KEEPING LIVE INSECTS AND SPIDERS AT SCHOOL

(Adapted from Project B.U.G.S. by Gary A. Dunn, M.S., F.R.E.S., Director of Education)

Why keep live insects (and spiders) in a classroom?  Well, there are at least two big reasons that I can think of!

First, by caring for live insects children will have a chance to observe insect life cycles and other life processes under somewhat controlled conditions. By studying live insects, children can learn how insects breathe, feed, grow, behave, communicate, move, and reproduce. Reared insects may also provide valuable insight into ecological concepts such as symbiosis, competition, carry capacities, influence of environmental conditions, dispersal, and evolution.

Secondly, rearing activities can also help children develop responsibility and increase their ability to follow directions. In many cases the children can take an active role in planning and constructing mini-habitats for live insects and other arthropods. While this participation will greatly enhance the learning experience, be sure to place the mini-habitats where children can easily observe the creatures at frequent intervals. Also, be sure to provide tools to aid in observation and associated reference books. Monitor the children's interaction with the animals and provide additional guidance, project ideas, references, or tools as needed to keep up with their expanding investigations. After the mini-habitats are in use, a posted calendar or "duty roster" helps the children remember their responsibilities for feeding, watering, and caring for the live insects.

If an animal dies, be honest with the children and let them know what happened. Above all answer their questions as honestly as you can and don't make the death of an animal even more mysterious by disposing of the dead animal when they aren't around. Some children may need your support and understanding to express their feelings.

What minibeasts are suitable for special guests in our classroom? Insects that are suitable for the classroom include aquatic insects, house and field crickets, grasshoppers, giant cockroaches (Blaberus), hissing cockroaches (Gromphadorhina), praying mantids, walkingsticks, earwigs, termites, milkweed bugs, ground beetles, mealworms, flour beetles, ladybird beetles, bess beetles, wax moths, many butterflies and moths (painted ladies and silk moths), fruit flies, mosquitoes, and ants.Other arthropods that work well include spiders (yes, including tarantulas), giant whipscorpions (they're nonvenomous), giant African millipedes, hermit crabs, fiddler crabs, and sowbugs/pillbugs. Other native arthropods can also be reared if the natural habitat of the species can be reasonably duplicated in the classroom.

Live arthropod cultures can be obtained from biological supply companies and pet shops, or by collecting them on your own. By gathering their own live insects, children will better understand the habitat and natural conditions of the species they are raising.

For complete detailed information, check out the Caring for Live Minibeasts in Captivity eManual

Why not have an insect safari? Children can make their own bug cage from two empty tuna/cat food cans, a bottle cap, a piece of screening (6" x 12"), a twig, a half cup of plaster of Paris, and a little water. Start by removing the labels and cleaning the cans. Next, paint or decorate the outside of the cans if desired. Place the 1/2 cup of plaster of Paris into one of the cans (more if you're using a larger can!), and slowly add small amounts of water. Mix the plaster until it is smooth and pudding-like. Set the bottle cap (water dish) and twig into the plaster. Roll the screen into a tube and push it down into the plaster next to the edge of the can. You may need to push some of the wet plaster up against the screen and the edge of the can. There should be at least an inch of overlap down the side of the screen; you can staple, fasten, or glue the overlapped area together, if needed. Set the cage in a warm, dry place so the plaster can harden. The second can is the lid. It slips down over the top of the cage, and can be removed to put insects in or to take them out. Now you can conduct a field trip for the children to collect live insects, followed by a session for them to set up the proper type of habitat for keeping their insects.

When keeping insects in captivity for a few days keep the following points in mind: (1) keep containers with insects out of the direct sun; (2) keep insects at room temperature, or slightly warmer (but not too hot); (3) keep insects in separate containers (unless you're studying life cycle or predation); (4) supply a little moisture (by sponge, wick, or shallow dish); (5) provide crumpled paper toweling (or similar material) for hiding/resting places, and (6) avoid and/or limit use of potentially toxic cleaning chemicals in the classroom. If you plan on keeping live insects for extended periods of time, you will need to read up on the habitat, environment, and other needs of the insect(s). Complete instructions for rearing 60 insects and other arthropods can be found in Caring for Insect Livestock: An Insect Rearing Manual (on sale in the Minibeast Merchandise Mall). Also, a bibliography of books and articles on rearing minibeasts is available by clicking here.

If several children, or the entire group, are rearing live insects, arrange to have them display their live "insect zoo" at a school event, fair, nature center, or shopping mall.

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This educational resource was prepared by the Young Entomologists Society, 6907 West Grand River Ave., Lansing MI 48906-9131, phone/fax 517-886-0630, e-mail YESbugs@aol.com.  Support minibeast youth education - join Y.E.S. today!