As I step inside the brightly colored classroom a dozen eager preschool students look my way. “Do you remember me?”
“You work for the animals!”
During the midst of the chaotic spring migration I carved out an afternoon to re-visit a Toledo Head Start chapter. I had previously taught these students about Lola, the refuge’s stuffed Great Horned Owl. This time we talked about insects.
As if teaching about bugs and crafting a giant caterpillar wasn’t enough fun, I find I learn new things along with the kids. Hopefully some of these awesome insect facts are new to you too!
Butterfly wings are covered in tiny dust-like scales. Incredibly delicate, these scales are easily rubbed off. So if you must handle butterflies, please do so with care. . Photo: Dr. Thomas G. Barnes, USFWS
And you thought you had a big nose! Many species of beetle, including this longhorn, use their antennae to smell. Photo: Jon Katz & Joe Silveira, USFWS
Dragonflies, like hummingbirds, are extremely agile. They can even fly backwards! Photo: USFWS
We think of bees as hardworking, highly social honey-makers who sting. Right? In fact, less than one percent of bee species fit that criteria (Laurence Packer, Keeping the Bees). Photo: Steve Hillebrand USFWS
And lastly, unlike most caterpillars, this fellow probably won’t turn into a butterfly. But he is adorable! Photo: Caitlin Verdu
There And Beak Again 