I have alot of trouble with catching insects with aerial nets any good tips?

Noah ,Try a larger net and longer handle for success . Monarchs are not a low to the ground buttery and are not local area species . Jeff , is absolutely correct on waiting for them to get on a flower if possible . They are casual fliers until spooked ! They move always , constantly , higher rather than lower, and travel great distances ( migrations). I have raised them , by the hundreds and released them. They come back to lay eggs the next year or so , if the plants are still there and healthy . So, choose wisely on plant locations : ie.. Sun ,water ,soil , and protection .Once you have a few caterpillars on a plant , put fine white /clear netting over the plant to keep the small wasps from sticking eggs in the cats and other Adult Monarchs from laying more eggs on a fully loaded plant ( each plant can only carry / support so many caterpillars ). The changing room ( chrysalis ) is cool as it gets clear right before emergence . Good luck and best wish's ! Gene St.Denis

Noah,

One of the best ways to improve is simply through practice. You can carefully catch and release things that you have no intention of keeping.

That being said, a couple suggestions for catching flyers:

- The easiest: wait till they land! They usually land for nectar, food, etc.
- Look early in the morning. The insect are slower when they are cool, and will often be stationary to bask.
- Often male flyers such as butterflies and dragonflies fly in repetitive paths or defend an area from rivals. You can often simply wait for them to come near instead of chasing.

I hope these suggestions help, try not to take any Monarch not needed for your collection.