Hobbies And Interests
Definition
Insects are invertebrates, lacking the backbone that is common in other types of animals. There are 32 orders of insects, with beetles (the order Coleoptera) being the most numerous. Insects have an exoskeleton, three body segments, and six legs.
Procedure
The first thing you need to have is the bug specimen itself. It helps to capture it alive, and taking a picture is also a great idea. When capturing it alive, be careful about touching it. Some bugs have harmful bites.
Count the bug's legs. Insects have six legs, spiders have eight legs, and multi-legged creatures are either larval forms (like caterpillars) or millipedes and centipedes. Knowing what category of bug you are seeking to identify is crucial to beginning your investigation.
Once you've determined the general type of bug, note some of its major characteristics. Note if it has wings, long antennae, or colors on its back or underside. The bug's general body type, whether it's flat, round, elongated or large, is also important.
Now comes the hard part. You need to use these identifying clues to find your particular bug in an insect field guide. There are numerous books and guides, both online and offline. Some online places will allow you to submit your photograph to help you identify your specimen.
A good field guide will have detailed color pictures for every bug in its covers, and it should give you more information about the creature. You will need to know its usual habitat, diet, size and life cycle phases. Ideally it should be small and durable so you can take it with you on field trips, and it should be well-organized and easy to use.
When you're out in the field it can be useful to own more than one book. Some suggestions include National Audubon Society Field Guide to Insects &Spiders, Kaufman Field Guide to Insects of North America, and National Wildlife Federation Field Guide to Insects and Spiders of North America.
Online field guides include Bugguide.net and Texas A&M's Department of Entomology. Both have very good pictures, and you may be able to send in your own to get extra help.
Armed with solid information about bugs and one or two field guides, you're well on your way to becoming an amateur entomologist.