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 page 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 12 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 EXAMPLE
  10. Boxes must be "Cornell Drawer" style boxes. They MUST measure 19 x 16.5 x3 inches and be covered with clear glass or plexiglas 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.

Examples

Collection Templates

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, please e-mail us at ufbugs@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: