www.TheHomeschoolMagazine.com ii Entomology: The Study of Insects

Entomology: The Study of Insects OOnnee FFaammiillyy’’ss FFoorraayy iinnttoo tthhee SSttrraannggee aanndd FFaasscciinnaattiinngg WWoorrlldd ooff LLiittttllee

VVeerrmmiinn tthhaatt SSlliitthheerr,, SSccaammppeerr,, CCrraawwll,, aanndd CClliimmbb

Dr. Heather W. Allen

© 2009 The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC

P.O. Box 8426, Gray, TN 37615

Printed in the United States of America

All rights reserved

Project Manager: Charlotte McKinney

Cover and Text Layout: Krystin Corneilson

Cover Template Artist: Christi Gifford, www.ArtDesignsbyChristi.com

Cover Images: ©istockphoto.com and ©dreamstime.com

All other photos and diagrams courtesy of Dr. Heather W. Allen

Unless otherwise noted, all Scriptural references contained in this E-Book are taken from the King James

Version of the Bible.

This published work may contain facts, views, opinions, statements, recommendations, hyperlinks, references, websites, advertisements and other content and links or references to external sources (collectively, “Content”) not owned or controlled by the publisher, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC (“TOS”). This Content does not necessarily reflect the views, opinions or recommendations of TOS, and any reliance upon such Content is taken at the user’s sole risk. TOS and the individual contributors have made reasonable efforts to include accurate, current, “family-friendly” Content, but TOS makes no warranties or representations as to the accuracy, safety or value of Content contained, published, displayed, uploaded, downloaded or distributed through or as part of this publication and assumes no liability or responsibility for the content of linked or referenced sources or for errors or omissions in Content. Users are advised that online content, and the user’s experience, may change during use or over time, and are strongly advised to use discernment and wisdom when considering advice and recommendations made in this or any other published work. TOS accepts no responsibility for the actions of third parties or for Content provided, uploaded, linked or posted by third parties.

www.TheHomeschoolMagazine.com iii Entomology: The Study of Insects

Table of Contents

Introduction .......................................................................... 1

Vinegarroon .......................................................................... 1

Tarantula .............................................................................. 2

Black Widow ......................................................................... 2

Jerusalem Cricket .................................................................. 4

Young Entomologists .............................................................. 5

Getting Started in Entomology ................................................ 6

Conclusion ............................................................................ 7

Further Resources ................................................................. 8

Appendix .............................................................................. 9

www.TheHomeschoolMagazine.com 1 Entomology: The Study of Insects

Introduction

ntomophobia, insectophobia, and arachnophobia are the fear of bugs,

insects, and spiders. What better way to

conquer such fears than to study and

discover the wonders inherent in vermin that

slither, scamper, crawl, and climb.

How does one get into the study of bugs? Well, in

our family it all began one day, several years

ago, when we heard a scream from the basement

and ran downstairs to find one family member in slight terror over the creepiest bug we’d ever

seen hanging by its pincers from the ceiling

ductwork. Needless to say, a child was sent, at a

high rate of speed (it’s okay to run in the house

when there’s a bug to catch), to the kitchen to

find a container suitable for catching this vermin.

Vinegarroon

e managed to catch the bug, about four inches long, which looked

like a cross between a scorpion and a cockroach. This bug had large

pincer-claw looking things in the front, long antennae, a very long

tail, and to make matters worse, smelled awful, just like sniffing a bottle of

vinegar. We had no clue what this bug was, but we were determined to find

out. After a little research in our insect field guide, we determined that this

scary-looking bug was something called a vinegarroon, or whip scorpion

(Mastigoproctus giganteus).

Now what were we to do? After a family meeting, we decided that this critter

was destined to become a family pet. We went out to the garage and

rounded up an aquarium and some reptile sand (we actually have several

spare aquariums at any given time since one never knows when a bug,

snake, lizard, or some other living thing might join the family—we like to be

prepared), a small hollowed-out log for shelter, and a small water dish. After

fixing up a nice home, our vinegarroon was placed inside and the aquarium

located in the kitchen. Were we in for a surprise. This bug wandered around

making the most fascinating tracks. What an interesting thing to watch.

