I'm an entomologist so i have extensive experience containing small evasive creatures- here is a non-exhaustive list of containers ive used, their pros and cons, and the reasons why!
old pill bottles: pros: secure, hard to squish or break, pocket-sized, if the label is on most people will not notice the bug on a glance (useful if you arent supposed to have bugs in a location), conversely most are see-through which helps keep track of a bug, top and bottom are both flat so container can be flipped (helpful to disorient bug for easier handling and transfer to different container), food-safe so can be used in water and will not easily degrade, holds water. cons: have to poke own holes into container (easiest method is with heated up needle, nails, or drill) and if its not already been modified beforehand this can be distressing for little bug, container is either open or closed lid cannot be left partially unscrewed in most cases, easy to mix up with actual pill bottles containing medicine, not good for larger or more delicate creatures. my favorite diy-container 10/10
empty plastic water bottle: pros: secure, clear, can be cut into for easier removal if needed, easy to find, holds water. cons: flimsy materiel can be crushed, if emptied recently excess water will soak bug, airtight but can be easily modified, is clumsy to carry around, light enough to be blown away easily. this option is good in a pinch 4/10
pop-up butterfly container: pros: can fit easily in small spaces, offers lots of room for creatures, handle can be tied onto bag or belt for ease of carrying, no hard walls or edges for delicate creatures to hurt themselves, breathable, see-through, can fit multiple creatures at the same time, mesh walls provide climbing space. cons: not suitable for stronger jawed bugs (wasps, carpenter bees, etc), rips holes easily and not easy to repair, can be squashed and caught on things if not careful, handle is near the top (insects tend to go up, so having them be able to hang out right by the entrance is not good typically). A very situational option, best for delicate and large creatures. 7/10
Butterfly envelopes (look these up if you're not familiar, they're super neat!): pros: completely immobilizes a bug when used correctly, removes ability for bug to harm itself, can be written on to id, can fit tons of them in a small space. Cons: sometimes hard to get bug in there in the first place, can be crushed easily (not an issue when paired with a larger container to put the envelope/envelopes in), small can be easy to lose, not suitable for larger/stronger bugs, takes skill to use consistently correctly. Great for things like damselflies and butterflies when you dont have or when a pop-up is not suitable. not my personal preference but i dont deal with delicate things often in my work. 6/10
Jar: pros: easy to handle, (typically) lots of space, holds water, can't be squished, clear, secure, most creatures cannot walk up it, good for long-term captivity depending on size of bug. cons: breakable, not very portable, airtight (semi-easy to modify). a great option8/10
tupperware/deli containers: pros: secure, clear/translucent, typically not prone to being squished, holds water, not easily breakable, lid can be left partially off if modification of the container is not an option. cons: not very portable (variable based on size/stability), lid is typically size of whole container, can be difficult for transfer/removal of creature. very similar to jar, 8/10
plastic gum container: pros: secure, hard plastic is hard to squish, may hold water, not air-tight (no need to poke holes), small enough to carry, many had multiple openings with one being smaller than the other (god for addinig things in without releasing the bug). cons: typically opaque or translucent, lids aren't the most reliable (prone to popping off or partially opening unintentionally), needs to be thoroughly washed multiple times and cannot go through dishwasher (gum residue/smell can hit you like smelling salts). 7/10
condiment cups: pros: lids clear, not very airtight, easily portable, comes in multiple sizes, easy to get a lot of for cheap. cons: easily squishable/breakable, lids arent most secure (any form of squish-age will pop them off). a good choice, 5/10
ziploc baggie: pros: clear, adjustable opening comes in handy for putting things in/taking them out without escape, can be easily carried around when empty, air can be added/taken out to make smaller or larger depending on space available/type of bug. cons: VERY easily squishable, not suitable for any kind of long term use, can easily be ripped/broken, easy to lose or accidentally throw away. Handy in a pinch, 3/10
orgami paper box: pros: can be made from everyday material, breathable, can be modified for size/shape. cons: easily escapable (unless tape or other secure is used), opaque, all reasons that ziploc bag is not suitable. it sometimes works, good if no other options, 2/10
pencil case/bag: pros: secure, not airtight, wont rip easily. cons: squishable, opaque, not particularly convenient to carry, typically already has pencils in it so you've gotta figure out what to do with those. works in a pinch: 3/10
magnifying bug container: pros: magnifier helps for observation, grid on bottom good for measurement, lid is screw-on and secure, can hold water, breathable, not squishable, easily transportable (but not pocket sized). cons: can be hard to transfer in/out without releasing bug. a great option, it looks wonderful and is useful for observation. 9/10
bug net: pros: see-through, netting when clumped is maze-like for small creatures which makes escape hard, adjustable, breathable, manipulable. cons: big hole they can escape from, can be attacked by creature (bit, stung, etc), not suitable for long term hold, squishable. net techniques are super important for any field entomologist, I'd look up tutorials, i think this could be super cool to describe being inside! 7/10
lmk if you have any questions or thoughts id love to talk about it (as you can probably tell. sorry im a total rambler haha) :)
like i said, this list is non-exhaustive so there are tons more :D
THESE ARE ALL VERY GOOD IDEAS!!! THANKS FOR THIS LIST !!!
