Paper and Poster Abstracts
INVERTEBRATE HUSBANDRY AND MIDWIFERY
Moderator: Gina Phillips, Utah's Hogle Zoo (UT)
Light at the end of the Tunnel: Significant Progress in Rearing Techniques for North American Fireflies Photuris Sp. and Photinus Sp. (Coleoptera: lampyridae)
Linda D. Penn, Lourdes College Life Lab Program for Natural and Environmental Science and Michael J. Weissmann, Ph.D., Kallima Consultants, Inc.
Fireflies, although extremely desirable as insectarium exhibit animals, have always been a challenge to rear in captivity. A brief review of previous attempts at rearing North American fireflies will be compared to advances in husbandry techniques currently under development. Additionally, a review of some existing firefly exhibits will be presented, and prospects for future nocturnal insectarium exhibits will be explored.
Millipedes, their Biology, Behavior and Display
John R. Watts, Butterfly Pavilion (CO)
Giant African millipedes (Archaeostreptus gigas) are often used in invertebrate exhibits yet there are numerous other species of millipedes available in the pet trade with little or no information on their care. This presentation will discuss the biology, behavior and husbandry of this underutilized class of arthropods. Slides will examine a number species the author manages and their potential as display animals.
Exhibiting water scorpions
Nathan Brockman, Iowa State University (IA)
Water Scorpions (Nepidae) like most aquatic insects are a mystery to the general public. Their interesting morphology and behaviors along with their ease of display make them a perfect addition to any exhibit. For four years the Iowa State University Insect Zoo has been successfully rearing and displaying these amazing insects. Specific techniques for rearing and displaying these species will be presented along with a discussion of their behavior.
Laboratory Rearing of Invasive Species of Terrestrial Slugs
Gary Bernon, USDA, APHIS (MA)
Over the last 200 years, a European complex of terrestrial slug species has become naturalized in North America. Several species are agricultural pests, and others are common in gardens and disturbed habitats. Introduced species are generalists, and can be reared on a variety of diets. Reared slugs are useful for educational and classroom projects as well as scientific studies. Plastic cages were most successful, and a water source was essential to maintain high humidity on the substrate. A moist sponge covered with a paper towel provided optimum results. Artificial insect diets were an ideal food for some species.
Captive Breeding and Rearing of Solitary Vespid Wasps
Julie K. Stahlhut, Western Michigan University (MI)
During the summers of 1996 and 2001, as part of a study of the mating and reproductive biology of the solitary eumenine vespid Euodynerus foraminatus, we maintained mated females in individual cages and provided them with food, water, prey items, and nesting materials. These wasps readily produced and provisioned broods in the trap nests provided, and we were able to rear several thousand wasps from egg stage to adulthood for ongoing behavioral and genetic studies. We discuss the procedures used in our laboratory to maintain and catalog pedigreed broods of this species and related solitary wasps.
ARTHROPODS, BUG FUN AND ALIEN ODDITIES
Lydia Weaves and Ant Tale
Lydia Attard, Totonto Zoo (Ontario)
My talk will encompass the biology of the Weaver ant (Oecophylla smaragdina), focusing on their unique evolutionary advancements with respect to communication and their coordinated nest building. It will involve a few observations and results acquired during my field study in Vietnam and how these aided the developing husbandry protocol. I will also include some of the problems we have experiened in attempting to exhibit and successfully rear the colonies brought back from Vietnam.
Painting with shadow & light
Charles (Chip) Hedgcock, Tucson, AZ
Fine art is an underutilized tool for bringing an audience closer to the world around them. Taking cues from such notable photographers as Edward Weston and Frederick Sommer, a body of work is being created that attempts to explore the natural design and sculptural form of arthropods. This project attempts to blur the boundaries between two seemingly different realms: scientific illustration and artistic rendering. This paper will discuss the evolution of thought and technique that went into the use of black and white photography for this subject and how some audience's members have responded.
Art of the Arthropod
Eric R. Eaton, Tucson, AZ
Graphic, performing, and literary arts can add a whole new dimension to your insect zoo or butterfly house exhibits by engaging audiences that may not appreciate live versions of the subject matter, but who are more comfortable with the media of presentation. An overview of arthropod art will include examples of past collaborations between the entomological and artistic communities, ideas for future cooperation, and resources for exploring this topic on your own.