E

W

www.TheHomeschoolMagazine.com 2 Entomology: The Study of Insects

Over the next two-and-a-half

years, this vinegarroon was a great

pet. It ate crickets, enjoyed

plunging itself, head first, into its

water dish and remaining there for

hours, and wandered around

leaving tracks. Watching it catch the crickets we provided for food

was often a family event. It could

grab a cricket with its pincers in no

time flat, eat it, and then clean up

the mess by moving the debris and

leveling the sand with those same

pincers. We also found that if it

was frightened, it would shoot that

vinegar-smelling stuff out of its

long tail and pretty much stink up

the aquarium. After Vinny finally died, we had another opportunity to catch a

vinegarroon and, again, this second one lived about two-and-a-half years. A very cool pet indeed.

Tarantula

hen there was and is the tarantula we have living in its own little aquarium in the kitchen. We found that our snakes shed their skin, and

we were fascinated by the process; and similarly, tarantulas molt,

shedding their skin. Well, although we have seen tarantulas cruising around

our property and on the front porch, we went to a pet store and purchased a

tarantula so we could watch it molt. We have had Hairy for 8 years now, and

in all that time he has only molted twice. Molting is an interesting sight to

behold, but we’d like it to happen more frequently.

Black Widow

hen there was the black widow spider (Latrodectus hesperus) pet.

Granted, true entomologists would say a spider is not an insect but

rather is an arachnid, but then those of us who are into creepy, crawly,

weird, and icky things are not picky about labels. Now that I think about it, a

vinegarroon probably falls outside of the true insect category (and is actually

in the arachnid family), but like I said, we’re not picky about labels when it

comes to bugs. This was, by far, the most educational vermin we’ve ever had.

T

T

www.TheHomeschoolMagazine.com 3 Entomology: The Study of Insects

Now, back to the black widow spider story: One day we were working

outside and came upon a beautiful black widow spider. Immediately one of

the children ran to get a bug container, and the rest of us prepared for the

capture. Actually, the capture was pretty uneventful, at least compared to

the capture of the rattlesnake that now resides frozen in our freezer, but it

was fun. We merely used a long twig to coax the spider into our bug

container; it cooperated nicely and walked in. Once it was in the container, we were able to see the red hourglass on her belly and watch her

movements. It is recommended that an adult supervise any interaction with

poisonous insects or arachnids. They are dangerous and should be

considered as such.

This bug, like the others, found its home in the kitchen. Often, after dinner,

we’d feed this spider at the dinner table. She was always in her bug

container, and we’d grab a cricket from our cricket supply container, throw it

in, and watch her swoop down, tie

it up, and then suck it dry. What a

sight to witness.

I’m guessing that most normal

families would have watched this

spider and then let it go after a

brief period of observation. (Note

that I’m giving these normal

families credit for watching it and

then letting it go, rather than

screaming and then squashing it.)

We, on the other hand, being

“abnormal,” felt compelled to take our new friend back to the house and

transfer her to a bigger container in which she could live for a while. We put

some sticks, leaves, and grass in the container, added a little moisture, carefully transferred our spider to her new home, and added a cricket for

lunch. At the time, we had four children (I think), and all of us watched as

“Spidey” swooped onto the cricket, wrapped it up tight, and sucked all the

fluids right out of it. What an amazing sight.

Well, Spidey lived for several months on our kitchen counter, happily eating

crickets and “hanging out.” Then, one day, it happened. Spidey decided to

produce an egg sac.

www.TheHomeschoolMagazine.com 4 Entomology: The Study of Insects

When something like a black widow spider (living in a bug container on the

kitchen counter) produces an egg sac, husbands and fathers tend to take the

mature approach and suggest that it is time for Spidey to go. Given that it

was winter, and very cold outside, this particular wife and mother pleaded

for the life of Spidey and her potential babies. This discussion went on for

weeks. Normal (notice the use of the word normal here again) families do

not have black widow spiders as pets, certainly not living in the kitchen, and definitely not with egg sacs. Abnormal families think of this as an incredible

educational opportunity.

