Insect Collection Project - Division IV.
Where Insects Live
Increase and improve your Division III collection so that it contains at least 100 insects. Identify each insect by order AND its common name or the true scientific family name (insect family common names such as: stink bug for Pentatomidae; blister beetle for Meloidae; bee for Apidae; or muscid fly for Muscidae are acceptable). A goal of at least 15 different orders is recommended. Fill in the blanks on the card "Insect Leg Types." Arrange all insects under the appropriate order label, and display them in as many standard insect boxes as you need for a neat collection. Display the insect legs and wings card in one of these boxes. You may use insects collected in previous divisions.
In addition, prepare one educational display in ONE standard insect box. This display should teach the public something about insects that they probably do not already know. In addition to insects, use descriptive statements and any other materials that you think will teach the lesson you have in mind. (You do not necessarily have to pin your insect in the usual way). Remember to fit the information you present in this box to the overall theme for the division: "Where insects live." Your exhibit will consist of your collection and the educational box.
THESE ARE THE RULES FOR DIVISION IV.
- 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 18 years old within the year for Division IV.
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!! - 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 must keep an accurate record for each division you compete.
- 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 IV, collect, properly mount, and properly label the common names of 100 different insects, each identified to order and common name. A goal of 15 orders is recommended. Print Order Labels.
- All specimens should be pinned correctly. All soft-bodied insects should be placed in alcohol.
- Print, cutout, fill in, and place in your box the "Where Insects Live" card found below.
- 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.
- Insects must be pinned using "Insect Pins" from one of the entomological supply companies. These pins are narrower, sharper, and treated so they will not rust.
- Place a small card with your name, club, and county in the lower right hand corner of each box you are submitting.
- Scoring will be in accordance with each division requirements. A sample Project Scorecard for Division IV is shown below.
- Do not forget to check out the "Hints for making a winning collection" page and Collecting 101 page.
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 "Insect growth and Development Card"? Read all the rules carefully! | 20 |
.......... |
| 2. Specimens properly labeled. Be careful, some order names are easy to misspell! | 20 |
.......... |
| 3. Identification | 20 |
.......... |
| 4. Condition of specimens, proper pinning and wing spreading, general appearance of collection. | 20 |
.......... |
| 5. Educational display is neat, orderly ,and teaches the general public something they probably didn't know about insects. | 20 |
.......... |
Insect Leg Types Card
This card is to be included in your box with your Division IV collection (SEE EXAMPLE). Click on the link, print the full size version, cut it out, label it, and then place the card in your box. You may arrange your box any way you like. This year there is a new card for Div IV.
That's It!
You should now be able to complete a Division IV 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 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?
3. List their names:
