Bug Collection Contest: Division Descriptions

Division I: Insects We See

Collect ten different insects from the list of 18 for Division I and pin each insect within the circle on the special mounting card. Select and paste the correct label on each card; fill out each card, including a statement telling what you have learned about the insect. Print the heading "Insects We See." Exhibit the cards and the heading in ONE standard "Cornell Drawer" insect box. Your leader can tell you where to get this box.   You need to be at least 8 years old to participate in this division.

Insects We See


Division II: What Is An Insect?

Label the parts of an insect on the card "This Is A Typical Insect" contained in the kit. Collect, properly mount, and label with collection information 25 different insects. Provide a common name label for all specimens. Use recognized common names when possible. Label other specimens "beetle," "moth," "true bug," etc. Collect as many different orders as you can. Arrange insects under appropriate order labels, and exhibit both the card and insects in ONE standard insect box. Print the heading "What Is An Insect," and include it in the box. You may empty and reuse your Division I box.  You need to be at least 8 years old to participate in this division.

What is an insect


Division III: Insect Growth And Development

Collect, properly mount, and label 55 different insects representing as many as possible of the 27 orders known to be found in Florida. You may include insects collected for previous divisions. Identify each insect either by its common 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) or the true scientific family name. Fill in the blanks on the card "Insect Growth and Development." Arrange insects under appropriate order labels, and display them along with the card in ONE standard insect box. Print the heading "Insect Growth and Development," and place it in the box. You may empty and reuse your Division II box.  You need to be at least 10 years old to participate in this division.

Insect Growth and Development


Division IV: Where Insects Live

Increase and improve your Division III collection so that it contains at least 100 different insects, each identified to order and scientific family name. A goal of 15 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. Place the heading "Where Insects Live" in one of the 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. You may or may not pin or label any insects in this box in the usual manner. In addition to insects, use descriptive statements and any other materials in any way that you think will teach the lesson you have in mind. Remember to fit the information you present in this box to the overall theme for this division: "Where Insects Live."  Your exhibit will consist of your collection and the educational box.

Where Insects Live