Insect Study

Insect Study Requirements

1. Tell how insects are different from all other animals. Show how insects are different from centipedes and spiders.
2. Point out and name the main parts of an insect.
3. Describe the characteristics that distinguish the principal families and orders of insects.
4. Do the following:

   a. Observe 20 different live species of insects in their habitat. In your observations, include at least four orders of insects.

   b. Make a scrapbook of the 20 insects you observe in 4a. Include photographs, sketches, illustrations, and articles. Label each insect with its common and scientific names, where possible. Share your scrapbook with your merit badge counselor.

5. Do the following:

   a. From your scrapbook collection, identify three species of insects helpful to humans and five species of insects harmful to humans.

   b. Describe some general methods of insect control.

6. Compare the life histories of a butterfly and a grasshopper. Tell how they are different.
7. Raise an insect through the complete metamorphosis from its larval stage to its adult stage (e.g. raise a butterfly or moth from a caterpillar). *
8. Observe an ant colony or a beehive. Tell that you saw.
9. Tell the things that make social insects different from solitary insects.
10. Tell how insects fit in the food chains of other insects, fish, birds, and mammals.
11. Find out about three career opportunities in insect study. Pick one and find out about the education, training, and experience required for this profession. Discuss this with your counselor, and explain why this profession might interest you.

* Some insects are endangered species and are protected by federal or state law. Every species is found only in its own special type of habitat. Be sure to check natural resources authorities in advance to be sure that you will not be collecting any species that is known to be protected or endangered, or in any habitat where collecting is prohibited. In most cases, all specimens should be returned at the location of capture after the requirement is met. Check with your merit badge counselor for those instances where the return of these specimens would not be appropriate.

The official source for the information shown in this article or section is: Boy Scout Requirements, 2009 Edition (BSA Supply No. 33216)

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There is also a printable requirements page.