Let's get Buggy!
Julie Moskalyk, Science North (Ontario)
June 2002 featured Science North's 2nd International BugFest...see what makes a 7 day insect festival such a tremendous draw for members and new-comers to your facility. What international guests and activities make this festival such a hit? This paper presentation will help you to discover a full slate of family-fun, adult workshops, children's programs...all day, all night...oh my!
Alien Truths: X-File Spoof Video
Jan Dean, The Chicago Academy of Sciences (IL)
A 6 min. educational video that comedically spoofs the X-Files. Designed to pique the interest and curiosity of the Museum visitor.
CONSERVING OUR LITTLE FRIENDS
Moderator: Arthur Evans, Smithsonian Institute and Virginia Museum of Natural History
The Repatriation of the Endangered Karner Blue Butterfly (Lycaeides melissa samuelis) in Ohio
Mitchell L. Magdich, The Toledo Zoo (OH)
In 1996, the Ohio Karner Blue Butterfly Recovery Team (OKBBRT) drafted a recovery plan that included a proposal to reintroduce the extirpated Karner blue butterfly (Lycaeides melissa samuelis). The Toledo Zoo, as a member of the recovery team, was responsible for conducting habitat studies and developing captive breeding protocols as a precursor for reintroduction. In 1998, 27 female founders were captured and sequestered on the host plan, Lupinus perennis. As a result, over 250 of the progeny were reintroduced to the Oak Openings of northwest Ohio. Over 1,000 Karner blues have been released to date.
Butterflies for Chainsaws: Sustainable Microeconomic Development in Masoala National Park
Paige Howorth, Zoological Society of San Diego — San Diego Wild Animal Park (CA)
In December of 2000, Bill Toone and Paige Howorth traveled to Madagascar to reassess the habitat and local interest for butterfly ranching on the Masoala Peninsula, and to track down a local gypsy moth with a remarkable pupal protection strategy. Butterfly ranching has been embraced by the collaborative effort in Madagascar of WCS, ZSSD, and CARE International to promote sustainable resource use. This practice helps to protect the newly designated Masoala National Park. The moth, Ogoa vitrina, exhibits pupation behaviors virtually undescribed in scientific literature. This paper address both issues, while providing insight into this unique but critically imperiled ecosystem.
The Butterfly Conservation Initiative: Partnerships for Recovery
Ruth A. Allard, AZA (MD)
Together with the US Fish and Wildlife Service and other partners, AZA has created the Butterfly Conservation Initiative (BFCI), a coalition committed to supporting the recovery of the 23 species of Lepidoptera listed under the Endangered Species Act. Our objective is to partner with federal recovery teams to develop recovery implementation plans for imperiled species (which may include conservation breeding programs for reintroduction) and to develop education and outreach strategies to raise community awareness about butterflies and their habitats. This paper will introduce Invertebrates in Captivity attendees to the BFCI and lay the groundwork for collaboration on future Initiative efforts.
Alien Invaders Can Be Good Teachers
Faith B. Kuehn, Delaware Department of Agriculture (DE)
Alien invaders provide dramatic examples for the public about invertebrates' impact on the environment. Invasive species are second only to habitat destruction as the leading cause for the loss of Biodiversity in the United States, costing ca. $138 billion per year and posing a significant risk to threatened and endangered species. Most of the approximately 4,500 alien arthropods in the US have been accidentally introduced. Aliens such as the Africanized honeybee, gypsy moth, Asian multicolored lady beetle, and imported fire ants demonstrate the environmentally profound effects of international commerce, habitat destruction and biological control.
Teaching the Importance of Water Quality Issues Using Live Stream Invertebrate(s)
Kim Hoskins, San Antonio, TX
In 1999, Texas Parks and Wildlife personnel wanted a way to reach students with the importance of water quality issues. The initial effort consisted of a handout page depicting drawings of aquatic invertebrates and their preferred habitats. Soon, after, a mobile, tabletop see-through streambed was constructed to compliment the handout. Live regional invertebrates were collected and placed in the "stream" for viewing and identification. This discussion traces the highly successful program that developed from a basic classroom lesson to one that has expanded to travel statewide and to date has been enjoyed by over 275, 00 students and adults alike.
