Insect Collection Project - Division II.
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 II 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.
Print this page!!!!!!
Having a printed copy of these rules will make your experience with the 4-H Bug Club Collection Contest a lot easier and more fun!
THESE ARE THE RULES FOR DIVISION II.
- 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.
- You must be 10 to 14 years old within the year for Division II.
NOTE: If you are too young to attend Congress or you cannot attend for other reason, 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!! - 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.
- You will exhibit your collection at 4-H Congress that is held during the summer.
- 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.
- You will keep an accurate record for each division you compete.
- You will use only adult insects in your insect collection for this division.
- 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!
- For Division II, collect, properly mount, and properly label the common names of 25 different insects. Don't forget to also include the name of the Order above the insects in each order. SEE EXAMPLE COLLECTION
Find out how to properly pin and label insects on our Collecting 101 page.
Click here for Order Labels.
- Include the card "This is a typical insect" in your box. This card is below the rules on this page and may be printed and cut out.
- 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.
- In your box, place a small card with your name, club, and county in the lower right hand corner.
- Insects must be pinned using "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. A thin sheet of foam glued to the bottom of the box will make this much easier. (Smooth foam works best.)
- Scoring will be in accordance with each division requirements. A sample Project Scorecard for Division II is shown below.
- Do not forget to check out the "Hints for making a winning collection" page.
Typical Insect Card
This card is to be included in your box with your Division II collection (SEE EXAMPLE). Print the Division II Card, cut it out, label it, and then place the card in your box. You may arrange your box any way you like.
Sample Scorecard
| Name: Entry #:
Club: County: |
Possible |
Your Score |
| 1. How well you followed the rules. This is important so it is rule #1. Did you use the proper insect box? Did you include the "This is a typical insect card"? Read all the rules carefully! | 20 |
.......... |
| 2. Specimens properly labeled. Be careful, some order names are easy to misspell! | 20 |
.......... |
| 3. Identification | 30 |
.......... |
| 4. Condition of specimens, proper pinning and wing spreading, general appearance of collection. | 30 |
.......... |
That's It!
You should now be able to complete a Division II 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:
