For the first time in my working life, I have been assigned to be a member of the Science department. These days, I lowkey stressed about setting Sci papers because I lack the knowledge and expertise.

Reading this book is my way of reclaiming some control since PSLE asks questions about insects every year. (For questions on mosquitoes, refer to https://diaperfinancingfund.blogspot.com/2024/11/deep-dive-into-mosquitoes.html?m=1) I wanted to pick up some authentic examples that would form my knowledge base should I need to set papers next year.

“Time for Kids Insects” is a treasure trove of fun facts that piqued my curiosity and enlightened me some. Never knew that beetles eat animal feces. Upon Googling, I not only verified this fact, but also learnt that mealworm beetles can injest polystyrene. Fascinating!

Learnt that two of the spiny flower mantis’ wings have black-and-yellow swirls that resemble the eyes of a larger animal. And since the orchid is my nation’s national flower, I was ticked pink to learn of the orchid mantis whose flat legs resemble flower petals. These petals help it blend in with the blooms and stay hidden from prey and predators. I can already imagine myself using this example for an upcoming test on adaptations!

Another brilliant example: the jewel beetle which is commonly found in Southeast Asia. Its shells are so vibrant and colourful that they are used for jewellery. However, with regard to adaptations, the jewel beetle isn’t trying to camouflage itself. It utilises warning coloration; its striking colours warn potential predators to stay away. As they say in soccer, offense is the best form of defense.

In regard to survival, the cuckoo wasp takes over other wasps’ nests and lay its eggs in them. This means that when the cuckoo wasp eggs hatch into larvae, they will have a ready source of food as they indulge in the other wasps’ eggs. Shudder! That’s the vicious side of nature, I guess.

Last but not least, I can’t use this information for a Sci question, but am nonetheless intrigued to learn that the mouth and digestive system of the Madagascan moon moth don’t work after it emerges from its cocoon. It only lives for 6-8 days!

In a nutshell, I gained a lot from this book. Since I forced the son to read alongside me, I have high hopes of him becoming an entomologist if I keep on this behaviour!