A Bug's Life On The Web

by Haven Miller

For years Hollywood filmmakers have told fascinating tales starring fictional insects (Jiminy Cricket and Flik the ant are two that come to mind). But insect experts at the University of Kentucky are telling equally compelling stories about the lives of real insects. Instead of movies, they're using the Internet.

“We've had responses literally from around the world from people who have visited our Web pages,” said Lee Townsend, Extension entomologist in the UK College of Agriculture. “Teachers are frequent visitors, often using the information as background material for their classes. Student visitors often incorporate the material into their studies.”

Computer users clicking into the site will find a section titled “Katerpillars and Mystery Bugs” (the “K” in caterpillar in honor of Kentucky ), followed by sections labeled “Bug Fun,” “Insects All Year,” “Parent, Teacher Resources,” “Insect Stories,” and “Bug Food.” Each section may contain photos, facts, or suggested activities. For instance, under “Insect Stories,” visitors can read about creatures such as the “bolas spider” that captures its prey cowboy-style with a swinging bolas.

We've had responses literally from around the world from people who have visited our Web pages. Teachers are frequent visitors, often using the information as background material for their classes.

“By far our most frequently-visited section is the one called ‘Bug Food,'” said Townsend. “By bug food we mean either food cooked to resemble an insect or spider, or food that actually contains insects. In many cultures around the world insects are considered an important source of protein, or perhaps even a delicacy.”

Townsend described the entomology Web pages as a sort of “one stop shopping” for primary and middle school teachers, home study teachers, and 4-H agents looking for project ideas and resource materials on insects.

“This is a great benefit for teachers. They don't have to purchase a book on insect activities — they can just go to the UK entomology Web site and get what they need,” said Esther Moberly, Scott County Cooperative Extension agent for 4-H. “Children love to study insects — to learn, for instance, how insects chew their food or protect themselves with camouflage. It's intriguing, and students thrive on the science.”

Under the Web page section labeled “Teacher/Parent Resources,” site visitors can click in to an online newsletter developed by the entomology department titled “Wee Beasties.”

“‘Wee Beasties' has lots of information for teachers,” said Townsend. “There are articles written by entomologists, color photographs, suggestions for lessons, and tips for additional resources such as books or videos.”

The best way to find the UK entomology Web pages is to start at the College's home page at www.ca.uky.edu then click “Departments,” followed by a click on“Entomology,” and then finally a click on “Katerpillars & Mystery Bugs.”

Gold Star—

The entomology Web page is one of the 25 top insect pages on the Web. It has been named by Links2Go as a “key resource” for insect information.

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