Insect Collection Project - Division I.

Buzzing, humming, leaping—insects are fascinating. They do many things that people do. Some insects raise crops and herd insect "cattle." There are insect architects, carpenters, tunnel-makers, hunters, and undertakers. Insects are all around us—living in our houses, puncturing our skin, eating our food and clothing, and pollinating or attacking our plants. They live deep underground in caves, in rivers, on deserts, as far away as the Arctic Circle, and as near as the room you are sitting in.

We already know about 1,000,000 species of insects, and there are even more to be discovered. There are about 280,000 different species of beetles alone! Then there are 140,000 species of butterflies and moths; 115,000 species of wasps, bees, and ants; and 87,000 species of flies, gnats, and mosquitoes.

In this project you will discover the world of insects. Each year you will display a collection of insects. This booklet will lead you through making a Division I Collection. Collections will be judged at 4-H Congress in the summer. You do not have to attend to submit a collection. You may send your collection with your county extension agent or your 4-H leader.

THESE ARE THE RULES FOR DIVISION I.

  1. These rules only apply for 4-H members who wish to have their collection judged at the county or state level.  If you do not intend to show your collection at these levels talk to your leader and together you can decide which rules are appropriate for your collection.
  2. You must be 8 to 18 years old within the year for Division I. NOTE: If you are too young to attend Congress or you cannot attend for other reasons you may give your collection to your 4-H leader or extension agent to bring to congress for you.  This means you can still compete even if you cannot attend Congress!!
  3. You may start on the insect project in any division if your age fits the age requirements for that division. You will probably want to begin with the lowest division in which you are eligible and go on each year to the next highest division.
  4. You will exhibit your collection at 4-H Congress that is held during the summer.
  5. If you place in your division at county or state level you MUST move on to the next division the following year.  If you do not place you will have the option of repeating the same division.
  6. You will keep an accurate record for each division you compete.
  7. You will use only adult insects in your insect collection for this division.
  8. You MAY NOT use insects that have been purchased from an insect supply house. Judges can easily detect these specimens and will DISQUALIFY your collection!
  9. For Division I, you must display 10 insects that are chosen from the list of 18 in the "Templates" shown below. SEE EXAMLPE
  10. Boxes must be "Cornell Drawer" style boxes. They MUST measure 19 x 16.5 x3 inches and be covered with clear glass or plexiglass tops. They may be bought from an entomological supply company (recommended) or they may be made to these dimensions.  At the "Where To Find Supplies Page" there is a list of companies that sell boxes and/or other insect supplies.
  11. In your box, place a small card with your name, club, and county in the lower right hand corner.
  12. Insects must be pinned onto the insect cards. Glue or tape should not be used. "Insect Pins" from one of the entomological supply companies on the "Where to Find Supplies Page" are recommended. These pins are narrower, sharper, and treated so they will not rust.
  13. Scoring will be in accordance with each division requirements. A sample Project Scorecard for Division I is shown below.
  14. Do not forget to check out the "Hints for making a winning collection" page.


Sample Scorecard

Name:                 Entry #:

Club:                   County:

Possible

Your Score
1. Originality, accuracy, and educational value of the statements telling what was learned about the insects. Statements with educational value include those that tell something interesting or important that was learned during this project. 

40

..........
2. Identification 

30

..........
3. Condition of specimens, proper pinning and wing spreading, general appearance of collection. 

30

..........

Examples

Here are some examples of how to make a winning collection! The first example shows how to organize your display box. The next two are two close-ups of the pinning cards you will use to display each insect.  The third image can be printed and photocopied for your collection.  

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Division 1.JPG (176216 bytes) examples_web.gif (18189 bytes) insect_cards_web.gif (14173 bytes)

 

Templates

Print and cut out these templates for your collection. On this page is the list of insects you must choose 10 from for your collection. Use these templates with the mounting card template above to organize your collection. Try to be as neat as you can.

- Insects We See -

BUTTERFLY

MOTH

FLY

WASP

BEE

GRASSHOPPER

CRICKET

TRUE BUG

BEETLE

 

COCKROACH

DRAGONFLY

DAMSELFLY

ANT

TERMITE

CICADA

LACEWING

LEAFHOPPER

PREYING MANTIS

 

That's It!

You should now be able to complete a Division I Collection Project.  Be sure you understand the rules for your division.  If you have any question concerning rules or anything else to do with your project please e-mail us at 4hbugclub@ifas.ufl.edu  Don't forget to pay particular attention to the "Hints" page and the sample scorecard on this page.  Good Luck and we will see you at Congress!!

 

4-H CLUB RECORD

NAME _______________________________________ AGE ___________ YEAR __________

NAME OF CLUB ___________________________________________________________________________

COUNTY ___________________________________________________________________________

DATE RECORD STARTED_________________________COMPLETED_____________________

 

1. Did you display your in class , at Congress, or at a fair?

 

2. How many insects did you collect and pin onto the cards?

 

3. List their names: