Kong. Attachments:
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Post by Adam Cotton on Sept 8, 2011 7:59:05 GMT -8
Adam Cotton thank you to tell us the Japanese website where you can order your japanese net ! Can we find the same in Roppon-Ashi? Actually I never ordered my equipment from any websites, so I have no idea if Roppon-Ashi has them. Living in Chiang Mai means that every so often some of my Japanese friends come to visit, and if I need anything they just bring it out for me. In fact life is going to be very interesting here quite soon, because my old friend Yutaka Inayoshi (we've known each other since 1983) has decided that it's not safe living in northern Japan any more and is moving to Chiang Mai at the end of this month. Some of you will already know his website on SE Asian butterflies, but if you don't, here's the link: yutaka.it-n.jp/index.htmlAdam.
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Post by saturniidave on Sept 8, 2011 17:13:06 GMT -8
Adam, I have used W.& D. net bags for decades without problems. The thing to do is use the 'ultra fine' quality ones and put them through the wash first, this removes the 'dressing' from the material and softens them beautifully. Dave
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Post by lepidofrance on Sept 9, 2011 5:51:28 GMT -8
On this picture (Gomantong Caves, Sabah, Borneo) : - BioQuip nets (left and right) : very useful, strong and extensible (5 to 6 handles), but, as said by Adam Cotton, for small leps : " would rub the scales off a butterfly's wings if it moved inside". Good idea as suggested by Saturniidave : " wash first, this removes the 'dressing' from the material and softens them beautifully". - European telescopic net (from Czech Rep) : I used to break at least one a year ! I had to travel with all the equipment needed to repair! Two weaknesses: - The handle breaks easily (repair by inserting a stick inside); - The metal hoop breaks at the base near the mounting screws: possible repair if they have the means to heat the metal! Benefits of filet BioQuip: nothing breaks, and in addition, they sell as spare parts, spare screws!
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Post by starlightcriminal on Sept 9, 2011 5:56:07 GMT -8
Hmm... I was trying to avoid BioQuip, I don't like the company. But they have good prices and are one of the few obvious dealers that anyone seems to have had experience with in the US. Maybe I will just spring for one of those nice Japanese models, I wonder if they are ever for sale on Ebay. Thank you everyone for the responses, I have a lot of information to consider and some great suggestions of companies and things to look for in a good net. I really appreciate it.
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