To raise an insect and watch its development is a great way to study not only insect biology but also insect behavior. The primary requirement for such study is to provide yourself a container to hold the insect; you can use any tightly sealed container with an opening for air. Glass jars work well because you can watch the insects through the glass. The air opening must be screened so that the insects can’t escape. Nylon material works well as a screen should be secured over the jar opening with a rubber band. Window screening is sturdier, but very small insects could escape.
Like all animals, insects need food and water. A good way to supply water is to soak a cotton ball in the water and place it on a surface that does not absorb water. The insect can drink the water from the cotton. A bowl of water would probably drown the insects.
Different types of insects eat different types of foods. Plant-eating insects should have a supply of their host plant. If you plan to raise plant-eating insects, gather some leaves and twigs from the host plant when you collect those insects. Be sure to remember the plant’s location since you might need to gather more of that plant. Predatory insects must have a supply of their prey.
In transferring small, live insects into or out of a cage, it is hard to hold them with your hands, or even with a pair of forceps, without damaging them. The solution is a “ transfer aspirator,” which is different from a “ collecting aspirator”. A “transfer aspirator” is simply two cylinders that you suck the insects into and blow them out of. The two cylinders are held together with plastic tubing. A mesh net at the end of one tube prevents the insects from being sucked into your mouth. Transfer aspirators can be made or purchased.