AY Honors/Insects/Answer Key
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1. Do one of the following:
a. Mount a collection of 20 species of insects representing at least six different orders excluding moths or butterflies. (Carelessly mounted specimens will not be acceptable.)
(1) Place under each specimen a label showing the locality where caught, the date caught, and the collector's name. Labels should not be larger than 1/4 x 3/4 inches (6 mm x 20 mm).
(2) Identify insects with common names and genus or species level on second labels to be mounted below the first.
(3) Arrange all specimens neatly in an insect box according to orders and families. Orders should be pinned to the box rather than attached to the individual insect pins.
b. Make colored drawings or paintings of 20 species of insects, representing at least six different orders. Drawings or paintings need to be life size or larger, to show the details of small insects, and in natural coloring. Label the drawings with common names and genus or species level names.
c. Take color photographs of 20 species of insects, representing at least six different orders. All pictures should be in focus, close-ups and properly labeled, showing where photographed, the date photographed, common names and genus or species level names.
We present a crude identification guide below, but if you want to identify the insects you find, you will very likely need a good field guide. You can try various on-line identification aids as well, including Bug Guide.
Adventist Youth Honors Answer Book/Insect list
2. What are the distinguishing characteristics of an insect?
Insects possess segmented bodies supported by an exoskeleton, a hard outer covering made mostly of chitin. The body is divided into a head, a thorax, and an abdomen. The head supports a pair of sensory antennae, a pair of compound eyes, and mouth parts. The thorax has six legs (one pair per segment) and wings (if present in the species). The abdomen (made up of eleven segments some of which may be reduced or fused) has respiratory, excretory and reproductive structures.
3. Name five species of injurious insects and tell how to control them.
Many insects are considered pests by humans. Insects commonly regarded as pests include those that are parasitic (mosquitoes, lice, bedbugs), transmit diseases (mosquitos, flies), damage structures (termites), or destroy agricultural goods (locusts, weevils). Many entomologists are involved in various forms of pest control, often using insecticides, but more and more relying on methods of biocontrol.
4. Name five species of useful insects.
Although pest insects attract the most attention, many insects are beneficial to the environment and to humans. Some pollinate flowering plants (for example wasps, bees, butterflies, ants). The silkworm has greatly affected human history, as silk-driven trade established relationships between China and the rest of the world. Fly larvae (maggots) were formerly used to treat wounds to prevent or stop gangrene, as they would only consume dead flesh. This treatment is finding modern usage in some hospitals. Adult insects such as crickets, and insect larvae of various kinds are also commonly used as fishing bait.
5. Tell two Bible stories in which insects played an important part.
- Exodus 8:21-31: God sent a plague of flies on Egypt.
- Exodus 10:1-18: God sent a plague of locusts on Egypt.
- Proverbs 6:6-8: The ant "stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest."
- Jonah 4:5-11: God used a worm to teach Jonah about His concern for people.
- Acts 12:20-23: King Herod was eaten by worms and died.