EDVENTURES IN ENTOMOLOGY
I Thought I Outgrew Bugs Years Ago: How High School students spend their entire year surrounded by spiders and other invertebrates
Edward Somers, West Chester, PA
How can ANY science classroom be considered complete without a few animals running about? When you think of a typical classroom pet, most people don’t think tarantulas and hissing cockroaches. I plan to discuss how creating a small zoo of invertebrates within a high school classroom has changed the way I teach and how the students respond to learning.
Insect Exhibits and Graduate School: Creating a Program that Works
Laura Palombi, Michigan State University Department of Entomology (MI)
I chose to pursue my interests in outreach and science education by custom-building my Entomology M. S. degree program at Michigan State University. I will discuss the MSU Museum Studies program, other curriculum choices and resources that allowed me to create a well-rounded and professionally orientated graduate program. Many of these choices are available at other universities but are not often utilized by Entomology students or faculty advisors. With the growing popularity of insect exhibits, it is important to encourage students to pursue their exhibitory interests in their graduate programs and careers.
Behind the Scene at the Insect Tastings of the Montréal Insectarium
Paul Harrison, Montréal Insectarium (Montréal)
Our insect Tastings have earned quite a reputation. People all over Canada, the United States and Europe have heard of them, as witness the many articles devoted to the event every year. Since 1993, our Insect Tastings attract nearly 30 000 visitors every year. The Montreal Insectarium has been offering visitors a rather unusual experience: a chance to sample some insect dishes and gain a better understanding of their role in the human diet. Those served are raised and prepared with care, in keeping with specific quality standards set by the Quebec Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ). Every year, ~ 200 000 insects are cooked with originality according to the theme by the staff from the Institut de tourisme et d’hôtellerie du Quebec (ITHQ). The question is, who are the persons behind this unusual event and how they do it?
Fulfilling State Math and Science Initiatives Utilizing Data From Spider Research Field Data
Alexandra A. Rose, Woodridge, IL
Working in collaboration with, and under the direction of Dr. Michael Jeffords, The Illinois Natural History Survey, Champaign, IL. In the world of orb-web spiders (arachnids), the stabilimentum, that conspicuous zig-zag pattern in the center of an Argiope, aurantia's web, and its function remain a mystery. I have recorded and presented my theory observations since 1996 at the Invertebrates In Captivity Conference. The data from two papers in particular: "Quantitative Data of the Silk Tension in the Webs of the Black and Silver Argiope" and "What Do Insects, Specifically Prey, Detect Upon Approaching An Argiope Web With a Conspicuous Stabilimentum," was used to fulfill specific State of Illinois Math and Science Initiatives while incorporating invertebrate science.
INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT (IPM) IN BUTTERFLY HOUSES AND CONSERVATORIES
Moderator: Barbara Reger, Greenfield, IN
IMP Session Introduction and Institutional Survey Results
Mary Harris, Iowa State University and Mark R. Hardin, Smithsonian Institution
Butterfly exhibit and conservatory managers were surveyed to characterize pest problems and control practices to identify specific problems in need of improved solutions, and synthesize what is working into a resource for integrated pest management in these facilities. For example, respondents were asked what pests are encountered, what plants are most pest prone, and what control practices work or fail. The findings of this survey include summaries of reported use of traditional and bio-rational pesticides, use of biological control agents, personnel involved in these tasks, cultural control methods, and real perceived success of these methods.
Mite IPM (Short)
Casey Sclar, Longwood Gardens (PA)
Mites can be a problem on most plants used in conservatories and butterfly houses. There are a number of important pest species including, two-spotted spider mite, cyclamen mite, citrus red mite, lewis mites, and Tenuipalpid mites. Cultural controls, reduced risk pesticides, and predators (the most important of which are predatory mite species) will be discussed as viable options for controlling mites on plants in conservatories.