One morning there was a gasp from one of the boys when he discovered

that there were babies. We all ran to look and, sure enough, hundreds of

cute little black widow spider babies were emerging from the egg sac. Now,

in spite of the “abnormal” label attached to me as the mom, I did have the

foresight to get our biggest clear bag and secure the whole spider nursery

within it. Even I have my limits; I definitely did not want any escapees.

We showed Steve the babies, and he was horrified. He suggested that we kill

them and get them out of the kitchen. We suggested a black widow mail order business. People could send us some sum of money and we’d send

them black widow babies. After a very short discussion, we figured there

would probably be “issues” with such a business, so we didn’t continue that

particular line of thinking. Needless to say, out came the ethyl acetate and

some cotton balls, and the black widows were history. What a fascinating pet

to have.

Jerusalem Cricket

ave you ever seen a Jerusalem cricket? Deborah Wuehler, Senior

Editor of The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, emailed me and said, “If

you’re doing yucky bugs (insects), Heather, you have to add those

Jerusalem crickets to it—those are scary.”

See, even Deborah has some negative

feelings about bugs. Granted, these

feelings might be reserved for Jerusalem

crickets, but then again, maybe not. Anyway, our family finds the Jerusalem

cricket fascinating.

In fact, we have always known them by

the name “child of the earth” and have

found them, at times, referred to as

“potato bugs.”

H

www.TheHomeschoolMagazine.com 5 Entomology: The Study of Insects

Jerusalem crickets (Stenopelmatus fuscus) live in moist areas in the desert.

Typically they live underground, feeding on plant roots, but sometimes they

emerge if driven out by water, heat, or drought. Occasionally, hungry

predators or curious children dig them up. They are not poisonous but can

give a nasty bite if provoked (not speaking from experience of course).

If you happen to see one, carefully pick it up by its sides and look into its face. It is a little unnerving, but with one glance you can tell why it’s often

referred to as a child of the earth. A Jerusalem cricket has a face that is the

most human-like face ever seen on an insect. We often find Jerusalem

crickets outside near our animal pens. They seem to like the moist earth

near the place where our goats and sheep drink; sometimes we find them

under protective layers of hay.

Young Entomologists

rom our daily life

experiences with bugs, our

son Joe, 11 at the time,

signed up for a 4-H entomology

project. For the next several

months, the whole family was

involved in catching bugs. We

learned to hunt for, catch, gas, pin, and mount all sorts of

bugs. We also learned that

sometimes a gassed bug is only

asleep and not dead, as

evidenced by Joe running down

the hall one morning

screaming, “It’s a miracle—

God’s resurrected my bugs!” We looked and, sure enough, there were about

20 bugs, formerly dead, now moving and flapping their wings while still

secured by pins. This was a slight miscalculation that we’ve not repeated.

Joe ended up with a first-place win in entomology at the county and state

fairs. What fun we’ve had and continue to have since our fascination with bugs has truly captured almost everyone’s interest in the family.

Entomology has become a family event for the most part. We now take bug

jars, nets, killing jars, ethyl acetate, pinning boards, storage containers, and

other bug paraphernalia on all our trips cross-country. We take the nets and

jars on hikes and in the car when running errands. We now have small

containers in our youngest child’s diaper bag since you never know when

you might find a bug.

F

www.TheHomeschoolMagazine.com 6 Entomology: The Study of Insects

Joe and Emily have several years of entomology behind them. Hana, our

newest entomologist, never misses a bug. And then there’s Ed. Ed is not

particularly fond of bugs. In fact, when we go hiking in search of bugs, Ed

brings a book, finds a rock to sit on, and then reads until we return. Ed

announced that he’d like to have a mom who was normal. He said that

“normal moms squash bugs when they see them. They don’t put them in

containers all over the kitchen waiting for us to gas, pin, and identify them.”

Is that true? Other moms squash perfectly wonderful and fascinating bugs?

Guess what? I’ve found that our son is correct. In fact, other moms make

strange faces or shuddering movements when the discussion of bugs comes

up in normal conversation, or worse, they scream when you show them your

latest find. What is wrong with these women? Here is an incredible creation

of God that ranks right up there with snakes and mice in eliciting irrational

fear among so many.

