Specialty Collections Specialty Collections Making a specialized type of collection can be a valuable way to get involved in an advanced unit project. These types of collections also can tell you something about the insect or how insects are important in a certain environment. Such a collection is called a series, and these can be very useful for showing the variability of its features. An intensive collection of one insect throughout the season also can be used to show the periods it occurs. If you are able to travel to several areas, you also may be able to show something about the range of the insect.
Many insects resemble others insects in shape, color and even sound.
This is called mimicry . For example, many harmless insects are banded in bright yellow and black, resembling a stinging wasp or bee. They may have defensive chemicals that make them unpleasant to animals that may want to eat them. A special collection of this type might be of insects that all share the same coloration or appearance. Many insects try to camouflage their features, to avoid being found by birds or other predators.