How to Magnify Small Bugs

Magnifying glasses come in a variety of shapes and and types and are useful for looking at small bugs.

The details of a small bug are hard to see without magnifying it. Choose your magnification method based on the length of time you will be observing the bug. If you want to study the small bug for a long period, use a magnifying bug container. The container keeps the bug from crawling away. If you just want a quick look, a magnifying glass should do the trick.

Things You'll Need

• Magnifying bug catcher
• Magnifying glass

Instructions

Container

1. Remove the lid from a magnifying bug catcher.

2. Lay the bug catcher on its side so that the open side faces the bug.

3. Wait for the bug to crawl inside. You can place rocks, stick or other items around the bug to help corral it into the container. Small bugs can crawl through gaps and cracks between the items, so block the gaps with leaves or other items.

4. Put the lid on the catcher once the bug is inside. Carefully rotate the container so the bug sits underneath the magnifier. Look through the magnifying lens.

Magnifying Glass

1. Approach the bug slowly and quietly.

2. Hold the magnifying glass over the small bug, at least 6 inches away.

3. Look through the magnifying glass to study the small bug.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not hold a magnifying glass so the sun streams directly through it.

References

• Wild Woods Survival: Fire