Large, slow-moving, easy to study Minimal Care Ideal learning and fun for students of all ages This large, intimidating beetle is sure to get your students attention. The bessbug is safe and easy for students to handle. The perfect example of a typical insect, the bessbug has 6 legs and 3 main body segments; head, thorax, and abdomen. Because it's so large, students can study the bessbug without magnifiers. It's easy to care for, too - all you need is some rotting wood. If you really want your class to get excited about living organisms, try the bessbug Penny-Pull kit. Students will be cheering their bessbug to victory as they try to determine how many washers it can pull.

Care Sheets Carolina Biological has an excellent care sheet to help you look after your new organism. The link will open a new browser window, so please disable popup blockers.

Grade 2 and up. Using live bessbugs and petri plate “sleds,” students observe and quantify the pulling power of a bessbug. A great hands-on activity for the classroom, students gather data by weighing objects and calculating the pulling power of the bessbug.

Includes 4 bessbugs, petri plates, string, tape, and 200 “pennyweight” washers. Ideal for individual science projects, demonstrations, or up to 8 students working in pairs.