Perfect for butterfly or insect collecting. The sturdy net bag is made of polyester netting with a muslin reinforcing band, and is of the highest quality. Net bag is 15" diameter and 31" deep. The deep, 31" net bag makes catching insects easier than it is with many of the usually shallower nets available in stores. The net bag is replaceable, but under normal usage it should prove more than durable enough for most needs, including school science projects, butterfly surveys, insect collecting, as well as "catch-and-release," backyard nature watching, field trips, etc. The net bag, net ring, and handle can be taken apart for easy storage. However, once assembled, this net doesn't take up much space.

The 15"diameter of the net is large enough for most uses, but small and light enough for most children to use, as well. Each net has a 5" inch handle attached to the ring, but we also include a 24" attachable section. When the two sections are attached the total handle length is 27-1/2." The 24" aluminum handle sections, though, are very light, and very strong. Most children above the age of five or so could probably handle the 27-1/2." handle. Our four-year-old daughter is fairly proficient with the 27-1/2"inch handle length on a larger and heavier 18" diameter net, so the 12" diameter net should be even easier for most children to work with

However, we recommend that adults supervise children when opening or closing this net. The nets are made of bent spring steel and can deliver a pretty sharp blow if they are not opened carefully--think of the care one must use when opening up an umbrella around other people. Practice the same level of care when opening these nets, and all should be well!

What makes this net so neat and useful is that it is collapsible and folds down to a diameter of a mere 4.5". The compact size makes the net ideal for transporting to and from school or on hiking trips, field trips, etc., in a backpack or even in a pocket. The net is refolded by twisting the top of the net ring and the handle each 180 degrees in opposite directions so that the sections of the ring fold into each other. It may be locked in closed position by slipping one of the three loops of the net ring over the "T" knob with the thumb. Folding the net would be a difficult operation for children under the age of twelve. Most children twelve and older should be able to fold the net without help.

The total length of the anodized aluminum handle after it is joined to a 24" extender, is 27-1/2" long. The handle is 3/4" in diameter. The handle can be extended to any desired length with additional 24" extension segments. Each handle has spring loaded buttons which snap into the bottom of the net handle or preceding segment to secure each section firmly in place during use. A vinyl handle grip placed on the bottom extension makes the net easier to hold and protects the hands.