No need to travel to Africa to go on a safari. There are plenty of wild animals in your backyard – of the bug variety. Although on this hunt you won’t need to worry about being eaten by a lion you might need some bug spray to keep off the mosquitoes.
To prepare for your bug hunt gather the following items:
- Magnifying glass – to see bugs in detail
- Insect net – to catch flying insects
- Clear plastic container – to hold insects on the ground
- Water – for you to drink
Now that you have your gear ready it’s time to start the hunt. Venture outside into your backyard jungle, park, or field. Make sure you wear comfortable clothes because in order to see the bugs you’ll have to get down to their level.
Bugs can be found all over. Just because you don’t see any the first time it doesn’t mean they aren’t there. Bugs are always on the move so look up, down, and all around. You might want to try looking in bugs’ favorite places:
- On leaves
- Near flowers
- Under rocks
- By water
- Under logs
- In the grass
- Flying in the air
Depending upon where you live you will probably see different bugs on your bug hunt. The most common are spiders, ants, beetles, grasshoppers, earwigs, ladybugs, and butterflies. Insects don’t usually like the heat so early mornings are the best time to find them wandering about.
When you find a bug you can catch it and observe it or just look at it through your magnifying glass. It is amazing what you can see when you take a closer look. If you find a flying insect gently catch it in the net and then place the net on the ground. You might want you mom or dad to help you. The insect will probably fly around until you release it. You can stop a bug that is on the ground by placing the plastic container over the top of it. Giving you time to examine it more closely. Make sure you don’t place it in direct sunlight because it will hurt the bug. Release the insect after just a few minutes of observation.
During your bug hunt count how many insects that you find. You might want to make a chart showing the different types and number of insects that you saw while exploring your backyard.