Insect Collection
(Affectionately known as the Bug Project)
Due: Tuesday, October 27th
Objectives:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Be able to list characteristics of the Phylum Arthropoda
Be able to differentiate between different classes of Arthropods
Be able to identify with the major Orders of the Class Insecta
Collect 10 local Insects
Learn how to correctly display insects in a collection
Be able to use a key to identify collected specimens
Be able to use collection equipment
Be able to recognize and name common insects in Loudoun County
Identify each insect in the project with three things: Order, Common Name (i.e. Stink Bug), Where found (i.e.
Loudoun County or Sterling, VA).
Directions:
1. Collect 10 different insects.
2. Identify which Order they are. There are 30! We will work on this together during, before class and
during PriROARities—yes, you might have to FLEX in.
3. We will pin (with specific insect pins—do not do this with your own pins) these insects in class and
during PriROARities. You will also add the three labels: Order, Common name, where found—then pin
to the display box foam---provided. We have practiced this.
4. Identify each insect with a number (1-10), and create a key on a separate piece of paper that will also
be placed on the foam.
5. You are allowed to exchange insects with other classmates to diversify your collection. Others are able
to help you collect insects from the Northern Virginia/Maryland/DC region (ONLY).
Rubric: 100 points
__________5 pts each: Insects each labeled (Order, common name, place of collection) and pinned
correctly—50 points possible
__________10 pts: 10 different insects—10 points possible
__________3 Orders: 10 points—10 points possible
__________Additional Order(s): 10 points each—20 points possible
__________5 pts: Order Key of Insects by Number—5 points possible
__________5 pts: Display case (neatness/creativity)—5 points possible
__________TOTAL POINTS (out of 100)
Steps to Complete the Display
How do I know what I’ve got?
1. Start by sorting: Separate everything that has obvious winds from those that don’t. Then sort again into
things you recognize, like wasps, flies, beetles, ants, etc. Then sort your specimens according to shape, color,
number of legs, and any other differences you can discover and see how many groupings you come up with an
how far you can go. For instance, sort everything that looks like a beetle, then separate them into long narrow
beetles and those that are round. Then look closer at the types of antenna, shape of wing covers, and any
other characteristic that might distinguish one type of beetle from another. This same procedure can be used
for all groups of insects.
2. When your insects are sorted, ready to label and you have your 10, ask Mrs. Tracy for your pins.
3. Pin them, use separate foam—like we practiced.
What do I do after I pin them?
4. Label them: For each specimen, fill out all three types of labels. Note, this rubric is in a document format
and uploaded to my website, if you prefer to use a computer to label your collection. I will work on getting
computer access; however, you might have to do this on your time:
1) Order
2) common name
3) place of collection
5. Cut labels out, using a piece of foam, add labels to pinned insects (starting with Order, common name and
place of collection on the bottom) Space the labels evenly so your collection is neat.
6. Complete Key with Order of numbered insects
Order:
Order:
Order:
Order:
Order:
Order:
Order:
Order:
Order:
Order:
Common Name:
Common Name:
Common Name:
Common Name:
Common Name:
Common Name:
Common Name:
Common Name:
Common Name:
Common Name:
Found:
Found:
Found:
Found:
Found:
Found:
Found:
Found:
Found:
Found:
Key: 1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)