Resource Library·Merit Badge

Insect Study

Elective merit badge — requirements, troop progress, and nothing shelved yet (be the first to suggest something).Official BSA page ↗Workbook (PDF) ↗

2
Earned
0
In Progress
26
Not Started
28
Active Scouts
Scout Progress
ScoutAWARDReq 1Req 2Req 3Req 4Req 5Req 6Req 7Req 8Req 9Complete any one
1a1b2a2b2c2d3a3b4a4b4c4d5a5b6a6b7a7b8a8b9a9b
Anjali S.First Class
Violet B.Tenderfoot
Requirements

From the official BSA merit badge pamphlet — wording is paraphrased here. Confirm against the current pamphlet for sign-off.

View resources · shown when a requirement has any Suggest a resource · always

Sign in to see your scout’s progress on each requirement and to send in proof when one is done.

1a
Explain ant and bee exposure hazards; anticipate, prevent, mitigate, respond
1b
Discuss prevention/treatment of insect bites and anaphylactic shock
2a
Tell how insects differ from other animals
2b
Show how insects differ from millipedes and spiders
2c
Point out and name the main parts of an insect
2d
Describe characteristics distinguishing the major insect orders
3a
Compare butterfly and grasshopper life histories; tell differences
3b
Raise an insect through complete metamorphosis, larva to adult (check protected-species rules; return specimens)
4
4a
Discuss and follow Leave No Trace and the Outdoor Code in insect study
4b
Observe 20 live insect species in habitat, spanning at least four orders
4c
Make a labeled scrapbook of the 20 insects; share with counselor
4d
Select eight scrapbook species; identify their ecosystem roles
5
5a
Tell what makes social insects different from solitary insects
5b
Observe an ant colony in a formicarium OR study a bee hive (ant option if bee-allergic)
6a
Tell how insects fit in the food web of insects, fish, birds, mammals
6b
Explain the role of insects as pollinators
7
7a
Explain bees' symbiosis with humans; colony collapse disorder and food supply
7b
Describe three insecticide alternatives with advantages and disadvantages
8
8a
Tell an insect's migration route (e.g., monarch); challenges and how Scouts help
8b
Learn about a threatened/endangered insect; challenges and how Scouts help
9
(Do any one of the following)
9a
Identify three Insect Study careers; research one in depth and discuss
9b
Identify how you might use the skills and knowledge in Insect Study to pursue a personal hobby.