4-H Entomology in Mississippi

Displaying 4-H Insect Collections

4-H insect collections are a mainstay for the 4-H Entomology Project. Display of the boxes is very important and a well-prepared box is a unique exhibit which attracts the eye of everyone who walks into the exhibition. Please follow these guidelines to show your collection off to best advantage.

• Collections should be in a standard Cornel Drawer sized box. Dimensions are 16.5” X 19” X 3” Glass coverings are preferred, although plexiglass may be used.

• Insects should be arranged in the box by Orders from top left down to bottom right. Most Orders are arranged in alphabetical order.

• Collector’s name, age, club, county along with number of Orders and specimens should be written on a piece of tape across the top lip of the box.

• Date and locality labels are placed on the pins first and should be positioned close to the legs of the specimen. Common name labels should be placed on the pin but flat on the floor of the box with a space between the two labels. Every pin should have 2 labels.

• Follow 4-H Entomology Manual instructions for pinning and labeling insects. Use only insect pins! Alcohol vials with specimens should be well secured in the box. The labels may be placed on a pin near the vial.

• A pest strip (dichlorvos) or moth balls should be kept in the box at all times.

• Minimum requirements for display of insect collections for first year collectors are 50 insects and 10 Orders.