Effect of color and height on oviposition preference and attraction of volant insects, May 2009

Alternative Title

Efecto del color y la altura en la preferencia de la oviposición y la atracción de insectos voladores

Creator

Emily Daniel

Files

Publication Date

May 2009

Abstract

Abundance of volant insects and aquatic larvae was investigated in relation to vertical stratification and color of either required resource or oviposition site within the understory at the Finca Cataracta, in San Luis, Costa Rica. Three insect traps were hung per tree (three trees total used) at heights of 8 ft, 4 ft, and ground level. Each platform at the respective height consisted of four bottles that were green, red, black, or clear. Oviposition in different colors by Ephydridae and Psychodidae was affected by height. Both larvae were most abundant at the bottom level, though Ephydridae showed significant preference for black, while Psychodidae was more abundant in clear. The attraction of flying insects to color varied with height. Each Order was collected in large abundance at a specific color and height when the factors were juxtaposed (Diptera- top, black; Coleoptera- middle, clear; Hymenoptera- bottom, green). This study reveals the importance of visual cues in relation to height for oviposition behavior and volant insects.

Resumen

Se investigó la abundancia de insectos voladores y larvas acuáticas en relación a su estratificación vertical y el color requerido para la oviposición en el sotobosque de la Finca Catarata, en San Luis, Costa Rica.

Keywords

Ephydridae, Psychodidae, Insects--Behavior, CIEE Spring 2009

Palabras claves

Insectos--Comportamiento, CIEE Primavera 2009

Extent

10 pages

Geographic Location

San Luis (Puntarenas, Costa Rica)

Holding Location

Monteverde Institute

Language

English; Spanish

Media Type

Articles

Format

Digital Only

Identifier

M39-00524

Type

Book

Recommended Citation

Daniel, Emily, "Effect of color and height on oviposition preference and attraction of volant insects, May 2009" (2009). Monteverde Institute: Tropical Ecology and Conservation. 40.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/tropical_ecology/40