Bug DeLights

This topic submitted by Andrea B., Brittany D., Katrina M., Sudie N., Claire S., Nurit Y. ( drapacbe@muohio.edu ) on 10/13/04 .

Natural Systems 1 Syllabus---Western Program---Miami University

Bugs DeLights
Andrea Bryan
Brittany Drapac
Katrina Mosher
Sudie Niesen
Claire Schoninger
Nurit Yastrow

Introduction
A. Purpose/Problem
To observe the change in frequency and variety of insects which have died in the lights in various locations in Peabody Hall. We will look at three different variables: type of species, change in time, and location. We predict that as time increases the number of bugs will increase, especially close to exit areas. Predictions about species of insects will come as we observe our progress.
B. We wish to determine whether specific insects that may carry dangerous diseases are attracted to Peabody Hall.
C. We are interested in this because the health risk concerns us directly in that we live and take classes in Peabody Hall.
Background Information
A. Research
B. Larger Question
Specific Research Design
A. Once a month we will be collecting insects from one porch light, four stairwell lights, three classroom lights, and two hallway lights. We will keep the insects in vials so as not to crush them. We will then sort them and identify them by species and location using a microscope.
Materials and Methods
A. Materials: vials, ladders, paper funnels, and microscopes
B. For our student-generated lab we will have students sort and identify the insects. We will give students vials with insects from a specific location within Peabody Hall and a sheet with pictures and names of insects that are frequently found in the lights. They will be asked to sort the bugs based on physical appearance without a microscope, and then proceed to identify the type of insect. We will then identify the specific species using a dissecting microscope. This lab will help students gain an understanding of the types of insects common in Peabody and their vast multitude, and an awareness of the health dangers associated with these insects.
C. Data Sheet
D. Research Timeline for Execution
Results
Discussion and Conclusion
Tentative Bibliography

Websites

"Are moths or other insects attracted to heat instead of light?" MadSci Network: Zoology.
.

Mosquitoes and the West Nile Virus. .

Sear, Dexter. Bug Bios: Shameless Appreciation of Insect Appreciation. .

Snyder, John. "Web Images of North American Moth Species." .

"West Nile Virus." MedlinePlus. .

"What colour lights are insects more attracted to and why?" MadSci Network: Zoology.
.

"Why are insects attracted to lights?" Singapore Science Centre.
.

Books

Browne, L. Barton, ed. Experimental Analysis of Insect Behaviour. New York: Springer-Verlag, 1974.

Corell, Charles Y. A Field Guide to Moths of Eastern North America. Houghton Mifflin Company, 1984.

Greenberg, Gary, and Tobach, Ethel, ed. Comparative Psychology Of Invertebrates: The Field And Laboratory Study Of Insect Behavior. New York: Garland Pub., 1997.

Hancock, Judith M. What is it? A Guide to Biological Identification. Portland, Me.: J. Weston Walch, 1992.

Matthews, Robert W., and Matthews, Janice R. Insect Behavior. New York: Wiley, 1978.

O'Toole, Christopher, and Preston-Mafham, Ken. Insects In Camera: A Photographic Essay On Behaviour. New York: Oxford University Press, 1983.

Stokes, Donald W. A Guide To Observing Insect Lives. Boston: Little, Brown, 1983.

Articles

Belmain, Steven R.; Simmonds, Monique S. J.; Blaney, Walter M. "Behavioral Responses of Adult Deathwatch Beetles, Xestobium rufovillosum de Geer (Coleoptera: Anobiidae), to Light and Dark." Journal of Insect Behavior 13.1 (January 2000): 15-26.

"Dangerous Pests." Perspectives (Ohio) (Spring/Summer 2004). SIRS Researcher

"Do You Feel Like Bug Bait?" US News and World Report 14 July 2003. SIRS Researcher

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