That said, I’m writing this as a plea to consider the creepy, crawly, weird,

and icky world of bugs. They are so cool, and in our home we find them

fascinating. In fact, all of our cars, as well as all the sheds around our property, are equipped with bug collection containers “just in case.” It

boggles my mind to find that others are not similarly equipped and prepared

just in case that really creepy, crawly, weird, and icky bug happens to cruise

by.

Getting Started in Entomology

f you’re at all interested in a foray into the world of entomology, our

suggestion is that you watch for sales of nets and bug containers and

buy as many of each as you can (we never seem to have enough, and

the nets don’t last very

long if you’re really

using them regularly).

You’ll want to also

obtain some cigar boxes

or plastic containers

with lids, put cork material in the bottom

into which you can stick

your pins, and then

purchase some ethyl

acetate and make a

killing jar.

I

www.TheHomeschoolMagazine.com 7 Entomology: The Study of Insects

A killing jar is just a small, wide-mouth jar, prepared by putting about 1/4 to

1/2 inch of plaster of Paris in the bottom and letting it harden. Then you’re

all set. You’ll pour a small amount of ethyl acetate in the jar and let it be

absorbed into the plaster of Paris. Be very careful to keep the lid on tight,

and when it’s off for brief periods when a bug is being put in or removed, try

not to smell the chemical. We’ve tried other chemicals, such as acetone and

finger nail polish remover, but we feel the ethyl acetate works best for us. We order the

ethyl acetate and mounting pins (they’re

longer than typical straight pins and don’t rust

or corrode) from the Homeschool Training

Tools catalog.

Our children also keep journals documenting

things they find interesting. They draw

pictures, add details from their research, and

have a fascinating record of what they’ve

learned. Entomology knowledge is a great

addition to their journals, and we’ve found our children can spend hours poring over their

numerous field guides. This is education at its

best for our family.

As a family, we have spent many afternoons

or evenings identifying bugs. It actually is great fun for all. We also keep

journals about our bugs, and several family members spend time drawing

their bugs and including labels of body parts, interesting facts, etc. If you

are interested in photography, bug collecting is a great opportunity to take

fascinating pictures. We have spent some tense moments attempting to

capture just the right picture of an insect or spider without getting injured or

allowing the insect or spider to escape during the process.

Conclusion

reepy, crawly, weird, and icky bugs—we are fascinated by all of them

at our house. Before you scream and squash the next bug you see, reach for a seldom-used container and carefully capture it. Then pull

out your field guide and see if your family can identify what you have

captured. It is an incredible experience for all, regardless of age. If you get

hooked by the bug bite, so to speak, you’ll find yourself making sure you

always have a bug container nearby—just in case.

C

www.TheHomeschoolMagazine.com 8 Entomology: The Study of Insects

Further Resources

All About Insects Unit Studies CD, by Brandenburg Studies

In the Garden: Flowers and Insects Project Pack, by Katie Kubesh, Miki

NcNeil and Kim Bellatto

Our Unschooling and Bugs, Bugs Everywhere Issue, Spring 2006,The

Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC

E-Book: Bugs Thematic Unit, by Jennifer Overend Prior M.Ed.

E-Book: Ladybugs Thematic Unit, by Dona Herweck Rice

All About Spiders CD, by Brandenburg Studies

E-Book: Insects, by Ruth M. Young M. S. Ed

Heather and her husband, Steve, live in Edgewood, New Mexico,

where they have homeschooled their five children, Edward (16),

Joseph (14), Emily (11), Hana (5), and Ezekiel (5), for the last 12

years. When not homeschooling, doing things with her family, or

writing for TOS, Heather works as a Human Factors Engineer in

her home-based consulting business. For more information about

the Allen family, please visit their website at: allensmtnview.com.

Feel free to email Heather at hallen@swcp.com.

Appendix

How to Begin Homeschooling

1. Discuss With Your Spouse: Educating your child at home is a huge decision and should

be one that is made with your spouse. Do not begin unless you are in agreement about

this decision. You will need the support of your spouse not only at the beginning, but also

throughout the year.

