Go on a bug safari
by Natalia Diaz
Have a fun family adventure right in your backyard. From caterpillars to ladybugs and spiders, you’re bound to see something wild and unusual. Perfect for any age (yes, even adults can be amazed!), but preschoolers to third graders will really dig it.
Getting ready:
In order to observe the insects, you’ll need:
- magnifying glass
- insect net
- clear plastic container
- water
Once you have what you need, go outside and start your search. Be sure to bring lots of water if it’s a hot day and wear comfortable clothes to get close to the bugs.
Where to look:
Be sure to look up, down, and all around because insects are always on the move. Something that wasn’t there the first time you looked might be there upon second glance.
To help, these are some of the common places to look for bugs: on top of leaves, near flowers, under rocks, near water, under logs, on the grass, and in the air. If you’ve got your bug eyes on, you’ll be sure to track one down.
What you’ll find:
Depending on where you live and time of day, you might find spiders, ants, beetles, ladybugs, crickets, grasshoppers, earwigs, centipedes and a few surprises. Most insects have a favorite habitat they tend to stick to – whether it’s in the desert, the mountains, the city, or the swamp.
How to observe:
When you find an insect you want to observe, you can safely do so by using an insect net or a plastic container. If the insect is flying around, gently place the net over the insect and slowly bring it down to the ground for a closer look. (Note: parental supervision for this is advised.) Don’t be alarmed if the insect is buzzing and flying around – that’s normal.
If the insect you find is on the floor, gently cover it with the plastic container to get a closer look. Be sure to keep the bottle out of direct sunlight to prevent the heat from hurting your bug. After you observe the insect for a few minutes, set it free or put it back where you found it.
If you don’t feel comfortable catching bugs, use your magnifying glass instead. Odds are you’ll see lots of insects up close and have just as good a view.
Count your findings:
Whether it’s with a net, a container, or a magnifying glass, looking for bugs is always fun. The key is to always be on the lookout for the tiny little critters that live among us. How many insects can you find in your backyard? Happy hunting!
Bug safari coloring pages:
Print these coloring pages and learn fun facts about bugs you could find in your backyard.
