Arthropod Identification

Part of the Biodiversity Counts Curriculum Collection.

What makes a beetle a beetle? How does a beetle behave? And what on Earth does a beetle have in common with a lobster? These activities and resources can help your students develop an understanding of arthropods and learn techniques for observing arthropods in the field. They are designed will inspire budding entomologists and help squeamish students learn to appreciate the world's largest group of animals.

Activities & Worksheets

Name That Critter

Can you name the mystery arthropod named for its hundred-some legs? More important, do you know what physical and behavioral characteristics it shares with a shrimp or honeybee?

Name That Critter

Arthropod Jeopardy

Answer: This arthropod may not be welcome at picnics, but it does help clean up the world by eating dead insects. Question: What is an ant? Turn your arthropod knowledge into a game of Jeopardy.

Arthropod Jeopardy
Article Responsible Collecting Collecting specimens is necessary for studying and documenting new species. Find out how you can do it responsibly. Educator Materials Describing and Understanding Organisms Use this handy guide to help describe and explain your biodiversity findings in the classroom, field, or lab  Article Collecting Arthropod Specimens What's the best way to catch an arthropod in the field? Choosing the right method for your site's terrain and specimens. Article Sorting Arthropods for Identification Identifying arthropods is a challenge. Get tips from entomologist Kefyn Catley, for making the sorting process easier. Article Maintaining an Arthropod Collection Entomologist, Christine Johnson, shares simple tips on how to prepare spider specimens and maintain a collection at home. Educator Materials How to Set up Guest Quarters for Visiting Arthropods Learn how to create spiffy guest quarters for tarantulas, milkweed bugs, butterflies, ants, and other arthropods. Curriculum Unit Arthropod Morphology Take an illustrated look at arthropod morphology with this collection of guides.