(Activity) Entomology Science Project - Investigation of the Diversity of Nocturnal Insects

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Resource Description:
Grade level(s) targeted: K-12 This project will be suitable for all grade levels as the level of difficulty can be adjusted to meet the needs of any grade level, Kindergarten through 12th grade, including advanced placement (AP) courses.

Question: During the evening hours you have probably noticed that many insects are attracted to the outdoor lights of your house or apartment (inside ones too if you have left a door or screen open!). Have you ever looked closely at how many different types of insects are present? Not only are many different moths (Lepidoptera) attracted, but you may be surprised at how many other types of insects seem to find that porch light irresistible. How many different types of insect are attracted to a porch light?

Hints to form the hypothesis: Students should think about why insects might be attracted to lights and what factors may influence this, such as wavelength and intensity, phase of the moon, temperature, wind, etc. Students should think about what factors might influence the abundance and diversity of insects in a given region, and how this might differ in different regions (e.g. in town versus on a farm/ranch; urban vs. suburban).

Hypothesis: H: Only nocturnal moths (Lepidoptera) are attracted to artificial (porch) light sources. H: A wide variety of nocturnal insects, not just moths, are attracted to artificial light sources.

Materials needed:  Vials or jars to place insects in. These could be as simple as old, washed peanut butter or jelly jars.  A freezer to place the collected insects in. This will kill and preserve the insects for later investigation and pinning (if desired).  Optional: Isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol (70%) could be used for killing and preservation, but is not required depending on how the instructor wishes to run the project.  A field guide to insects, or for more advanced students/classes, ‘An Introduction to the Insects’ by Borror, Triplehorn and Johnson.  Optional: Light bulbs of different colors (red, green, yellow, blue).
Positions
Many
Registration
Opens Apr 5, 2020 3:00pm
Age Limit
All Ages
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