Description: Identify insects from seven orders and answer questions related to them.  Two participants per team. 

The Competition

1. These seven orders will be used: orthoptera, coleoptera, lepidoptera, diptera, hymenoptera, odonata and hemiptera. 

2. The competition will be divided into two sections. 

1. The first section will include 20 insect identification stations where students will ID the insects to its order, or ID the specimen as "not an insect." Photos, drawings and preserved or living specimens may be used. (20 pts.).  Many of the stations will include a follow up multiple choice question related to the natural history or biology of that insect (10 pts.). 
2. The second section will include open-ended questions relating to knowledge about the listed orders (adaptations, habitat, body parts, food chain relationships, etc.) (20 pts.).

3. Teams will be required to bring their own pen or pencil. 

4. Teams will not be allowed to bring in any field guides or source books.  The seven orders will be clearly posted in the room.  At some stations, a field guide will be provided for students to use. 

Scoring:

Teams are ranked according to the number of correct responses.

One point will be awarded for each correct insect identification (to order, or “not an insect”).

One point will be awarded for each correct multiple choice question.

Up to twenty points will be awarded for correct answers in the open ended question section.