ECOLOGY INSECT COLLECTION

To practice the skills of field biology –specifically the skills of detailed observation and record keeping.

To learn about biological classification systems – specifically how organisms are classified in modern biology.

To learn about the characteristics of arthropods – specifically insects

Insects are invertebrates with three pairs of legs, usually two pairs of wings, one pair of antenna, jointed appendages, and three distinct body regions --- head, thorax, & abdomen. Insects belong to the largest phylum of animals known as arthropods. Many small arthropods are mistaken for insects such as spiders, ticks, millipedes, & centipedes. Although some insects may sting or bite, insects play an important role in nature as a food source for other animals and as plant pollinators.

By doing an insect collection, you can not only learn beneficial and harmful insects common to your area, but you will also learn structural modifications of various insects that have enabled them to survive & become such a successful and diverse group of animals. You will also learn to use taxonomic keys to identify organisms.

Glass jar to set up as a killing jar (like a mason jar, pickle jar, or mayonnaise jar)

Cotton balls (a couple handfuls) Piece of cardboard (big enough to cut in a circle and place in your glass

jar) Bottle of nail polish remover or isopropyl alcohol Notebook or paper to take outside as field journal Digital camera or phone Computer access

WHY AM I DOING AN INSECT COLLECTION?

WHAT ARE INSECTS?

MATERIALS YOU’LL NEED

1. Collect 20 different species of insects (from the class INSECTA) from at least 5 different orders and classify them. You will have 3 class periods outside to collect insects . A. All insects must be captured, killed humanely, identified, and

photographed.

2. You must keep the following information in a field journal for each insect-this must initially handwritten.A. Date of collectionB. Observations-Describe the animal behavior and/or their actions and

reactions to stimulus. Describe the location of where you found the animal, whether it was on a flower or whether it was under a log, etc.

C. Atmospheric & Environmental conditions-For each day that you capture insects, you must give detailed information on the weather conditions, including humidity, temperature, sunny, damp, drought, etc. For each location of capture, you must give a brief description of the conditions surrounding the insects. For example, was the soil damp or dry, was algae growth on the surface of the pond or on land. Describe the habitat of the insects.

3. Instead of physically pinning and keeping each insect, you will create a digital collection. A. After collecting each insect ALIVE, you will place it in a kill jar

(directions below).B. Once the insect is dead, you will neatly arrange it on a piece of white

paper with a ruler beside it (to provide a size reference).C. You will photograph each insect, using either your cell phone (and email

pictures to yourself) or a camera that can be uploaded to a computer.D. You will classify each insect, including Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order,

Family, Genus, and Species as well as Common Name.E. Using the software of your choice (PowerPoint, Word, Prezi, iMovie,

Google Docs, etc.), you will upload your photograph of each insect and create a digital representation of your collection.

Within your project, you should include the picture of the insect with its full classification information and a typed version of your field journal.

Your project must be emailed to nroush@umtsd.org or copied directly to Ms. Roush via flash drive.

4. The project is due on October 30th without any excuses. I will not accept any projects after 2 days late. To get an A you must meet all expectations and exceed them! Being neat and orderly will enhance your grade. PRESENTATION MATTERS. You will have 3 days in class to work on the digital part of the project within the computer lab.

PhotographsTake care when photographing your specimens, try to get a clear photo or take multiple photos of the same insect. The coloration, antennae, wing presence, legs and other fine details that you will need to establish in your photographs identify insects. Do not steal photographs from the web; use your own photos! If you use any photos that you did not personally take, your project will be considered plagiarized and you will receive no points for that part of the project.

Insect Collecting Jar1. The jar should be made of clear glass, NOT plastic. Use old mayonnaise or

pickle jars.2. The absorbent material is made up of cotton balls and isopropyl alcohol

(70%) or fingernail polish (acetone). 3. Close lid tight and label the jar “POISON”4. Don’t put too many insects into the jar at one time and don’t leave insects

in the jar for more than 5 hours (or they become brittle).5. Most insects will dies within 30 minutes to 1 hour in a kill jar. If you notice

insects aren’t dying quickly, you probably need more acetone/alcohol.

Resources you can use:Go to www.delicious.com/nroush - you will see “TAGS” on the left and can click on “insects”. Now you will see 7 different websites that will help you classify insects.

Assessment Rubric3 (12 points) 2 (6 points) 1 (3 points)

Number of insects

20 or more individual species, representing at least 5 different orders

10-19 individual species, representing at least 4 different orders

Less than 10 individual species and less than 4 different orders

Identification (x3)

All specimens identified correctly with scientific classification and common name.

10-19 specimens identified correctly with scientific classification and common name.

Less than 10 specimens identified correctly with scientific classification and common name.

Photographs (x2) All photographs are done on white paper with ruler. All photos are detailed and clear.

All photographs are done on white paper with ruler. Most photos are detailed and clear.

Photos are inconsistent (not done or white paper or missing ruler). A majority of photos are not clear.

Digital format (x2)

Project is creative yet easy to read. All information is presented in a professional manner.

Project is creative yet easy to read.

Project is sloppy, plain, or incomplete.

Submission Digital project submitted on time and as directed (email or flash drive)

Digital project submitted 1 day late but as directed.

Digital project submitted 2 days late and/or not as directed.

Appropriate use of class time & safety

Used all time in class wisely; remained focused on task; followed all safety procedures

Used a majority of class time wisely, with minimal time off task; followed all safety procedures

Spent at least half of class time off task and/or didn’t follow all safety procedures

/120 total points

Common Insect Orders

Thysanoptera Silverfish

Ephemeroptera Mayflies

Odonata Dragonfly, Damselfly

Dictyoptera Cockroaches, praying mantids (can’t kill!), and walking sticks

Orthoptera Grasshoppers, katydids, and crickets

Dermptera Earwigs

Hemiptera True bugs-backswimmer, water strider, and assassin bug

Homoptera Cicadas and leafhopper

Megaloptera Dobsonfly

Coleoptera Beetles

Lepidoptera Butterflies and

moths

Hymenoptera Bees, wasps, and ants