Camouflage Census
Overview:
Students observe different insects to learn how they use color and body shape as camouflage.

Curriculum Focus:
science
math
 

Materials:

Activity:

Make enough copies of the Camouflage Census sheet and Census Bar Graph sheet for each student. (If students work in groups, each group will need one sheet) Review Special Feature and More About. Focus on camouflage. Ask students to share examples of animals that use camouflage. Remind students that camouflage may be in the form of coloring or body shape; it may help an animal to blend in, or to copy another object or animal. For the purpose of this activity, also include warning coloration as an example of protective coloring that keeps predators away.

Explain that insects are especially good at camouflaging themselves. Tell students you want them to take a camouflage census: a survey of insects and the kinds of camouflage they use. Give students copies of the Camouflage Census sheet and Census Bar Graph sheet for individual or group use. Review the table. If possible, take students outdoors to complete their census. Also provide them with books on insects that include plenty of photos. Use a combination of outdoor observation and review of printed materials to complete their tables. If you are looking for some examples to compile for students ahead of time, here a few species to use:

Matching Color: katydid, grasshopper, pill bug, froghopper, praying mantis

Matching Pattern: assassin bug, cicada, dobsonfly, caddisworm, sphynx moth

Warning Color: ladybug, monarch, honeybee, stink bug, paper wasp

Copycat Body Shape: walkingstick, hoverfly, swallowtail caterpillar, wasp mimic moth, silk moth

When you are outdoors, remind students to avoid handling insects. If students don't know the name of an insect, help them place it in one of the following groups: beetle; ant, termite, wasp or bee; butterfly, moth or caterpillar; grasshopper, cricket or katydid; fly or mosquito; dragonfly or damselfly. Note: Students may also come across spiders, which are not insects, but you can include them, too, if you wish.

When students finish the census, compare results as a group. Help them analyze their results and convert them into bar graphs. You may also want to create a master class table and graph.


Extension Idea:
Have students draw an imaginary animal and give it some form of defense as described in the Special Feature story. Challenge students to give their animals names that describe their survival tricks.