Entomology
Begin by noting the age and experience of the 4-H member, and reviewing the exhibit requirements. Keep in mind that the objective of the show is to recognize the exhibitor for the effort that has been made, and to encourage them to continue in their pursuit of knowledge.
Most insects should be pinned, but immature or soft-bodied insects may be shown in a vial of preservative. Very small insects can be pinned using a paper point.
The following steps may be helpful.
1. Review basic exhibit requirements such as:
a. Number of insects
b. Number of orders
2. Rate the exhibit for overall impression considering the following:
a. Attractive alignment of rows and columns
b. Consistent orientation of specimens and labels
c. Insects are in good condition (no broken or missing parts)
d. Attractiveness of the display box
3. Pinning and mounting: (see illustration)
a. Pinned in correct location
b. Correct height on the pin
c. Butterfly and moth wings are properly spread
d. Insects mounted with points are on the left of the pin
4. Labeling:
a. Printing is neat and legible
b. County, state, date and name of collector are on the label
c. Label is parallel with orientation of the insect
d. Label is readable from the left side of the box
5. Correct identification of specimens:
Generally, the insects are organized by order (see accompanying
list of orders).
Suggested Point System for scoring insect collections: (100 points possible)
Basic requirements………………………..20 points
Pinning……………………………………30 points
Labeling…………………………………..15 points
Correct identification……………………..15 points
Overall neatness…………………………..20 points
Special Collections Display
Suggested Point System for scoring a Special Collection:
1. Scientific Content (25 points)
- Such things as the correct insect name, the correct food, all of the stages in the life cycle
2. Originality (25 points)
- Something other than the routine monarch butterfly life history
3. Attractiveness (25 points)
- Special collection displays should tell a complete, easily understood story. The title and a brief narrative should fit the display. Various insect stages should be preserved and labeled properly.
- Quality of the lettering, balance of the materials within the case, etc.
4. Appropriateness (25 points)
- Addresses an insect issue of local interest or of economic value
a. An insect that was more abundant than normal that year
b. A display of insects from a crop or environment
c. A display of biological control methods
ORDERS AND REPRESENTATIVE INSECTS
ANOPLURA............................................................................Sucking Lice
COLEOPTERA..................................................................................Beetles
COLLEMBOLA..........................................................................Springtails
DERMAPTERA..............................................................................Earwigs
DIPLURA......................................................................................Diplurans
DIPTERA...............................................................................................Flies
EMBIOPTERA.........................................................................Webspinners
EPHEMEROPTERA......................................................................Mayflies
HEMIPTERA................................................................................True Bugs
HOMOPTERA...................Aphids, Leafhoppers, Cicadas, & Scale Insects
HYMENOPTERA...........................................Bees, Wasps, Ants, Sawflies
ISOPTERA.....................................................................................Termites
LEPIDOPTERA...............................................................Moths, Butterflies
MALLOPHAGA.....................................................................Chewing Lice
MECOPTERA.........................................................................Scorpionflies
NEUROPTERA.................Alderflies, Dobsonflies, Snakeflies, Lacewings
ODONATA............................................................Dragonflies, Damselflies
ORTHOPTERA..................Grasshoppers, Cockroaches, Crickets, Mantids
PLECOPTERA.............................................................................Stoneflies
PROTURA.....................................................................................Prolarans
PSOCOPTERA................................................................Booklice, Barklice
SIPHONAPTERA.................................................................................Fleas
STREPSIPTERA................................................Twisted-Winged Parasites
THYSANURA...............................................................................Silverfish
THYSANOPTERA.............................................................................Thrips
TRICHOPTERA.........................................................................Caddisflies
ZORAPTERA............................................................................Zorapterans
COMMON NON-INSECTS
ACARI.......................................................................................Mites, Ticks
ARACHNIDA...........................................Spiders, Mites, Ticks, Scorpions
ARANEIDA......................................................................................Spiders
CHILOPODA..............................................................................Centipedes
CRUSTACEA............................................................................Crustaceans
DIPLOPODA...............................................................................Millipedes
PAUROPODA..........................................................................Pauropodans
PEDIPALPIDA....................................................................Whip Scorpions
PHALANGIDA..................................................................Daddy-Longlegs
PSEUDOSCORPIONIDA..................................................Pseudoscorpions
SCORPIONIDA............................................................................Scorpions
SOLPUGIDA.......................................................................Wind Scorpions
SYMPHYLA..............................................................................Symphylans
