HALF of kids wouldn’t be able to name a dragonfly if they saw one in real life, according to research.
A poll of 500 primary school children revealed their knowledge when it came to bugs and insects, and found 38 per cent would struggle naming a ladybird if they came across one.
While 61 per cent wouldn’t know a daddy long legs, and 51 per cent a slug.
Despite the clear need for education, it seems the six-to-11-year-olds spend a good amount of time outside, as 41 per cent say they experience the outdoors most days each week.
However, many aren’t making the most of that time when it comes to engaging with nature.
Only 39 per cent use their outdoor time to look for bugs, despite 59 per cent saying they like learning new things about them.
When asked about their favourite pastimes, 69 per cent said watching TV, compared to 61 per cent who enjoy exploring outside.
The research was commissioned by Forest Holidays to support the launch of Ugly Bug Hunts– a new activity in collaboration with the conservation charity, Buglife, to help children learn how to spot, identify and understand the vital role bugs play in keeping our forests alive and thriving.
Gerry O'Brien, Forest Ranger at the B Corp certified holiday company, which will be launching the activities this Easter across its 13 UK forest locations, said: “Bugs and insects are fascinating once you stop to really look.
“Whether it’s the way they camouflage themselves, how they break down organic matter or their role in pollination, they’re vital to forest life.”;
“The research shows there’s a gap in knowledge and understanding – but also a real curiosity.
“Through our Ugly Bug Hunts, we want to take the ‘creepy’ out of crawlies and spark children’s interest in the secret life of the forest.
“By getting hands-on with nature, we hope to inspire them to get outside, discover the wildlife beneath their feet, and understand the biodiversity that keeps our forests healthy.”;
The study also quizzed the kids on bug facts which showed a positive response as 60 per cent knew all insects have six legs, and 70 per cent correctly identified that there are over a million species of insects in the world.
Exactly eight in 10 knew bugs like bees and butterflies help fruits and vegetables grow, however, 46 per cent weren’t sure what a ‘bug hotel’ was, according to the OnePoll.com data.
It also emerged 61 per cent think bugs and insects are ‘really cool’ because they are colourful (55 per cent), good for nature (50 per cent), and small but mighty (35 per cent).
While 40 per cent are impressed by them because they have ‘special powers’, like glowing in the dark or spinning webs.
Nearly four in 10 (38 per cent) are curious when they find a creepy crawly outside, and 66 per cent reported discovering fascinating new species they hadn't seen before.
When it comes to favourites, butterflies were voted number one (36 per cent), while wasps, daddy long legs, and cockroaches unsurprisingly came bottom of the list.
Paul Hetherington from Buglife said: “These tiny creatures are essential to life as we know it.
“From recycling nutrients to supporting food production and feeding other species, bugs hold our ecosystems together.
“We believe helping children experience this first-hand is key to building long-term awareness, empathy and respect for nature and through our work with Forest Holidays, we hope to spark that fascination early on.”
