National Invitational Entomology Contest
Date - Nov 10-12, 2026
The contest will be open from 8:00 a.m. CST on Tuesday, November 10, 2026 through 5:00 p.m. CST on Thursday, November 12, 2026.
Registration is open until November 6, 2026 at 11:59pm
Format
The National Invitational Entomology Contest is designed to provide an accessible and consistent competitive experience for schools across the country. Students complete the contest individually during a scheduled testing window using online exams and digital scantrons while being monitored by their advisor. This format ensures fairness, flexibility, and a high-quality competition experience without the need for travel.
The contest consists of 30 multiple-choice questions and 25 identification questions. For each identification question, students must provide the common name, order, metamorphosis, mouthparts, and significance. A photo of the insect will be provided for each identification item.
Contest Exam
Click the Exam link button to access the Entomology Exam, which is provided through Google Slides. The exam includes 30 multiple-choice questions, 25 identification questions, and detailed instructions for completing the e-scantron. Click the button to access the Google Slides containing the contest exam. The link will open on Tuesday, November 10 at 8:00 a.m. and close at 5:00 p.m. on November 12, 2026.
Judgingcard Scantron
Click the button to access the scantron on JudgingCard.com. The link will open on Tuesday, November 10 at 8:00 a.m. and close at 5:00 p.m. on November 12, 2026.
Identification List - May Use on Contest
This entomology identification list includes the insects that may appear on the contest and is intended as an official study resource for participating students and advisors. Students may use a copy of this list during the contest.
Characteristic List - STUDY GUIDE ONLY
STUDY GUIDE ONLY - The Entomology Characteristic Sheet is provided as a study guide. Students will be tested on insect characteristics during the exam. On the exam, students will only be permitted to use the identification list, which provides common names and orders. Students are required to memorize the order, metamorphosis, mouthparts, and significance of each insect.
Resources
Triplehorn, C. A., & Johnson, N. F. (2005). Borror and DeLong’s introduction to the study of insects (7th ed.). Thomson Learning.