Name: _______________________________________________ Date: ________________

Section: _________________________ Group: ______________ Score: _______________

Beetle Collection and Preservation Worksheet

Activity 4 Introduction:

In this laboratory activity, you will learn how to catch and preserve beetles for scientific
study. Beetles are a diverse group of insects with a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. By
catching and preserving beetles, you can learn more about their behavior, anatomy, and ecology.

Objectives:
By the end of this laboratory activity, students will be able to:

1. identify the appropriate equipment and techniques for catching and preserving beetles;
2. demonstrate proficiency in catching and preserving beetles without damaging them;
3. identify and describe the characteristics of different beetle species; and
4. apply their knowledge of beetle anatomy and behavior to understand their role in
ecosystems

Procedure:
1. Choose a location for beetle collection. Ideally, this should be an area with diverse
vegetation and habitats, such as a field, meadow, or forest.
2. Use the beetle net or sweep net to catch beetles. Move the net through the vegetation in a
sweeping motion to catch beetles in flight or on the vegetation. Be careful not to damage
the beetles during collection.
3. Once you have caught a beetle, transfer it to the killing jar or expose it to ethyl acetate. This
will quickly kill the beetle and preserve its color and shape.
4. Transfer the dead beetle to the glass jar with a lid. Label the jar with the collection date,
location, and any other relevant information.
5. Repeat steps 2-4 until you have collected enough beetles.
6. Take the jars back to the lab or classroom for further examination and identification.
 7. Use the pinning board and pins to mount the beetles for closer examination. Gently spread
the legs of the beetle to display its features.
8. Use an insect identification guide or keys to identify the beetle. Record the species name,
characteristics, and any other relevant information.
9. Store the pinned beetles in a safe and secure location for future study and reference.

Observations and Data Collection:

Record your observations and data in the table below:

Beetle Collection Location Species Characteristics

Date
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

Analysis:

1. What were some of the challenges you encountered in catching and preserving beetles? How
did you address these challenges?

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2. What were some of the characteristics of the beetles you caught? How did these
characteristics vary between species and individuals?

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3. What can the collection and examination of beetles tell us about their role in ecosystems and
the environment?

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4. How can knowledge of beetle anatomy and behavior be useful in other areas of biology-related
careers or areas of study?

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Conclusion and Reflection:

1. What did you learn from this laboratory activity? What new insights did you gain about beetles
and their role in ecosystems?
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2. What did you find challenging or interesting about the beetle catch and preservation? Were
there any parts of the activity that you particularly enjoyed or found difficult?
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3. How can you apply the concepts and skills you learned in this activity to other areas of biology?

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Draw and label the anatomy of a beetle.

Documentation:
Attach pictures of you doing the activity from collection to completion.
Uy6