Minibeast hunt

During the Jurassic Period, when Diplodocus was alive, there were a variety of insects that have living relatives today, including beetles, dragonflies, giant cicada, moths and lacewings.

Globally scientists have identified almost one million species of insect, but many more species have still to be discovered. Some scientists think there might be as many as 30 million different species!

Instructions

You will need something pale to collect minibeasts. You could use a tray, sheet or large piece of paper, or alternatively a dustpan and brush.

Here's how you can find lots of different kinds of insects in a three-metre stretch of hedge:

• You can find hedges in many streets, parks, school grounds and the countryside. If necessary, find them first by looking at local maps and photographs.
• Very gently, shake the branches above your container so that the invertebrates fall in, or use a dustpan and brush to gently sweep the outer leaves of the hedge to knock the invertebrates into the dustpan.
• Now use Opal's Invertebrate Identification Guide (PDF 2,9MB) to help identify what you have found.
• Take care not to disturb nesting birds.