Insect Lab
Insects belong to the kingdom Animal, phylum Arthropod
and class Insect. They are an extremely diverse group of animals
representing about 3/4's of all animal species on Earth. They
must be small
in size because of the limitations placed on them by their
exoskeleton.
They help us in many different ways, such as pollinating flowers,
decomposing
organic matter, and providing food for many other creatures. They
also harm us by competing with us for food, spreading disease and even
parasitizing us.
In this lab you will collect, preserve and mount 35
different
species of hard bodied insects. You may substitute the
following
classes for up to 5 of your insects:
1. Crustacea- sow bug, 2 pair of antennae, gills. (Limit = 1)
2. Arachnid- spiders, 4 pairs of legs, 2 body parts. (Limit
= 2)
3. Diplopoda- millipede, two pairs of legs per segment. (Limit
= 1)
4. Chilopoda- centipede, one pair of legs per segment. (Limit
= 1)
Discussion Items: (answered in the Discussion at end of this
lab on
your own paper).
1. In detail, describe the structure(s)/body parts of the class
Insecta.
2. Make a chart with at least 5 items that contrasts class Insecta
with one of the other 4 classes listed above. [for example, contrast an
Insect with an Arachnid].
3. From your collection pick one harmful and one helpful
insect
(must be different orders) and:
a. classify the insects at the Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order,
and Family levels.
b. list the book and page #'s used to identify/describe each
Family.
c. describe the niche and life habits of each insect.
d. draw and label the life cycle each insect.
e. describe how each is helpful or harmful.
4. Describe how you would change this lab to make it a better
learning tool and/or explain why this lab was a good learning tool for
you.
Hypothesis: Where and how will you find most of
your insects? (Answer as soon as you receive this lab):
Data: Make an insect collection with 35 numbered
insect specimens. [# in logical order].
-The insects must be intact and pinned so they are clearly
visible
with one set of wings extended.
-30 insects must
have an easily read data
label (pinned
under the insect) that includes:
a. the Order of the insect (in Bold)
b. book and page used to identify the Order
c. the collection location (county/area) and date
d. your name
e. other comments.
Hints: No biocides allowed to kill specimens.
Try
freezing hard bodied insects to kill them. Pin the specimens as
soon
as they are fully dead as they dry out rapidly and break apart.
Cats,
transport, and siblings often damage insect collections, be sure they
have
a cover and are stored in a safe place. Have parental permission
for insect storage areas and materials used. Make your data
labels
easy to read and put the Order name in bold. Collect early before
frost kills many of the insects in our area.
Attach this lab and your Discussion and Conclusion to your
collection. Put your name on everything.
Scoring:
Hypothesis.................._____/2.5
Data............................_____/35
Discussion items answered in complete sentences in Discussion:
1)................................_____/7
2)................................_____/10 Comments:
3)................................_____/14
4)................................_____/2.5
Conclusion.................._____/4
Total Score.................._____/75pts.
Name__________________________________________________Due
Date____________
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Images of insects
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