4-H Entomology in Mississippi
4-H Insect Identification Contests
The 4-H Insect Identification Contests provide 4-Hers with an opportunity to learn to identify common Mississippi insects and to test their insect identification skills and basic entomology knowledge. Contestants are asked to identify insects, from actual specimens and/or photographs, and to answer questions about basic entomology. Both the junior and senior contests focus on identification to the order level and to common name.
Senior 4-Hers (ages 14-18) compete in the 4-H Insect Identification Contest on the campus of Mississippi State University during 4-H Club Congress. Seniors preparing for this contest should obtain a copy of Mississippi State University Extension Service Publication 2591, 4-H Insect Identification Contest Study Guide for Senior 4-Hers. This publication contains a list of the 100 species of insects, orders of insects and related arthropods, and other information that Senior 4-Hers need to know to compete in the 4-H Insect Identification Contest. Contestants who have studied this guide and the listed reference materials will be well-prepared for the contest.
Junior 4-Hers (ages 8-13) compete in the 4-H Insect Identification Contest at one of four District Project Achievement Days. These are usually held on the campus of a community college located within the district. Juniors preparing for the contest should obtain a copy of Mississippi State University Extension Service Publication 2592, 4-H Insect Identification Contest Study Guide for Junior 4-Hers. This publication contains a list of the 50 species of insects, orders of insects, and other information that Junior 4-Hers need to know to compete in the 4-H Insect Identification Contest. Contestants who have studied this guide and the listed reference materials will be well-prepared for the contest.
Contest Format: The Insect Identification Contest consists of two parts, a written test with questions that focus on general entomological knowledge contained in the study guide and/or reference materials, and an identification section in which contestants are asked to identify individual specimens, which are presented either as physical specimens or close-up photographs. Contestants will be asked to identify specimens either to order or by common name.