Insect education and outreach: integrating traditional and non-lethal collection techniques

Insect collections offer a unique and practical way to enrich students' education at every level. Collecting insects and identifying specimens provides an active, hands-on activity that connects students to the natural world in a way that lectures alone cannot. With the advancement of technology, non-lethal approaches to traditional museum collections can still provide an experiential learning opportunity without the need for ethical considerations. This review emphasizes the significance of insect exposure in primary school, secondary school, undergraduate instruction, and public outreach settings, utilizing both traditional and contemporary methods. The goal at all levels is to share information about the diversity and uniqueness of insects while reducing the fear and stigma surrounding entomology. While traditional insect collections have justifiable applications, newly developed non-lethal methods are just as valid. Determining the most suitable methods for the target audience is crucial for the future of entomology. This article is part of the 2025 Collaborative Publication Program organized by the Entomological Society of America Student Affairs Committee to address emerging issues in Entomology.