Native insect species should be selected for classroom rearings

Abstract Insects are currently experiencing a long‐term global decline, with many species facing extinction, often due to environmentally destructive human activities. One approach to fostering awareness of their importance and plight is rearing insects in science education. However, there are no general recommendations regarding the species that are most suitable for this purpose. To address this gap, we conducted a literature review to identify the insect species that have been kept in classrooms in recent years (since 2000) with special emphasis on the Czech Republic as an example of a European temperate region. We also examined their geographic origins to determine whether they were native to the school region. Our findings revealed numerous cases of non‐native species being reared, which can lead to environmental and ethical concerns when rearing is completed or terminated. Based on species nativeness and other key factors, we provide recommendations for the most suitable insect species for science education rearing.