Fungus Gnat IPM(Short)
Mary Harris, Iowa State University (IA)
Do you know if your exhibit is infested with fungus gnats? How about shore flies? Should you care? Learn what they are, what they do, and how to reduce numbers of these nuisance pests in your facility. IPM strategies for fungus gnat control that will be discussed include prevention (clean media, clean plant material) and control with natural enemies.
Scale Insect IPM(Short)
Mark R. Hardin, Smithsonian Institution (DC)
Scales are probably the most misunderstood and unusual insect pests many of us have to deal with. Despite the fact that many of us spend our entire careers working with interesting arthropods all day long, there are those that still may believe scale insects to be extra-terrestrial in origin. This basic grouping and taxa as well as the biology and damage caused by different species and groups of scale insects will be described. The use of parasites, predators, and other alternatives to pesticides harmful to butterflies will be discussed in detail to provide you with a basis for integrated control decision making for these very cool and interesting insects.
Mealybug IPM(Short)
Casey Sclar, Longwood Gardens (PA)
Despite the fact that mealybugs are really scales under a "teste" of a different color and type, their ability to infest plant warrants a separate discussion of these pests. The three major species of mealybug that are pests on plants used in conservatories are Citrus, Longtail, and Madeira (formerly called "Mexican"). Each of these species has differences in reproduction, fecundity, and ability to defend themselves against predators and parasites that makes them unique in terms of control options. Managing these pests using cultural controls, reduced risk pesticides, and biological control organism (predators and parasites) will be the theme of this presentation.
The B-team in the Butterfly House
Thomas Hecker, NC Museum of Life and Science, Magic Wings (NC)
The purpose of this paper is to discuss an alternative method of bio-control in conservatories. The Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory has utilized complete bio-control as its pest management regime with some notable successes. These successes entailed various labor-intensive methods. We then investigated and implemented another approach involving introducing vertebrates. The birds on the front line are Crested Wood Partridge, Oriental White-eyes, and Honeycreepers. Since incorporating them, pests such as Cabbage Loopers, Mealy Bugs, and Scale have been observed being consumed by the birds. Other invertebrates have also been introduced although the effectiveness of these species had been harder to determine.
The "Real World" Under Glass Part I — Practical Techniques for Using Biological Control Organisms
Melvin Dell, Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory (Ontario)
Plant pest management in a large tropical plant collection supporting free-flying tropical butterflies can prove challenging. Integrated pest management is the primary approach at the Niagara Park Butterfly Conservatory with particular emphasis, by necessity, on biological control agents. Knowledge of the life cycles of pest species and biological control agents, careful and continuous monitoring for presence of pest species', and introduction of appropriate biological control agents will, in most circumstances, ensure adequate control of the common pests encountered in butterfly houses.
The "Real World" Under Glass Part II — Geographic Considerations in IPM
Cynthia Mazer, Cleveland Botanical Garden )OH)
Regardless of location, many of the pests that we have to battle in butterfly exhibits and conservatories around the country and world are the same. However, differences in the species and types of pests may be correlated to the geographical location of the display. This presentation will focus on the differences that we are facing and will help those considering new exhibits to predict which pests they may encounter.
IPM Session Wrap-Up and Summary
Mary Harris, Iowa State University and Mark R. Hardin, Smithsonian Institution
Pest management is an active and ever-changing aspect of maintaining living plant and butterfly exhibits. The success of the many facilities around the world is a testament, in part, to the success of pest control techniques that are safe for butterflies and plants yet effective. The keys to management of pest arthropods are proper pest identification, effective monitoring, understanding the biology of pest species, directed control strategies and integration of many different types of control options in an IPM program that is safe for butterflies, plants, people, and the interior environment.
BUTTERFLY PUDDLE
Greenhouse Production of Tropical Butterflies at the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory, Niagara Falls, Canada
Cheryl Tyndall, Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory (Ontario)
The Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory is a world-class butterfly exhibit featuring 11,000 square feet of lush tropical plants and 2,000 free flying butterflies. At present 50% of the exhibited butterflies are produced on site. This paper will discuss the evolution of the tropical butterfly-breeding program at Niagara, the challenges of production in a northern greenhouse environment, maximizing production, the education benefits of production in a northern greenhouse environment, maximizing production, the education benefits of on site rearing and finally the economics of tropical butterfly production in Canada.
