Entomology Night Trap Kit

Discover why insects are irresistibly drawn to light at night by building a real light trap, observing phototaxis in action, and collecting nocturnal specimens in your own backyard.

Students explore how moths, beetles, and flies respond differently to UV and visible light before heading outside at dusk to set up a sheet-and-flashlight trap and record field observations. Then they collect and preserve five or more nocturnal specimens using professional entomology tools and techniques.

Includes five hours of evening field activity for grades 6–8 and aligns with NGSS standards.

• Ethyl acetate
• Flashlight
• Forceps
• Gloves
• Killing jar
• Notebook
• Pipet
• Plastic box
• Sheet
• String
• Student workbook

• Age range: Ages 11–14
• Grade range: Grades 6–8
• Discipline: Biology / Entomology
• Total activity time: 5 hours
• Number of activities: 1
• Supervision required: Adult supervision required
• Best conditions: Warm, calm evenings above 50°F
• Additional materials needed: Outdoor space, paper towels, rocks or sticks to prop flashlight
• SKU: KT-NITBUG

• Insect Light Trap Setup Guide - link to URL (PDF)
• Introduction to Phototaxis and Nocturnal Insects - link to URL (Video)

What Is the Insect Light Trap Kit?

The Insect Light Trap Kit introduces students to the nighttime world of entomology by having them build and operate a real light trap.

Using a sheet, string, and flashlight, students create a collection surface that attracts nocturnal insects after dark. As they observe, record, and preserve their catches, students gain hands-on experience with insect behavior, field observation, and specimen collection techniques used by entomologists.

Built around a single extended evening investigation, the kit combines outdoor exploration with real scientific data collection and preservation methods.

The Science Behind the Kit

Many nocturnal insects exhibit positive phototaxis—the tendency to move toward light sources. Scientists believe this behavior developed because insects use natural light from the moon and stars to navigate, while artificial lights disrupt that system and draw insects toward the source.

Insects are especially sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) light, which they use to locate flowers and navigate their environment. This kit uses those same principles to bring real nocturnal insect diversity within reach of a backyard or outdoor learning space.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time of year works best? Warm summer evenings produce the most insect activity. Most nocturnal insects are less active when temperatures drop below 50°F, so late spring through early fall is the ideal window.

Does the kit use UV light? The included flashlight produces visible light. The workbook explains UV light as a concept. It discusses how professional entomologists use UV black lights to improve trap results—a great extension topic for students who want to go further.

How many insects can students expect to catch? Results vary based on location, season, and weather. Students are asked to collect at least five specimens. Warm, humid, calm nights near vegetation typically yield the best results.

Is ethyl acetate safe? Ethyl acetate is used in small quantities in the killing jar. It is a standard entomology chemical and is safe when handled as directed—with gloves and away from heat or flame. Adult supervision is required.

• Learning outcomes: Students will investigate how nocturnal insects detect and respond to light stimuli; explain the role of sensory receptors in driving insect behavior; observe and document phototaxis in the field; and analyze patterns of nocturnal insect activity across environmental conditions.
• NGSS science standards alignment
• MS-LS1-8: Gather and synthesize information that sensory receptors respond to stimuli by sending messages to the brain for immediate behavior.
• MS-LS2-2: Construct an explanation that predicts patterns of interactions among organisms across multiple ecosystems.