4-H Youth Development

 Breathitt County 4-H Talk Meet

Learning More About Kentucky’s Insects

Source: Blake Newton, UK 4-H entomology specialist

Insects are encountered just about anywhere, making them a fascinating learning tool for youth. They also provoke a variety of reactions, from “ick” to “cool.” For kids who react favorably, starting a 4-H entomology project is a valuable way to learn more about Kentucky insects. Youth learn how to collect, label and display insect specimens, which they can use to participate in state fair projects.

“Critter Files,” http://www.uky.edu/Ag/CritterFiles/casefile/casefile.htm, is a listing of Kentucky’s insects, spiders and other arthropods. It has basic identification tips, plus biological and ecological information, and other general information in an easy-to-use format designed for youth, 4-H members and anyone interested in insects and their relatives. Youth can review different insects when starting their own collection, which in the first year of collecting, is small, about 25 insects. In years two and beyond, an insect collection grows, building upon knowledge and technique learned while working on a first-year project.

The requirements for state-fair projects are very specific; detailed instructions can be found by reading “Kentucky 4-H Entomology Guide to Insect Collecting and State Fair Projects,” http://www.ca.uky.edu/entomology/dept/images/stfairbook.pdf. For beginning projects, insects must come from at least four different orders, with no more than 10 insects from each order. These restrictions mean youth will have to look in a variety of places to find appropriate specimens. Insects can be found in the air, on vegetation, around lights at night, in soil and along the edge the edges of rivers, streams and other bodies of water, to name just of few.

Collectors need to kill insects either with a “killing jar,” or by freezing. Then, insects are pinned, and butterfly and moth wings are spread. Insects are labeled in a specific manner, with each label containing the date, locality, and collector information as well as the common name of the specimen. The skills youth use in this first year project provide the basics they will use in subsequent years when they can exhibit more involved projects. For more information, visit UK’s 4-H entomology web page, http://www.ca.uky.edu/entomology/dept/4h.asp, or contact

Congratulations to Breathitt County’s 2011 Kentucky State Fair Winners

Meredith Yount - Black & White Drawing  - White

Hannah Stewart - Single Photograph Animal - Blue

Robbie Turner -           Light Amber Honey  - Blue

Robbie Turner -  Dark Amber Honey - Red

Robbie Turner -  Chunk Honey - Red

Josiah Wright -   Amber Extracted Honey - Blue

Austin Brashear -  Brownies - Red

Madison Sizemore - Choc. Chip Muffins - Red

Bayleigh Miller -  Cornmeal Muffins - Blue

Deanna Costello - Chocolate Cake - White

Emily Sizemore - Pretzels - Red

Elijah Collins - Whole Wheat Muffins - White

Bethany Adams - Banana Bread - White

Sarah Yount - Whole Wheat Rolls - Red

Peyton O’Neill - One Half Apple Cake - White

Left:  Demonstrations at the State Fair

Congratulations to Kaitlin Gay and Jonathon Collins on their two top 5 prize winning hams and also congratulations to Josiah Wright for his top 5 prize winning speech at the 2011 KY State Fair 4-H Country Ham Competition

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Click here for pictures from Hamburger Daycamp!

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Welcome to Stacey Neace!!  Stacey is our new Program Assistant in Breathitt County!  If you need any assistance contact her at stacey.neace@uky.edu

Cooperative Extension Service - Breathitt County
1155 Main Street, P.O. Box 612, Jackson, KY 41339
Phone: (606) 666-8812, Fax: (606) 666-2566     

 e-mail: ty.back@uky.edu