Effects of larva size and temperature on the rate of pupation

Effects of larva size and temperature on the rate of pupation

NAME:
PERIOD:
Effects of larva size and temperature
on the rate of pupation
Purpose/Intro: As a class we have provided a habitat for our superworms to grow.
We will now design an experiment that would allow us to determine whether the
size of the larva and temperature have an effect on how fast they pupate.
Superworms are the larval form of a species of darkling beetle, the life cycle
includes, eggs, larva, pupa and adult. Superworms are bred by people to feed their
reptiles and knowing their life cycles is important in order to maintain a continuous
supply of food for their pets.
Definitions:
pupation: the act of becoming a pupa.
pupa: Any insect in that stage of its metamorphosis which usually immediately
precedes the adult stage.
Hypothesis:
Control groups:
(“what do I keep the same”)
Independent variable: (“what do I change”)
Dependent variable: (“what do I observe”)
Procedure:
Separate the larva and measure their length. Identify
them by assigning a number and place them in a container
and label the compartment with the number you assigned.
Make sure that the container will keep the larva separated
from each other. 4 larvae will be placed under a lamp that
will maintain their temperature at 70-80o F and 4 will be at
room temperature. Make sure to write down the date and
time. Make observations and fill out the chart.
Figure 1. Superworms in container
NAME:
PERIOD:
Pupa Comparison Chart:
Look for molten skin
Observations:
DATE
Superworm #
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Size (cm)
Color/appearance Pupa/ yes or no
DATE
Superworm #
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Color/appearance
Pupa/ yes or no
DATE
Superworm #
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Color/appearance
Pupa/ yes or no
NAME:
PERIOD:
DATE
Superworm #
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Color/appearance
Pupa/ yes or no
DATE
Superworm #
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Color/appearance
Pupa/ yes or no
DATE
Superworm #
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Color/appearance
Pupa/ yes or no
NAME:
PERIOD:
Results: ( Graph your results)
Conclusion:
Questions: Applying the concepts of the Scientific Method answer the
following questions:
1. Was your hypothesis correct?
2. Do you think there is a relationship between size and
temperature?
3. Does the experimental set up help answer the question being
sought? What are other variables or parameters that could have
affected the results?
4. What could be some sources of error?
5. How would you improve this experiment?