Creating a Flourishing Butterfly House North of the 47th Latitude
Dan Chaput, F. Jean MacLeod Butterfly Gallery, Science North (Ontario)
This presentation will explore the evolution of Science North's Butterfly Gallery, located at the chilly 47th latitude since it's opening in June 2000. We've successfully created a flourishing habitat for a large variety of butterflies and plants…we'd like to share some of our approaches. Topics will include steps taken to control initial pest problems, ongoing monitoring and adjusting environmental factors, light levels and their effects on flowering plants and fertility and soil issues. Additional information on optimal nectar sources, pest resistant plant varieties and must have plants will be discussed. Gallery at www.sciencenorth.ca
Longevity of Tropical Butterflies in a Butterfly House in California
Rich Kelson, Butterfly Habitat, Six Flags Marine World (CA)
In a butterfly house in California, longevity of tropical butterflies (107 species) was determined by two methods. From November 1990 to July 1991, wings of neonates were marked with coded color dots applied by felt pen, then marked individuals (1284, 65 species) were tracked. During 1997 to 2001, a weekly census (73 species) was recorded and analyzed. Median longevity from the making study was < 232 days from Myscelia ethusa. For Papilionidae, the maximum was ~ 103 days for Parides arcas. Mortality factors for butterflies in the wild versus captive/bred are discussed.
Species at the Edge: Island refuges, interspecific hybridization, and climate-driven range extensions of North American butterflies
Mark Scriber, Department of Entomology, Michigan State University (MI)
The 1998 and 1999 summers were the warmest ever recorded in much of North America in the warmest decade for the past 1000 years. Range borders of certain traits (but not others) of the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail butterfly (Papilio glaucus) have extensively moved northward throughout New England and the Great Lakes region recently. We documented interspecific hybridization between P. glaucus and P. canadensis for morphological, biochemical, physiological, and behavioral traits. Localized climatic "cold pockets" in northern Michigan with unique populations of butterflies are disappearing, but island sin Lake Michigan have helped stabilize genetically mixed hybrid traits.
POSTER ABSTRACTS
The Rearing of the Genus Meloe Found in Oregon and the Possible Association with Apis mellifera
Debbie Delaney and Ann Jorgenson, Oregon State University (OR)
In the spring of 2000 and 2001 triungulins from the genus Meloe were found on drop boards in the hives of Apis mellifera in a Kings Valley, Oregon apiary. There is no record of this beetles' triungulin or other immature stages in association with Apidae in western Oregon. Eggs were collected from Meloe adults found in midwinter 2001/2002 and the larvae that have hatched are the same as those found on the drop boards. Life history, identification and association with Oregon Apidae is being studied.
Research Opportunities At The Amazon Conservatory For Tropical Studies, Iquitos, Peru
Stephen R. MadigoskyWidener, University (PA)
The Amazon Conservatory for Tropical Studies is located in more than 250,000 acres of primary rain forest within the Upper Amazon Basin in northeast Peru. The facility provides accommodations for scientists/educators interested in conducting research. There is an excellent support staff on the premises who are available to assist researchers. The facility maintains the longest interconnected canopy walkway system in the world and is designed to allow researchers the opportunity to study all levels of the forest. The conservatory is directed by a diverse group of scientists who comprise the advisory board. They are always available for consultation.
Solitary Bees in an Advanced High School Science Curriculum
Evan A. Sugden, Entomo-Logic (WA)
Solitary bee culture has great potential as a biological teaching aid. Insect life cycles, anatomy, behavior, parasite relations, pollination, and the importance of bees to nature and agriculture can be easily pursued with simple techneques. For several years I have been developing a curriculum that utilizes the commercially available, harmless blue orchard bee, Osmia Lignaria (Megachilidae) to demonstrate major biological phenomena to students. A bee and minimal tool starter kit has been designed in concert. In spring of 2002 a team of University students helped assess the program from both technical and education perspectives. The results are presented here.