For questions, contact:
Wayne Ohnesorg, 402-370-4040, wohnesorg2@unl.edu
Kyle Koch, 402-472-8691, kkoch4@unl.edu
Jill Goedeken, jgoedeken2@unl.edu
The Insect Identification Contest provides an opportunity for 4-H members to put their entomological knowledge to the test. The contest consists of insect identification and short multiple-choice questions. 4-H members will gain knowledge about insects and entomology through this competition. Contact your local extension office for more information about the Insect Identification Contest in your county.
Rules
- 4-H members may enter only as an individual.
- 4-Hmembers compete according to their age division.
- 4-H members will identify 50-60 insect specimens. Identifications will be scored strictly by the names given on the Specimen Study List, as common names may vary according to resources studied.
- 4-H members will identify specimens by common name only, and will use a key. consisting of eligible orders and insects from which to write the corresponding letter (for order) and number (for insects) on an answer sheet. Every 5th specimen will have a multiple-choice insect knowledge question about the insect. The question may require the meaning of the order name, type of antennae, legs or mouthparts, kind of metamorphosis, a fact about biology, or the scientific name of the specimen. Scoring: Each correct order answer is worth one point, and each correct insect answer is worth one point. Each multiple-choice question is worth two points.
- 4-H members should not touch specimens during the contest. Magnifying lenses and printed images will accompany tiny specimens.
- Ties will be broken with a supplemental tie-breaker section at the end of the contest answer sheet consisting of 10 specimens to identify to order along with two insect knowledge questions. These specimens will be much more difficult to identify. Pencils and clipboards may be provided.
- All 4-H members participating in the contest participants must wear the official State Fair 4-H T-shirt. T-shirts will be provided at each contest check-in and are to be worn provided to them during the contest and awards.
- General Rules from the 4-H section of the Nebraska State Fair apply.
Advance Entry
4-H members are required to register on the state fair website by the August 10th deadline. 4-H members will be notified of the location of the contest prior to state fair.
Entry Fees
Refer to the general rules at 4h.unl.edu/fairbook/general/rules.
Contest Schedule
4-H members will be notified of the location and schedule of the contest prior to State Fair.
Eligibility
4-H member eligibility:
- Must be 8 years old before January 1 of the current year.
- Must be enrolled 4-H members by the June 15 enrollment deadline.
- 4-H members will be notified of the location of the contest prior to State Fair.
Quota
Not defined in this contest.
Scoresheets, Forms, and Contest Study Materials
Scoresheets, forms, contest study materials, and additional resources can be found at https://go.unl.edu/ne4hinsectidcontest.
Special Awards
Individuals for all age divisions:
- Medals: Gold (1st), Silver (2nd), Bronze (3rd)
- Placement Ribbons: 1st through 10th place individual ribbons
Class
Age divisions will be determined by their 4-H age, the age of the youth before January 1 of the current year.
F500010 - Junior: Ages 8-10
F500011 - Intermediate: Ages 11-13
F500012 - Senior: Ages 14-18
Superintendents
- Koch, Kyle
- Ohnesorg, Wayne