Insect Study Merit Badge
Nine requirements, with the raising of an insect through complete metamorphosis (3(b)) and the observation of 20 live species (4(b)) marked as the long parts, the scrapbook (4(c)) and the eight species (4(d)) drawn as built from that observation, and the ant colony or bee hive of 5(b) and the careers of 9 drawn as questions.
10 steps (12 parts inside them). 4 parts depend on questions you have not answered yet. · Version 1, published 8 October 2026 · About Insect Study Merit Badge
No questions answered
This is the whole plan: everything that could apply to anybody. Answering the 2 questions at the address above takes out the parts that are not for you.
Which of this applies to you
You have not answered anything yet, so this is the whole plan: everything that could apply to anybody. Answering 2 short questions will take out the parts that are not for you.
Your progress
17 steps can be started now; 3 are waiting on something else.
Clear ticksYour ticks are kept in this browser, so they will still be here next time. They are in the address as well, so a link to this page carries them to another device.
The steps
Stage 1 of 10
1 step,
all ticked
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1. Safety with ants and bees Requirement
Explain (a) the most likely hazards of exposure to ants and bees and how to anticipate, help prevent, mitigate and respond to them; discuss (b) the prevention of and treatment for health concerns that could occur while working with ants and bees, including insect bites and anaphylactic shock.
The badge page states: "If collecting is permitted, do so ethically and sustainably. Collect sparingly, only taking what you need, and ensure that your collection practices do not harm the surrounding environment. Be aware of and adhere to local laws regarding collection."
Stage 2 of 10
1 step,
all ticked
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2. Insect anatomy Requirement
Tell (a) how insects are different from other animals; show (b) how they are different from millipedes and spiders; (c) point out and name the main parts of an insect; describe (d) the characteristics that distinguish the major orders of insects.
Stage 3 of 10
1 step
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3. Life cycles Requirement
Two parts: a comparison, and an insect raised from larva to adult.
2 parts
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3(b). Raise an insect through complete metamorphosis Often forgotten The requirement states: "Some insects are endangered species and are protected by federal or state law. Every species is found only in its own special type of habitat. Be sure to check natural resources authorities in advance to be sure that you will not be collecting any species that is known to be protected or endangered, or in any habitat where collecting is prohibited." In most cases specimens are returned to the location of capture after the requirement has been met; check with your counselor for the exceptions.
Stage 4 of 10
1 step
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4. Observation and analysis Requirement
Four parts. The scrapbook and the eight species are built from the 20 insects you observe.
4 parts
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4(c). A scrapbook of the 20 insects Often forgotten Usually comes after 4(b). Observe 20 different live species of insects in their habitat.
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4(d). Eight species and their roles in the ecosystem Usually comes after 4(c). A scrapbook of the 20 insects.
Stage 5 of 10
1 step
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5. Social insects Requirement
Two parts: social and solitary insects, then an ant colony or a bee hive.
4 parts
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5(b)(2). Study a hive of bees Optional May not apply Often forgotten The requirement states: "If you are allergic to bee stings, pick option (1) above." That is the ant colony in 5(b)(1).
Stage 6 of 10
1 step
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6. Insects in the food web, and as pollinators Requirement
Tell (a) how insects fit in the food web of other insects, fish, birds and mammals; explain (b) the role insects serve as pollinators for plants.
Stage 7 of 10
1 step
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7. Bees and people, and alternatives to insecticides Requirement
Explain (a) the symbiotic relationship between bees and humankind, what colony collapse disorder (CCD) is and some possible causes, and discuss how CCD affects our food supply; describe (b) three alternatives to insecticides for preventing crop injury and yield loss, with their advantages and disadvantages.
Stage 8 of 10
1 step
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8. A migrating insect, and a threatened or endangered one Requirement
Tell (a) the migration route of an insect (for example the monarch butterfly), and find out about (b) an insect that is a threatened or endangered species. For each, discuss the challenges they face and how Scouts can contribute to their success.
Stage 9 of 10
1 step
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9. Careers and hobbies. Do ONE Requirement
The badge states the choice. As published, 9(b) repeats 9(a) word for word.
As published on the Hub, 9(b) is word for word the same as 9(a): three career opportunities that would use skills and knowledge in insect study, one researched and discussed with your counselor. The heading is Careers and Hobbies and the resource linked under 9(b) is about beekeeping, but the text does not describe a hobby. It is drawn here as printed. Ask your counselor how they read it.
2 parts
Stage 10 of 10
1 step
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Counselor signs it off Milestone
The completion date is the date you met the requirements, not the date of the signature.
Usually comes after 3. Life cycles, 4. Observation and analysis and 5 others.
Merit badge requirements are republished annually. A Scout beginning work uses the requirements as they stand then; a Scout already working may finish under the ones they started with. Guide to Advancement 7.0.4.3 governs which applies. This page records the date its copy was read. Check it against the official page before relying on it.
This plan is a planning aid: the current Boy Scouts of America publication is always the authority, and the sources used here are listed in full. Each step names its own.