Name: _______________________________________________ Date: ________________

Section: _________________________ Group: ______________ Score: _______________

Butterfly Collection and Preservation Worksheet

In this laboratory activity, you will learn how to catch and preserve butterflies for scientific
study. Butterflies are important members of ecosystems and play important roles in pollination,
decomposition, and other processes. By catching and preserving butterflies, you can learn more
about their behavior, anatomy, and ecology.

Objectives:
By the end of this laboratory activity, students will be able to:
1. identify the appropriate equipment and techniques for catching and preserving butterflies;
2. demonstrate proficiency in catching and handling butterflies without damaging their wings
or bodies;
3. identify and describe the characteristics of different butterfly species, including wing
patterns, colors, and shapes; and
4. apply their knowledge of butterfly anatomy and behavior to understand their role in
ecosystems and the environment.

Materials and Equipment:

Butterfly net or sweep net

Procedure:

1. Choose a location for butterfly collection. Ideally, this should be an area with diverse
vegetation and habitats, such as a park, nature reserve, or meadow.
2. Use the butterfly net or sweep net to catch butterflies. Move the net through the vegetation in
a sweeping motion to catch butterflies in flight or on the vegetation. Be careful not to damage
the butterflies during collection.
3. Once you have caught a butterfly, transfer it to the killing jar or expose it to ethyl acetate. This
will quickly kill the butterfly and preserve its color and shape.
4. Transfer the dead butterfly to the glass jar with a lid. Label the jar with the collection date,
location, and any other relevant information.
5. Repeat steps 2-4 until you have collected a sufficient number of butterflies.
6. Take the jars back to the lab or classroom for further examination and identification.
 7. Use the pinning board and pins to mount the butterflies for closer examination. Gently spread
the wings of the butterfly to display its features.
8. Use an insect identification guide or keys to identify the butterfly. Record the species name,
characteristics, and any other relevant information.
9. Store the pinned butterflies in a safe and secure location for future study and reference.

Observations and Data Collection:

Collection
Butterfly Location Species Characteristics
Date
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

Analysis:

1. What were some of the challenges you encountered in catching and preserving butterflies?
How did you address these challenges?

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 2. What were some of the characteristics of the butterflies you caught? How did these
characteristics vary between species and individuals?

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3. What can the collection and examination of butterflies tell us about their role in ecosystems
and the environment?

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4. How can knowledge of butterfly anatomy and behavior be useful in other areas of biology-
related careers or areas of study?

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Conclusion and Reflection:

1. What did you learn from this laboratory activity? What new insights did you gain about
butterflies and their role in ecosystems?

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 2. What did you find challenging or interesting about the butterfly catch and preservation?
Were there any parts of the activity that you particularly enjoyed or found difficult?

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3. How can you apply the concepts and skills you learned in this activity to other areas of
biology?

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Draw and label the anatomy of a butterfly.
Documentation:
Attach pictures of you doing the activity from collection to completion.