Insects are all around us. There are over 1,000,000 described species of insect on earth and they represent 58-67% of all advanced life on Earth. Insects have a diverse range of lifestyles and life histories including herbivores, carnivores, scavengers, parasites and parasitoids.

Hymenoptera is the third-largest order of insects, comprising the sawflies, wasps, bees, and ants. Over 150,000 species are recognized, with many more remaining to be described. Most people think of wasps as large and fierce. Students may initially be afraid of the concept of studying wasps. Through this lesson plan they will learn that most Hymenoptera wasps are minute, but they play very important ecological roles – predator, parasitoid or pollinator. They will learn how these roles are essential to the ecosystem.