Investigating insects

INSECTS are everywhere: in the air, in or near water, on and under the ground, on trees and plants, on animal’s bodies, in furniture and in our houses.

Scientists think about 80-90 per cent of the world’s animal species are insects, with about 900,000 known kinds identified.

Insects do an important job and if they disappeared, Earth would be in big trouble.

Without insects, dead vegetation and animals would pile up because insects break down and recycle dead organisms, get rid of waste and keep our soils healthy.

They eat pests such as other insects, mould and diseases that destroy crops.

Insects carry seeds around from place to place, pollinating food crops, flowers and plants so they can reproduce.

Some insects make things that we collect and use, for example honey and silk.

Insects are also a valuable food source for many fish, birds, reptiles and mammals.

In some cultures insects are even a part of people’s diet. Looking at insects

Grab a magnifying glass. Explore a garden, creek, under leaves, rocks and logs.

Take care and return any insects to where you found them when you have finished looking at them.

Treat them gently – small insects can easily be hurt. Use a teaspoon and paintbrush to pick them up.

Make a list of what you find and where you located the insects.

Take a photo to help you identify them.

Draw one of the insects and label the body parts.