I don’t know what it is about spring that makes me think insects … but there it is. Here is a free Text-Book of Entomology written by a former professor of zoology and geology at Brown University — and obviously someone who loves his subject!
Subtitled Including the Anatomy, Physiology, Embryology and Metamorphoses of Insects for use in Agricultural and Technical Schools and Colleges as well as by the Working Entomologist…. Well. I think you get the idea. This is truly a textbook for an older student but will work well at the high school level, or even middle school for those with an interest in bugs.
This book gives, of course with much greater [fullness] and detail for reference and collateral reading, what we roughly outlined in our class work. The aim has been to afford a broad foundation for future more special work by any one who may want to carry on the study of some group of insects, or to extend in any special direction our present knowledge of insect morphology and growth.
In other words, get out there and learn! To that end you will find not only wonderful illustrations, but also an extensive literature list following each section to aid study. (A preliminary look shows most of these public domain titles are available online.)
The book is divided into four parts: external anatomy, internal anatomy, embryology, and metamorphoses. Depending on the speed and interest of the student, each section could take an entire semester.
Topics covered include:
- Head.
- Thorax.
- Abdomen.
- Appendages.
- Color.
- Muscular system.
- Nervous system.
- Sensory system.
- Digestion.
- Circulation.
- Respiratory system.
- Reproduction.
- Larva.
- Pupa.
The best way to use a book like this is to work through it slowly. Keep a notebook where the student can write definitions, copy illustrations, and write narrations summarizing what he has learned. This type of interacting with what is read will help the information be retained.
At some point, he will want to find these critters and take a closer look. Be prepared.
We have amassed quite a collection of insect-related resources for all ages. So if you are studying as a family and need something for the younger set you will find lots of options below!
Great text ~ and free!
Free eBook
Additional Resources
Elementary Study of Insects {Free eBook}
More accessible title for younger students.
First Book of Bugs {Free eBook}
Or an even younger set.
Insect / Bug
Many more resources!
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