2. Research the Homeschool Laws Applicable in your Area: Be fully aware of the legal

requirements before you begin and especially before you take a child out of public

school. For the U.S., each state’s legal requirements can be found on the

www.HomeschoolLegal.com website. Internationally, refer to www.HSLDA.org.

3. Research Styles of Home Education: There is no single right way to educate your child

at home; however, there are many differing philosophies you may want to consider.

Charlotte Mason: Based on a method introduced by nineteenth-century educator

Charlotte Mason, this approach includes nature studies/journaling, narration, and

living books.

Classical: Based on Dorothy Sayers’ The Lost Tools of Learning, in which child

development is broken up into three “stages” of learning commonly called “the

Trivium.”

Delight Directed: This puts the learning in the hands of the child, based on his or her

interests. Parents help facilitate this type of learning with appropriate instructional

materials.

Eclectic: A mix of philosophies and curricula to accommodate each child’s abilities

and interests. Parents choose from any method or style only those components that fit

their specific needs.

The Principle Approach: An approach based on the principles of our Founding

Fathers and an emphasis on God’s Word as the basis for every subject.

Traditional Textbook: Normally uses a full-range, packaged, textbook-type

curriculum that also may include a scope and sequence, testing, and recordkeeping.

Unit Studies: All or most core subjects are covered while studying any one topic or

unit of study, using a variety of resources and supplemental activities.

Unschooling: A relaxed setting where learning is directed by the child. Parts of this

philosophy are based on research by John Taylor Gatto and John Holt.

4. Find Support: After finding your style of choice (or a mix of more than one choice), you

may want to choose a support group that reflects that specific style or just a general

homeschool support group in your area. Meeting with other home educators offers

encouragement as well as knowledge and assistance with your homeschool questions.

Often, organized classes or activities for your children are offered through support groups

as well. For information about homeschool support groups in your area, check these

listings:

U.S.:

www.TheHomeschoolMagazine.com/Homeschool_Nations/State_Listings.php

www.HomeschoolLegal.com

UK:

http://www.home-service.org/

http://www.heas.org.uk/

New Zealand:

http://www.che.org.nz/

http://hef.org.nz/

http://www.ahe.org.nz/

http://www.homeschoolers.wellington.net.nz/

http://community.library.org.nz/cgi-bin/display.pl?id=296

Guam:

www.HomeschoolBlogger.com/guam

http://www.tumon.com/ghsa

Australia:

http://www.hea.asn.au/hea/

Canada:

www.shbe.info

www.machs.mb.ca

www.aheaonline.com

http://nshea.webcentre.ca/

http://www.eho.org/support/canada.asp

5. Gather Resources: Some families start with a complete curriculum package, while

others start with a notebook and a library card. Choosing your resources depends on your

style or method of education and your own interests. If you are financially burdened,

there are free homeschooling resources on the web, as well as discounted, used books in

abundance.

You Can Do This! Parents around the world are taking back their God-given responsibility to

educate their children, and you can too. We have developed two downloads to help you get

started:

Homeschool With Confidence

Simple Recipes for Successful Homeschooling

Disclaimer: The above information is not intended as legal advice and should not be

construed as such. Please check the legal requirements in your area.

To a Homeschool Mom By Amelia Harper

He gave this gift with gentle hands,

A treasure rich and rare;

But sand and rock and rugged stone

Obscured the gem so fair.

“I give this gift to you,” He said,

“To polish and to prime;

The future lies within your hands,

So make use of the time.”

Some others placed their precious gifts

Within another’s care,

Because they knew the craft took time—

And time they could not spare.

But you were not content to trust

This task to other hands.

You sought to teach yourself the craft

That such a task demands.

For, you said, “No other hand

Can craft this gem so fair;

My loving eyes can better see

The treasure hidden there.”

So carefully you chipped away

Till brilliance sprang from stone.

You shaped each facet, smoothed each face,

Until the task was done.

Some days you feared that you would fail;

Some days, you saw success.

But still you labored on with love

And gentle tenderness.

Thus, soon the gem He gave to you

Reflected Light sublime;

And then you knew no other task

Was better worth your time.

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