College name-CMR National PU college, ITPL, Bangalore

Sample observed- Tiny insect from Hibiscus flower growing in our garden

Sample observed by- Kids of grade 3 and 8 in an apartment

It was fascinating to catch up with kids during summer holidays and encouraging them to observe nature closely. While walking through our apartment garden, kids were curious to know whether insects live inside flowers as they were learning about pollination in school.

That’s when they plucked a Hibiscus flower and tried to observe if there is any insect inside. They were guided to make a paper slide for observation under foldscope. As they opened up the flower, a tiny insect was seen running. They picked it up and mounted it on the paper slide and very curiously observed it under the foldscope. Their observations were thrilling as both the kids were enthralled to see a tiny thrip.

Thrips are minute (most are 1 mm long or less), slender insects with fringed wings and unique asymmetrical mouthparts. Different thrips species feed mostly on plants by puncturing and sucking up the contents.

It was an amazing experience for kids as they themselves mounted a tiny insect on a slide and observed it all on their own. Foldscope is such a wonderful tiny instrument, very convenient to use and most important, it is taking curiousity to know more and coming close to nature to greater levels. Great work!!

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