Entomology 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 only, 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, 5 complete sent. each).
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 of 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? (Make this hypo. as soon as you receive this lab):
Data: Make an insect collection with 35
numbered
insect specimens. [# in logical order].
-group insects BY
ORDER within your collection.
-The insects must be intact and pinned so they are clearly
visible with
one set of wings extended.
-All 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.
DO NOT make data
labels for the non insects.
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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