Insect Study

This Merit Badge was formerly named INSECT LIFE.
The name was changed in 1987.

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. Collect and mount 50 different species.* Include six orders and 18 families of insects. Label each with common and scientific names, where possible.
4. Describe the characteristics that distinguish the principal families and orders of insects.
5. Show your collection.
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. Tell the things that make social insects different from solitary insects.
9. Observe an ant colony or a beehive. Tell that you saw.
10. From your collection, identify:
    1. Four species of insects helpful to humans.
    2. Six species of insects harmful to humans.
       Describe some general methods of insect control.
11. Tell how insects fit in the food chains of other insects, fish, birds, and mammals.

*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.

BSA Advancement ID#: 65
Requirements last updated in: 2003
Pamphlet Publication Number: 00000
Pamphlet Stock (SKU) Number: 33353A
Pamphlet Revision Date: 2002

Blanks in this worksheets table appear when we do not have a worksheet for the badge that includes these requirements.