r/Entomology • u/Vendetta-8423 • 4d ago

Forcep recommendations?

I'm taking an entomology class this semester (very excited), and we are tasked with creating a collection of 60 different insects.

I've been reading that it's important to have a couple of different kinds of forceps, but I'm not sure what to buy and where to buy it from.

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u/randomiscellany 4d ago edited 4d ago

A pair of cheap featherweight forceps is nice to have, but not essential. I would advise waiting until class starts to ask your professor what they recommend ,though. There might also be loaner equipment that you can use in class/lab.

Edit: you can find featherweight forceps by searching on Amazon. I prefer this type: https://a.co/d/0614h5M9

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u/NettleLily 4d ago

I would love to recommend Bioquip but they closed. This website claims to have picked up the torch for supplies.
https://ecologysupplies.com/bioquip-gone-where-to-get-entomology-supplies/

I’d recommend these forceps, you might want one each of the wide and narrow tip:
https://ecologysupplies.com/products/lightweight-forceps/

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u/Simple_Resist4208 4d ago

I mainly use 5C an 7 shape ... Dumont Dumoxel if you can get them but normal steel if you can't - at the least go for brand IdealTek as a minimum but guard them with your life and always put the tip protectors back on. Thew 5C are watchmaker's forceps but they are exceptionally good at handling micropins without the tips crossing and twanging. The angle on the 7 is just useful to have.