Yes, good point regarding shadows, astro66!

@Onslow...yes, knowing the habits of the particular insect helps immensely.

Also, be cautious of disturbing nearby vegetation as you approach....often by moving or even touching nearby branches/leaves/stems....may cause some movement to the vegetation where your insect is sitting. They generally don't like that....

Regarding my point number 4...cooler weather....with rainy cool weather the past few days, I couldn't find an insect for the life of me today....LOL

In youth, we learn....with age, we understand.